Metrology R&D Engineer; R&D Engineer

Position Overview

R&D Engineer 3 or 4 (depending on candidate skills). The selected candidate will join a dedicated staff of engineers, machinists, and quality control professionals in the Prototype Fabrication Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory to support the nation's nuclear stockpile modernization effort.

For R&D Engineer 3:

• Participate in design for manufacturability reviews to ensure dimensional inspection requirements are understood and achievable.
• Validate, interpret, statistically analyze, and communicate high-fidelity inspection data to customers.
• Design holding fixtures, develop inspection processes, write CMM programs, and research new inspection techniques and platforms to meet customer needs.
• Collaborate with research and development, production, quality assurance, management, and customers across the manufacturing enterprise.

For R&D Engineer 4:

• Lead maintenance of the CMM capability in line with the Prototype Fabrication Engineering User Performed Calibration Plan.
• Develop and lead strategic initiatives for the division, focusing on ultra-high precision CMMs and maintainability, operability, and capability.
• Apply advanced expertise in applied metrology to enhance performance.

• Expert knowledge in inspection and performance of products to meet technical and quality standards set in the product definition.
• Advanced experience applying engineering practices within manufacturing and dimensional inspection environments.
• Advanced knowledge of CAD software (Creo, Solid Works, NX, Catia, Inventor).
• Advanced knowledge of CMM programming (Quindos, Calypso, PC-DMIS, Polyworks).
• Advanced GD&T knowledge sufficient for manufacturability and measurement consultation during design.

• Advanced knowledge and experience in managing technical or operational projects – planning, scope, schedule, and budget.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Expert writing and verbal communication for preparing and presenting data and reports to peers, senior staff, management, and customers.
• Experience mentoring and training engineers and inspectors.
• Demonstrated reliability, dependability, and commitment to long-term programmatic goals.

• Experience in developing strategic plans and leading major metrology initiatives.
• Expert level knowledge of CMM programming and GD&T.
• Expert level experience operating ultra-high precision CMMs.

Level 3:
Master’s degree in Engineering and 6 years of related experience (or equivalent combination).

Level 4:
Master’s degree in Engineering and 12 years of related experience (or equivalent combination).

• Knowledge of weapons production and familiarity with NAP 401.1, Weapon Quality Policy.
• Experience collecting ISO 10360 calibration data and observing equipment trends.
• Knowledge of ASQ certifications in Quality Engineering, SPC, or Lean/Six Sigma.
• Experience creating and correcting CMM error maps.
• Contributor to professional societies, publications, or external collaborations.

Location:

Onsite, Los Alamos, NM.

• PPO or high-deductible medical insurance with nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award-winning 401(k) (6 % matching plus 3.5 % annually).
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and PTO/holidays.
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Relocation assistance for distances beyond 50 mi.

Citizenship restriction:
Only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may access facilities and be considered for the role.

Security clearance: Q clearance required. Clearance process requires U.S. citizenship.

New-employment drug test is required. Marijuana usage, while legal in state, remains illegal under federal law.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal-opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories. LANL is committed to accessibility and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.