W93 Polymer Product Realization Team Lead; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

The W93 Systems Development and Realization Group (Q-20) is seeking a Research and Development Engineer 2/3 to lead a team responsible for developing and realizing polymer components of the W93/Mk7. As a Product Realization Team (PRT) Lead, you will work with other PRTs and the W93 Systems Engineering Director to coordinate the efforts of the LANL team designing and developing the polymer components.

You will collaborate with colleagues at production agencies across the Nuclear Security Enterprise, particularly Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC). You will ensure the success of the team responsible for planning, managing requirements and interfaces, executing, testing, reporting status, and ultimately delivering a producible, Mark Quality design and product.

This is an opportunity to be part of the first new weapon system program in over 30 years. Q‑20, W93/Mk7 Systems Development and Realization Group, defines, develops, and fields the warhead system for the newest Navy sub‑launched ballistic missile weapon program.

R&D Engineer 2
$104,100 – $172,200

At the R&D Engineer 2 level, you will lead the planning, execution, and status reporting for product realization of the polymer components. You will interface regularly with internal LANL organizations, external production agencies, and external customers to accomplish these activities.

R&D Engineer 3
$125,200 – $211,300

In addition to the R&D Engineer 2 activities, an R&D Engineer 3 may perform cross‑cutting work across the several polymer PRTs, coordinate with QTE (Qualification, Test, and Evaluation) and requirements evaluation and revision. Additionally, an R&D Engineer 3 will provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior staff supporting these efforts.

• Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, practices, and procedures, as demonstrated by experience researching, designing, testing, analyzing, verifying, and validating engineering solutions.
• Engineering Design: Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the design basis qualification process to include designing, planning, and executing tests or analyses for a system, subsystem or component with data needs from multiple stakeholders.
• Project Management: Demonstrated use of project management principles and tools to deliver products on schedule, while engaging multiple projects with differing priorities.

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to work, influence, and lead in an R&D team environment consisting of diverse and multi‑talented scientists, engineers, technicians, and operations personnel, including demonstrated ability to successfully mentor early‑career staff.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated record of developing and leading successful cross‑organizational teams to solve complex problems.
• Engineering Design: Thorough knowledge of and demonstrated experience in developing and implementing technical requirements, specifications, plans, reports, and procedures related to product realization.
• Networking and Communication: Demonstrated experience in interacting and integrating effectively with external and internal interfaces (to include DoD, NNSA, and other agencies); building trust, gaining consensus, and resolving conflicts while nurturing relationships. Effective communication with the Program Level PRT Lead, Systems Engineers, Program Office, Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Project Controls, and Test Technicians on development progress and issues.
• Program Management: Excellent project management skills, demonstrated by experience overseeing and completing highly complex/high‑profile projects on schedule and within allocated budget.

Lower 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).

Higher level: Position requires a Master’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience (or an equivalent…