R&D Metals Processing Engineer; Engineer

Position:
Research and Development Engineer – Thermomechanical Processing Science Team (Levels 1 &
2)

The Thermomechanical Processing Science Team is seeking a Research and Development Engineer to assist research projects investigating the metallurgy of manufacturing. The candidate will work on metal forming and heat‑treating projects using hydraulic presses, rolling mills, and vacuum furnaces, and will help meet our customers’ needs through innovative solutions.

Level 1: $96,600 – $158,000 annually.

Level 2: $106,400 – $176,000 annually.

Los Alamos, NM (onsite). All locations are at the discretion of management.

• Assist with a variety of metals manufacturing research and development activities.
• Work within integrated and cross‑disciplinary teams to design and fabricate experimental metal components aligned with customer needs.
• Advance new fabrication concepts for engineering alloys for incorporation in production environments.
• Contribute to technical papers for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Perform hands‑on metals processing work.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation and equipment in the facility, working with vendors.
• Write and lead proposals for R&D funding (Level 2).
• Serve as the primary interface between engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure production and research objectives are met (Level 2).
• Mentor junior staff and peers in technical and professional growth (Level 2).
• Participate in professional societies, external working groups, and provide peer review across organizations (Level 2).

• Basic knowledge of metallurgy, materials science, or manufacturing; class project experience acceptable.
• Understanding of microstructural development during metal manufacturing and heat‑treating methods.
• Experience assisting or contributing to R&D projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and computational engineering analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance (normally requires U.S. citizenship).

• Formal training or hands‑on experience in forging, drawing, rolling, heat treating, mechanical testing, or other metal fabrication using manual or CNC equipment.
• Experience presenting research results in technical summaries or reports.
• Ability to lead and manage an R&D project independently or with a small team.

• Level 1:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (metallurgical, materials, materials science, or related) plus 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Level 2:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution plus 4 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with finite element modeling and/or programming languages (G Code, R, Python, C++, etc.).
• Familiarity with machining drawings.
• Familiarity with engineering simulations or modeling applied to production environments.
• Knowledge of heat‑transfer or stress analysis of manufacturing methods.
• Willingness to travel.

• Lifting 30+ pounds, standing, walking; domestic and foreign travel.

• Q clearance eligibility; background investigation required.
• New‑employment drug test required; marijuana use results in termination.

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, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is a national security lab and is required to provide Equal Employment Opportunity to the following groups unless prohibited by law.