Mechanical Design Engineer - Space Hardware; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a mechanical design engineer to join the Space Instrument Realization Group (ISR‑5). In this role, you will support the design, analysis, assembly, testing, and integration of custom space‑based instrumentation for national security and fundamental science applications.

ISR‑5 develops and deploys advanced measurement systems from concept through mission execution. You will work closely with other mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, scientists, technicians, analysts, and test personnel to develop robust, flight‑ready systems for national security and scientific missions.

This position offers the opportunity to work on mission‑driven space hardware from early concept development through design, analysis, environmental test, and deployment. You will contribute to nationally important and scientifically significant programs while growing your technical depth alongside experienced engineers, scientists, and technicians in a highly collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will differentiate themselves with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a passion for effective teaming.

The Intelligence and Space Research Division at LANL has more than 60 years of experience designing, building, and operating ground‑, air‑, and space‑based systems supporting nuclear nonproliferation, treaty verification, remote sensing, space situational awareness, and NASA missions including Curiosity, Perseverance, IBEX, Van Allen Probes, and IMAP.

At the R&D Engineer 1 level, you will support the mechanical engineering and design of spaceflight and flight‑like hardware.

• Design mechanical hardware and generate CAD models and drawings.
• Support fabrication and assembly of hardware.
• Perform static, dynamic, and thermal analyses using finite element analysis, hand calculations, and other analytical methods to inform your designs.
• Conduct design trades, risk reduction activities, and apply engineering decisions throughout hardware development.
• Support environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and thermal vacuum testing.
• Prepare clear technical reports, presentations, and review materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to ISR‑5 mechanical design and analysis tools, methods, and best practices.

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the R&D Engineer 2 will independently support the design, analysis, fabrication, assembly, and/or deployment of space hardware.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Lead the mechanical design for complex space hardware, payloads, or integrated systems.
• Independently apply engineering fundamentals to support design decisions.
• Translate program requirements, launch environments, and mission constraints into actionable criteria.
• Provide technical recommendations that support design reviews, test readiness reviews, qualification reviews, and flight‑readiness decisions.
• Mentor students/early‑career staff in mechanical design practices, documentation quality, peer review, and engineering judgment.
• Interface with customers, sponsors, and project stakeholders to define scope, communicate results, and plan deliverables.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Experience developing designs in Creo, SOLIDWORKS, or similar CAD tools.
• Experience with drafting/engineering drawings, including knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards.
• Knowledge of mechanical and thermal environments relevant to flight hardware, such as launch loads, vibration, shock, thermal cycling, thermal vacuum, or operational thermal environments.
• Proficiency in engineering fundamentals related to space‑based hardware.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment, including interfacing with other engineers, scientists, technicians, project/program staff, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document analysis assumptions, methods, results, margins, risks, and recommendations.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, security, quality, peer review, and responsible engineering practices.
• Ability…