Materials Science Research Engineer; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

MST‑8 Scattering Team is seeking a research and development engineer to join the Materials Scattering Team to support and conduct in‑situ microstructural characterization using neutron and synchrotron X‑ray sources. The principal function of the candidate is the development of experimental environments to contain, stimulate and measure extrinsic material properties at beam‑line facilities. The engineer will report to the lead engineer with close integration with scientific staff for a program with both internal and external stakeholders.

Interpersonal communication skills are paramount as is a commitment to the safety and security culture of Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Depending on qualifications the position will be filled at either R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 level. Additional responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

• Design, analyze, and build experimental devices to specified requirements.
• Research and implement instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Evaluate data from engineering instrumentation (stress/strain/vacuum/electricity/temperature).
• Conduct tests including material testing, aging & compatibility studies, thermal or high‑temperature studies, and combined environments (thermal plus mechanical stress/strain).

• Perform all tasks outlined for Engineer 1 with significantly less oversight.
• Develop engineering reports detailing design adherence to requirements.
• Schedule, execute, and maintain tests.
• Provide technical oversight to team members and guide experimental work.
• Mentor junior staff, students, or technicians.
• Formulate experiment report documentation and use specialized engineering software (CAE).

Experimental activities require working closely with engineers, scientists, and technicians within LANL, DOE, and collaborating institutions. Additional duties include participating in the development of new testing technologies and facilities, implementing quality assurance requirements, and working in controlled hazardous environments that may include radiation–generating devices, radioactive materials, high explosives, and other hazardous materials.

Travel to national/international user facilities for experiment execution is expected (typically 5–10 days at a time, several times a year).

• Experience and knowledge of experimental engineering, including design, planning, preparation, execution, and documentation of results against specifications.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and handle changing priorities while meeting strict deadlines.
• Ability to accomplish technical tasks independently or as part of a team.
• Experience interpreting experimental data such as temperature and stress.
• Proficiency in specialized engineering software (CAE, CFD, FEA, Python, MATLAB, Lab View, or similar).
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Eligibility to obtain a DOE Q Clearance (requires U.S. citizenship).

• All qualifications listed for Engineer 1.
• Ability to advise and guide experimental work, including mentoring junior staff, students, or technicians.
• Experience with experiment report documentation and advanced CAE tools.
• Active Q clearance.

• Engineer 1:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering + 2 years of related experience (or equivalent education and experience).
• Engineer 2:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering + 4 years of related experience (or equivalent).

• Advanced degrees (MS in Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related).
• Experience in design and analysis of thermal transient loading conditions.
• Knowledge of experimental and analytical thermal analysis using 3‑D modeling software.
• Environmental or thermal life‑cycle testing experience.
• Experience with cryogenic operations, thermometry, or thermal radiation shielding environments.
• Active Q clearance.

Sitting, standing, climbing stairs, reaching overhead and down, bending, stooping, and lifting 10–50 pounds (with or…