B61 Polymers and Materials System Scientist; Scientist

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

The B61 Systems Engineering Group is responsible for ensuring the continued safety, performance, and reliability of the B61 nuclear package from deployment through dismantlement. The group currently supports multiple phases of the nuclear weapon's life cycle, ranging from feasibility studies through retirement. W‑1 also serves as the Laboratory's coordinator for all B61 bombs external programmatic leadership activities involving the National Nuclear Security Administration, Sandia National Laboratories, the U.S. Air Force, and the Department of Defense/War.

As a Polymer and Materials system scientist in W‑1, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Works closely with the lead Polymer and Materials Component Engineer to be part of a small team that is responsible for the technical interface between W‑1 and the production agency (PA), surveillance engineers, and physics communities.
• Helps to lead and coordinate technical projects associated with B61 polymers/materials and report out results to LANL management.
• Evaluate input to the Annual Assessment Reports with respect to polymer and material health.
• Attend technical meetings and discussion on behalf of the B61 Systems Engineering Group.
• Works closely with the lead Polymer and Materials Component Engineer to lead efforts directed at addressing potential knowledge gaps within these materials and evaluate and prioritize new evaluation tools that could help address such concerns.
• Communicate and work interdependently with personnel involved in the evaluation of polymers and materials at LANL, which includes but is not limited to W‑9 system surveillance engineers, weapon system engineers, MST Division, C‑division, Q‑division, primary physicists, and W‑Division management.
• Contribute as a technical advisor for B61 PSFN/SFN/SFIs associated with polymers and materials.
• Serve as a technical lead for B61‑13 production and contributor to B61‑13 AUR full rate production.
• Resolve process related issues at Pantex and/or KCNSC related to polymers and materials.
• Collaborate and coordinate with MST and C‑division on material related issues.
• Contribute to B61 Weapons Systems FMEA and collaborate with other Weapons Systems groups on topics relating to materials‑related projects.
• Support Primary Mod 12/13 PRTs as necessary.
• Some moderate travel may be required to the various production agencies.

Weapon Engineering Experience Knowledge of engineering and material science principles and practices. Experience with materials used in LANL weapons designs and methods used for characterization of these materials.

Technical Leadership Demonstrated ability in contributing to the completion of projects, establishing project plans, assigning tasks to team members, and reporting progress and meeting milestones. Proven ability to reach milestones and produce deliverables while remaining within budget constraints. Demonstrated ability to interact with internal and external customers, and ability to work on multiple projects within a given time.

Problem Solving Demonstrated ability to generate and apply innovative approaches to solve complex problems. Proven record of achievements in a technical field.

Communication and Teamwork Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and through written documentation. Experience in communicating with coworkers, managers, and customers. Proven record of working effectively as a team member. Demonstrated ability to seek technical input from experts.

Education/Experience Position requires a bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• General knowledge of the engineering authorization system and document management systems.
• Experience in technical report writing.
• Working knowledge of practices related to working with Special Nuclear Material, classified documents and parts.
• Current or previous experience as a derivative classifier.
• Ph.D. in related field is…