Metal Forming R&D Engineer

Metal Forming R&D Engineer 3

Los Alamos National Laboratory

The Thermomechanical Processing Sciences Team, in the Fabrication Manufacturing Science Group (Sigma‑1), is seeking an engineer to lead metals forming and heat‑treating projects. The team investigates forming and heat treating of metals and alloys using rolling mills, hydraulic presses, power spinning, vacuum heat‑treating furnaces, and instruments for characterizing thermochemical properties of alloys. The goal is to identify creative solutions to meet customer needs across a variety of programs.

Common work in this role includes:

• Lead research projects with little to no supervision and report results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and contribute ideas for new proposals, lead the technical section of small‑ to moderate proposals, and acquire internal or external funding.
• Develop new technical capabilities and extend R&D engineering within the team.
• Actively participate in professional societies and external collaborations, assist in organizing meetings and colloquia.
• Mentor junior staff, postdoctoral associates, or students on research or manufacturing projects.
• Perform hands‑on work in an R&D manufacturing environment, including radiological controlled areas or hazardous materials.

• Demonstrated experience leading teams to realize research goals with broad technical impact and producing deliverables.
• Experience securing funding for yourself and technical project teams in a competitive environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially in technical reports and archival publications.
• Hands‑on experience with deep drawing, forging, rolling, wire drawing & swaging, heat treating of metals and alloys, or significant experience in metallurgical research.

Position requires a Master’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable. A Ph.D. may be preferred.

• Project experience in security or energy related research where compliance and information protection are required.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) of manufacturing systems or modeling of metallurgical phenomena.
• Ability to obtain a DOE "Q" security clearance (usually requires U.S. citizenship).

• Lifting 30+ pounds, standing, walking.
• Domestic/foreign travel.

Work near sources of ionizing radiation, machinery with moving parts, and in a noisy environment.

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position to be eligible for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. The position commitment for this role is 1 year.

Submit at minimum: (1) a cover letter (≤ 2 pages) describing your research interests and goals, and (2) a curriculum vitae containing education, major (if relevant), relevant work experience, and technical skills.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution in northern New Mexico engaging in strategic science for national security. Benefits include PPO or HD medical insurance, dental and vision, basic life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, 401(k) with matching, tuition assistance, flexible schedules, onsite gyms, and relocation packages.

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, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by law. The Laboratory is committed to making the workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.