Jonathan Torres, inspector at Central Shops

Jonathan Torres plays a vital role at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Argonne National Laboratory. As an inspector in Custom Manufacturing Solutions — Central Shops, he ensures the quality of equipment produced at the lab. 

Specialized design consultation, custom fabrication, component testing and machine repair are all performed onsite through Central Shops. This facility enables Argonne to create the unique equipment needed for cutting-edge research.

“I enjoy seeing blueprints come to life,” Torres said. ​“It’s very fulfilling to deliver a finished product!”

His responsibility is to ensure the equipment will function properly and safely once it leaves Central Shops. With his engineering degree, Torres brings a wealth of expertise to his team. He is proficient in helium leak testing, hardness testing and using an optical comparator.

“I wanted to work on cutting-edge projects, and Argonne gave me that opportunity.” — Jonathan Torres, inspector at Argonne’s Central Shops

Torres takes pride in his work ensuring that every inspection completed by his department is done with integrity, which is a Core Value at Argonne.

“As an inspector, you are the last person to touch a product before it goes out to the field,” Torres said. ​“Quality control is your responsibility.”

For this reason, he advises anyone interested in a similar career path to develop a strong foundation in metrology and computer aided design and drafting. Introductory courses in both can be found in many apprenticeships or vocational programs, he added.

Torres himself began at Argonne as a machinist apprentice. 

“I wanted to work on cutting-edge projects, and Argonne gave me that opportunity,” he said. ​“I knew the apprenticeship would put my skills to the test, but I saw this challenge as a privilege.”

He completed the rigorous three-year apprenticeship with a focus on inspection. In addition to other skills, he learned how to operate a variety of inspection machines, including a Coordinate Measuring Machine.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Torres learned from veteran journeymen who taught him the ins and outs of working at a machine shop. Their mentorship gave him confidence in his craft and allowed him to feel pride in his work.

“Seeing the finished product and the quality I produced was what led to my interest in the quality department,” he recalled. ​“Now as an inspector, I focus more on testing finished parts, weldments and other assemblies.”

In 2023, the Central Shops team was awarded the James B. Porter, Jr. Team Award for Outstanding Safety Performance by the Board of Governors of UChicago Argonne, LLC, which manages the laboratory for the DOE’s Office of Science. This led to Torres being recommended for membership in the safety council of the laboratory’s Infrastructure Services division. He officially became a member this year. With the other members of the council, Torres looks for ways to improve safety around the lab.

“We do this by sharing best practices, learning from our experiences and staying up-to-date on the lab’s needs,” Torres explained. ​“Being part of the [council] is a great opportunity to continue improving.”

He is also growing his career by returning the favor of quality mentorship. Last year, Torres took on an intern who had never before worked in quality control or a machine shop.

“I got to introduce him to the work,” Torres said. ​“I really enjoyed seeing his fascination and his growing confidence in his skills.”

This experience showed Torres how much he enjoys mentoring. Since then, he has encouraged other employees to cross-train and learn more about the quality department at Central Shops.

Ultimately, Torres finds the culture at Argonne to be the most valuable aspect of his job.

“Argonne’s Core Values played a big part in my decision to stay at the lab,” he said. ​“I get to work with brilliant and generous individuals who’ve helped me grow in my profession, and it’s an honor to do my part.”

His team is proud to have Torres as part of the Central Shops family. Colleagues admire him for his hard work and friendly demeanor. For his exceptional technical skills and problem-solving abilities, on top of his collaborative spirit, Torres was nominated to be featured in a We Are Argonne profile.

Argonne accelerates the science and technology that drive U.S. prosperity and security. Argonne staff are thinkers, builders, problem-solvers and caretakers — every person and every role contributes to the laboratory’s impact on the world.