R&D Engineer 2/3

Note to Applicants: 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. 426.2A: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

What You Will DoyWhat You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 3 level, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned if the position is filled at the higher level.
The Nuclear Threat Reduction & Deterrence Group (A-5) is seeking a highly motivated engineer to support our national security work for the NNSA's Office of Counterterrorism and Counterproliferation. This role will focus on Nuclear Threat Science and Nuclear Incident Response missions. A-5's supports the Laboratory's deterrence mission by preparing the US and its allies to counter, protect against, and respond to weapons of mass destruction.
The group specializes in:

• Rapid prototyping and hardware fabrication
• Design, build, and evaluation of complex systems
• Delivery of training aids to support the Nuclear Emergency Response Team

Development of novel render-safe tools and methods
The group collaborates across the Laboratory and with other national laboratories and federal agencies to provide world-changing solutions directly to the field for customers and sponsors. Research is conducted at Q and SCI levels.
The successful candidate will contribute across the activities listed above and collaborate with engineers, technicians, machinists, and customers. Various projects will require the selected candidate to work well both independently and in multi-disciplinary teams. The role involves transforming concepts and designs into deliverable products, typically on short timelines to meet Global Security mission needs. Work includes a mix of hands-on building, testing, and fielding of equipment, as well as computer-based design and research.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)
Technical Experience

• Demonstrated experience in engineering or science concepts and application, demonstrated through research and development projects or through the design, testing, analysis, verification, and validation of engineering solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership of technical projects, including ability to manage budget, scope, and schedule
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team to deliver a product or solution

Technical Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical and/or electrical engineering, or experience in one or more technical research and development disciplines
• Knowledge of engineering design review best practices
• Familiarity with nuclear weapons design and components, including current US stockpile systems

Safety and Security

• Demonstrated attention to detail and a strong commitment to safety
• Communication Skills
• Ability to clearly express ideas in oral and written communications
• Ability to prepare presentations and clearly communicate implemented design requirements
• Ability to document mechanical and electrical designs for field use and reproducibility

Education/Experience
Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 - $215,900)

• Thorough knowledge and expertise related to the above-listed minimum job requirements
• Demonstrated record of innovation applying engineering principles in a R&D environment
• Demonstrated ability to technically direct a multi-disciplinary team to execute a complex engineering project, while meeting cost and schedule requirements

Education/Experience
Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
Candidates are most competitive when they also possess the following knowledge and skills:

• Participation in or experience working with the Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST)
• Experience in solid mechanics modeling and/or hydrodynamic simulations
• Experience in shock physics modeling and/or experience working with explosives
• Working knowledge of engineering design and product development
• Experience with mechanical systems design, microcontroller programming, and modeling software such as SolidWorks and/or CREO
• Experience working with Department of War agencies
• Expert-level experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Experience with PDMLink
• Knowledge of classified material handling and protection
• Active Q and SCI clearances

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 2 years.
Note to Applicants: 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/SCI (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.
426.2A: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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.
Regular Position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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.