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B61 Polymers and Materials System Scientist (Scientist 2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Budgeting, Communication Skills, Dental Insurance, Document Management, Documentation, Establish Priorities, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Feasibility Analysis, Laboratory, Leadership, Material Science, Materials Analysis, Materials Engineering, Materials Testing, Multitasking, Operations Security (OPSEC), Organizational Skills, Physics, Polymers, Problem Solving Skills, Progress Reports, Project Planning, Project/Program Coordination, Reporting Skills, Safety/Work Safety, Surveillance, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Engineering, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical Writing, Tuition Fees, United States Air Force (USAF), United States Citizen, Vision Plan, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
12 days ago
What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

The B61 Systems Engineering Group is responsible for ensuring the continued safety, performance, and reliability of the B61 nuclear package from deployment through dismantlement. The group currently supports multiple phases of the nuclear weapon's life cycle, ranging from feasibility studies through retirement. W-1 also serves as the Laboratory's coordinator for all B61 bombs external programmatic leadership activities involving the National Nuclear Security Administration, Sandia National Laboratories, the US Air Force, and the Department of Defense/War.

As a Polymer and Materials system scientist in W-1, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
  • Works closely with the lead Polymer and Materials Component Engineer to be part of a small team that is responsible for the technical interface between W-1 and the production agency (PA), surveillance engineers, and physics communities.
  • Helps to lead and coordinate technical projects associated with B61 polymers/materials and report out results to LANL management.
  • Evaluate input to the Annual Assessment Reports with respect to polymer and material health.
  • Attend technical meetings and discussion on behalf of the B61 Systems Engineering Group.
  • Works closely with the lead Polymer and Materials Component Engineer to lead efforts directed at addressing potential knowledge gaps within these materials and evaluate and prioritize new evaluation tools that could help address such concerns.
  • Communicate and work interdependently with personnel involved in the evaluation of polymers and materials at LANL, which includes but is not limited to; W-9 system surveillance engineers, weapon system engineers, MST Division, C-division, Q-division, primary physicists, and W-Division management.
  • Contribute as a technical advisor for B61 PSFN/SFN/SFIs associated with polymers and materials.
  • Serve as a technical lead for B61-13 production and contributor to B61-13 AUR full rate production.
  • Resolve process related issues at Pantex and/or KCNSC related to polymers and materials.
  • Collaborate and coordinate with MST and C-division on material related issues.
  • Contribute to B61 Weapons Systems FMEA and collaborate with other Weapons Systems groups on topics relating to materials-related projects.
  • Support Primary Mod 12/13 PRTs as necessary.
  • Some moderate travel may be required to the various production agencies.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Weapon Engineering Experience

Knowledge of engineering and material science principles and practices. Experience with materials used in LANL weapons designs and methods used for characterization of these materials.

Technical Leadership

Demonstrated ability in contributing to the completion of projects, establishing project plans, assigning tasks to team members, and reporting progress and meeting milestones. Proven ability to reach milestones and produce deliverables while remaining with budget constraints. Demonstrated ability to interact with internal and external customers, and ability to work on multiple projects within a given time.

Problem Solving

Demonstrated ability to generate and apply innovative approaches to solve complex problems. Proven record of achievements in a technical field.

Communication and Teamwork

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and through written documentation. Experience in communicating with coworkers, managers, and customers. Proven record of working effectively as a team member. Demonstrated ability to seek technical input from experts.

Education/Experience: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • General knowledge of the engineering authorization system and document management systems.
  • Experience in technical report writing.
  • Working knowledge of practices related to working with Special Nuclear Material, classified documents and parts.
  • Current or previous experience as a derivative classifier
  • Ph.D. in related field is preferred.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:
  • Please submit a detailed cover letter with your resume addressing all required and desired skills. (Please save cover letter with job number and name).
  • Although the primary responsibilities of this position are associated with work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, occasional travel is required.
  • Applicant must currently hold a Q Clearance with Sigma 15 authorization or have the ability to obtain a Q clearance and Sigma 15 authorization

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.

About the Company

L

Los Alamos National Laboratory