Test Lead; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

The Weapons Test Execution group (V-21) is responsible for system level testing that includes project initiation, experimental design and analysis, hardware design and analysis, and fabrication for small component level up to full scale integrated tests. Test activities will include collaborations with W- and Q-Divisions, the hydrodynamic test program, dynamic materials experimental programs, joint test operations with Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, and supporting experiments performed at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS).

Projects vary widely from small weapon component and system level testing to experimental programs requiring containment/confinement system design and testing that is proven to contain detonation products and debris.

More broadly, LANL is tasked with qualifying and certifying the efficacy of the systems and subsystems we design and maintain through testing. The nature of the testing spans a wide range of engineering disciplines to include explosives testing, thermal and mechanical environments testing, electrical testing, and flight testing. Typical tests require the support of many specialized service organizations, and the integration of all these services fall under the responsibility of a Test Lead, who is afforded the opportunity to participate during all phases of test execution.

The successful candidate will work in V-21 on the Authentication of Engineering Requirements and Objectives (AERO) team as a test lead for development, qualification, or surveillance tests in support of LANL and other Nuclear Security Enterprise customers. Core roles in this position include preparation of schedule and budget estimates for scoping new work, authoring test requirements and plans, regularly interfacing with internal and external customers to update schedule and status, coordination of the efforts of service providers across the laboratory, assisting in test execution, and reporting at the completion of the test.

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate.

At the R&D Engineer 2 level, you will function in the test lead role in support of a development, qualification, or surveillance test for LANL systems groups of other nuclear security enterprise partners. You will interface regularly with your customer, plan and schedule work in support of the goals of the test, participate in the execution of the test, and prepare test evidence in the form of data packages and final reports.

In addition to what was outlined at the R&D 2 level, as a R&D Engineer 3, you will be required to provide technical leadership and mentorship to other test leads on the team and interface with customers to engage in strategic planning for future tests.

• Communication Skills
  • Experience communicating effectively with customers in one or more of the following (both oral and written format): schedule communication, project/program status updates, or spending/budget reports
  • Experience authoring and publishing formal test related documents, such as test requirements (TR), test plan (TP) and test reports (TR) and/or peer reviewed publications.
  • Ability to explain technical ideas, concepts, procedures, and requirements to employees of all experience levels.
• Leadership Skills
  • Experience designing experiments or projects leveraging principles of the scientific method.
  • Demonstrated experience in test execution.
  • Demonstrated experience interfacing with and integrating the efforts of interdisciplinary teams to achieve program milestones and deliverable due dates.
  • Ability to effectively manage and understand technical details over a large range of STEM fields.

• Direct experience in the test, qualification, product realization team (PRT) lead role or equivalent lead role at LANL or in the defense or manufacturing industry.
• Experience developing budget estimates, project and program schedules, and delivery of regular status, schedule, and/or budget reports…