Advanced Manufacturing & Mission Realization Lead; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

You will play an integral leadership role as part of a multidisciplinary team, facilitating transformation of innovative concepts into tangible, mission-ready solutions for national security applications. As part of the Mission Concepts (E-2) group, you will operate in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, and rapid prototyping, helping accelerate ideas from early-stage concepts through proof-of-concept and beyond.

Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage projects, and deliver solutions in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, and rapid prototyping to support mission-focused initiatives.

Lead large multidisciplinary teams, communicate technical updates to senior leadership and external stakeholders, and apply proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project). Proven track record of authoring complex technical documents is required.

• Demonstrated experience with complex R&D projects from concept to execution, especially in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, or rapid prototyping.
• Experience working with large technical teams (engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians) to deliver mission-focused solutions.
• Familiarity with project management tools for planning, resourcing, and executing work packages.
• Strong technical writing skills for authoring work planning and control documentation, with attention to operational and safety requirements.
• Ability to operate effectively in integrated R&D and operations environments, balancing agility with rigor.
• Excellent collaboration skills, including working under technical direction, partnering with peers and mentoring early-career engineers.
• Effective communication skills for delivering technical briefings and updates.
• Expertise in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering disciplines, guiding design, fabrication, and system integration.
• Experience with agile and additive manufacturing, including work with novel materials and processes.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex R&D projects from concept to execution, especially in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, or rapid prototyping.
• Proven experience leading large technical teams (engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians) to deliver mission-focused solutions.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project) for planning, resourcing, and executing work packages.
• Effective communication skills for delivering technical briefings to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Strong track record of innovation, publications, or technical contributions.

Education and experience requirements vary by level:

• R&D Engineer 3:
  Master's Degree in Engineering and 6 years of related experience (or equivalent combination).
• R&D Engineer 4:
  Master's degree in engineering and 12 years of related experience (or equivalent combination);
  PhD may be preferred.

• Strong background or demonstrated interest in robotics integration, including hands‑on implementation, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Experience supporting or driving digital transformation efforts, modernizing workflows, introducing automation, or improving data/process efficiency.
• Familiarity with metrology, precision measurement systems, instrumentation, or related quality-assurance practices.
• A proactive, execution-focused mindset, driven to get things done, work independently, remove roadblocks, and deliver results reliably.
• Ability to work across interdisciplinary teams (engineering, operations, research) and communicate clearly about technical challenges and solutions.
• Comfortable working in fast-moving environments with evolving priorities.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a continuous-improvement mentality.
• Active DOE Q clearance (or ability to obtain).

Onsite, Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position to be eligible to apply…