R&D Mechanical​/Structural Analyst; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

The Dynamic Structure, Design, & Engineering (J-2) Group is a core component of Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division. The J-2 Analysis Team’s mission is to provide high-fidelity engineering analyses for the design, evaluation, and certification of shock and fragment‑loaded systems and structures that are critical to the nation’s Stockpile Stewardship and Modernization efforts.

In this role, the selected candidate will be a technical resource who translates complex physics‑based phenomena into robust, code‑compliant engineering solutions. Leveraging state-of-the-art finite element (FEM) tools, advanced fatigue and fracture mechanics methodologies, and rigorous fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments, the selected candidate will develop and execute analytical workflows that underpin design decisions, risk assessments, and life extension strategies for impulsively loaded vessels and hardware.

Work at this level is performed with appropriate guidance and collaboration, including engagement with senior engineers and subject matter experts to ensure technical quality, consistency, and alignment with established methodologies.

In addition to the responsibilities outlined at Level 3, a candidate selected at this level will be expected to lead and advance engineering rigor and method development across the J‑2 Analysis Team. This includes establishing and maintaining best practice standards, developing and enforcing verification and validation (V&V) protocols, and ensuring high-quality technical documentation.

The candidate will independently lead complex or high‑consequence analyses, exercising sound technical judgment in the absence of prescribed methods or precedents. They will lead peer reviews, provide technical mentorship to junior analysts, and serve as a key resource for challenging analytical efforts.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Engineering: The analyst applies high‑fidelity finite element (FEA) techniques to evaluate dynamically loaded structures and to conduct fitness-for-service (linear‑elastic fatigue crack growth) assessments of impulsively loaded vessels and components. The candidate must have hands‑on experience with FEM packages (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS, LS DYNA) for dynamic‑explicit modeling. Background in fatigue, fracture mechanics, and life prediction methods along with familiarity with the relevant consensus codes—particularly ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII, Division 3 and API 579 Fitness for Service—is highly desired.
• Design: Utilization of solid model geometry from CAD packages such as Solid Works or CREO in the preparation of FEA models, meshes, and design iterations under appropriate boundary conditions, material models, and dynamic loading cases. The analyst translates designs into robust analysis models to produce clear analytical reports and visualizations that convey design functionality and compliance with requirements to broad audiences.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  The analyst must be able to present complex technical issues—both verbally and in written form—to stakeholders with varied technical backgrounds, including peers, program managers, functional managers, and external customers. The focus is on delivering concise technical briefs, detailed analysis reports, and risk‑based recommendations that support program‑level decision‑making.

• Engineering and Technical Leadership: At the R&D Engineer 4 level the analyst brings advanced knowledge and a proven record of designing, planning, and executing R&D projects that extend the state‑of‑the‑art in analysis of dynamic, impulsive loading, high‑rate material behavior, and multi‑physics coupling. The selected candidate will help develop and institutionalize group‑wide technical requirements, specifications, analysis plans, reports, and standard operating procedures for FEM, fatigue, fracture, and FFS work, ensuring consistency across all J‑2 projects.
  
  The selected candidate should be comfortable interpreting consensus codes such as ASMEBPVC Section VIII, Division 3 as they apply…