Mechanical Engineer​/CAD Modeler; R&D Engineer

Job Overview

Position to be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 3 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN‑1) is seeking an enthusiastic, self‑motivated, results‑oriented R&D Engineer 2 or 3. The group focuses on developing and deploying nondestructive technologies and concepts to support domestic and international nuclear safeguards and security. Working in a cross‑functional, goal‑oriented environment, the successful candidate will join peers dedicated to mission, creative problem solving, teamwork, and flexible assignment of projects.

This role belongs to the mechanical design team. You will be responsible for developing Solid Works CAD models, complex assemblies, and fabrication drawings for the group’s safeguards and security mission. Collaboration with the machine shop, electronics shop, and outside vendors will be essential to design, refine, and produce mechanical assemblies that integrate electronics and custom components into neutron detector systems. The focus is on manufacturable, precise, and reliable designs in operational settings.

Salary range: $104,100 – $172,200.

Responsibilities include:

• Contribute to mechanical design activities supporting safeguards and security projects.
• Assist in the development and implementation of ongoing or new technical efforts.
• Help complete deliverables and milestones.
• Participate in the development of publications and presentations.
• Give presentations at discipline‑specific meetings and engage with professional societies and program‑specific interactions.

Salary range: $125,500 – $211,300.

In addition to the above duties, responsibilities include:

• Lead technical discussions and develop new methods to address critical mechanical design problems.
• Lead specific project tasks to meet scope, schedule, and budget.
• Work on proposal development with teams.
• Provide mentoring to junior staff.

• Expertise with Solid Works CAD and extensive experience designing complex assemblies with hundreds or thousands of parts.
• Ability to produce formal fabrication drawings that follow industry standards.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM) principles.
• Experience collaborating with machinists and engineers to ensure manufacturability and reliability.
• Familiarity with tolerances, materials, and precision mechanical design.

• Excellent writing and communication skills, as evidenced by publications and the cover letter.
• Experience working effectively both independently and in a team.
• Ability to communicate, define, and delegate technical tasks to team members and engage with clients and collaborators.

• Record of fostering a respectful work environment free from discrimination and harassment.
• Ability to resolve conflict positively, give and receive feedback effectively, and show kindness and respect.
• Primary work location will be in an office setting.

Beyond the baseline requirements:

• Demonstrated experience leading project tasks to completion.
• Experience developing new methods or approaches to complex mechanical design challenges.
• Ability to mentor junior staff and contribute to proposal development.

R&D Engineer 2:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (or equivalent) and 4 years of related experience.

R&D Engineer 3:
Master’s Degree in Engineering (or equivalent) and 6 years of related experience;
Ph.D. preferred.

• Experience interfacing with machine shop personnel or hands‑on knowledge of machining processes.
• Experience with detector systems, scientific instrumentation, or precision mechanical design.
• Knowledge of standard nuclear measurement instrumentation and experience performing radiation measurements.
• Experience in the safeguards and security field.
• Experience transitioning R&D prototype electronics from a laboratory to an operational facility or commercial company.
• E…