Hydrodynamic Test Device Engineer; R&D Engineer

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The Weapon and Validation Division (V-Division) ensures that weapon designs meet all requirements and perform as intended. The division verifies design compliance and validates performance through a combination of investigations, qualification tests, and evaluations. This mission is accomplished through close communication and collaboration with sister divisions within the Weapons Engineering Directorate (ALDW). V-Division carries out its work through assembly, non‑destructive evaluation, test design and planning, and test execution, all aimed at confirming the reliability and effectiveness of weapon systems.

The Weapons Test Execution Group (V-21) is responsible for planning and overseeing the execution of weapon tests. V-21 supports experimental evaluations across multiple domains, including mechanical, thermal, hydrodynamic, and subcritical testing. The group leverages capabilities across the national security enterprise, integrating diverse experimental expertise to design, field, and execute large‑scale joint tests in partnership with weapon development organizations. As ALDW's center of excellence for complex weapon experimentation, V-21 plays a critical role in advancing the sustainment and modernization of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, ensuring that each experiment delivers the data and insight necessary to maintain a safe, secure, and effective stockpile.

This position is part of the Physics Validation (PV) team within V-21, which supports a range of Integrated Weapon Experiments, including weapon hydrodynamic tests and subcritical experiments. In hydrotesting, the PV team provides device engineers and the Lead Test Engineer, who together form one part of a three‑person leadership team for each weapon hydrotest. The leadership team consists of the Lead Test Engineer, Lead Physicist, and Lead Experimenter.

The Lead Test Engineer follows a Systems Engineering Lifecycle to design, develop, and deliver the experimental device for each test. This role involves extensive collaboration with more than a dozen groups across the laboratory, requiring individuals who can work effectively with team members from diverse technical backgrounds and experience levels to achieve the common goals of the experiment. Because these tests involve many stakeholders, success in this position depends on the ability to communicate clearly, understand differing objectives, and balance competing priorities.

The role offers a unique opportunity to learn about various weapon systems and future concepts, while building hands‑on experience in prototyping, design, and experimental execution. Our work spans many scientific and engineering disciplines, and success requires working closely with SME’s to expand technical knowledge and develop expertise in relevant areas. The position also provides strong leadership opportunities, as the Lead Test Engineer heads the experiment team and serves as the primary point of contact among all participating organizations.

As an R&D Engineer on our team, you’ll take ideas from concept to reality‑designing, building, and testing functional prototype hardware assemblies that directly support our national security mission. You’ll tackle a wide variety of mechanical and systems engineering challenges, from defining and managing requirements to performing concept modeling, component design, system integration, and full‑scale testing and validation. Every project offers the opportunity to apply creativity and technical expertise to solve complex problems.

In addition to hands‑on engineering, you’ll contribute to the success of our programs by preparing and presenting technical reports, planning documents, and briefings for both internal and external stakeholders. You’ll also engage directly with senior laboratory management and external partners on high‑visibility projects that shape the future of our mission. This role is ideal for engineers who are collaborative, curious, and driven to learn.

You’ll have the chance to mentor junior staff, grow your leadership…