Diagnostics Systems Engineer; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Thermonuclear Plasma Physics group (P-4) is seeking an R&D Engineer to provide engineering support for the development, design, fabrication, and commissioning of advanced scientific instrumentation and diagnostics. Example equipment includes neutron imaging systems, gamma-ray detector systems, and gated x-ray detectors. These systems are fielded at facilities such as National Ignition Facility, the Omega laser facility, the Z-Machine at Sandia National Laboratories, and the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE).

The successful candidate will:

• Perform research, design, testing, and analysis to develop state-of-the‑art scientific diagnostics for use in physics research.
• Interact with customers to communicate project status and review engineering designs.
• Oversee fabrication and assembly of diagnostic systems, which includes performing some hands‑on work.
• Document results in formal engineering drawings, calculations, reports, technical journals, and presentations.

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the successful candidate will:

• Lead project tasks from concept through to completion.
• Oversee installation of diagnostic systems.
• Provide guidance to technologists, students, machinists, and other engineers.
• Interact with customers to develop project requirements.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Experience in the design, fabrication, and assembly of electrical and mechanical devices.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience using 3D parametric CAD software, such as Solidworks or Creo.
• Experience using finite element analysis software such as Solid Works Simulation or ANSYS.
• Ability to document project progress and/or completion in written reports, engineering drawings, formal calculations, and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Ability to work productively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to perform hands‑on work with hand, power, and machine tools in a productive manner while complying with ES&H requirements and while using appropriate administrative controls, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 2:

• Experience with proper application and interpretation of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Ability to scope tasks within a project and define deliverables at task level.
• Ability to lead specific project tasks to meet scope, schedule and budget.
• Ability to contribute to the completion of milestones on multiple projects.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation.

Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two‑year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Experience with precision fabrication techniques.
• Experience with precision measuring tools.
• Experience with LANL's Inertial Confinement Fusion/High Energy Density Physics program mission.
• Experience conducting scientific work while complying with ES&H requirements and using appropriate administrative controls, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment.
• Experience with the principles of electrical safety and knowledge of pressure systems.
• Active Q…