Mechanical Engineer; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

Seeking a strongly self‑motivated Mechanical Engineer to support the mechanical maintenance, repair, and upgrades of the LANSCE accelerator, including water cooling systems for all components and structures. The role involves maintenance, repair, and replacement of pumps, heat exchangers, instrumentation, piping, and valves, providing engineering support while participating in repairs and installations. As an R&D Engineer, you will also design and analyze structural or thermohydraulic projects, often leading to experimental validation.

Support 24‑hour, 7‑day per week beam operations with occasional overtime and on‑call duties, working odd hours when required.

• Proven track record of contributing to high-impact R&D projects through design, analysis, prototyping, fabrication, and documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings drafted using ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Experience with CAD and CAM software, specifically Solid Works.
• Worked successfully in a team environment and exhibit collaborative behavior.
• Willingness and ability to work hands‑on performing repairs and maintenance along the LANSCE beam line.
• Strong work ethic with ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective communication with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Commitment to safety and secure work practices.
• Capable and willing to work in radiation areas while adhering to ALARA principles.
• Fundamental knowledge and experience with water cooling system design and operation.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, typically requiring U.S. citizenship.

• Advanced knowledge and experience with water cooling system design and operation.
• Knowledge and experience with water chemistry, maintenance, and control.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and machining techniques and practices.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.

R&D Engineer 2:
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 4 years of related experience, or equivalent education and experience.

R&D Engineer 3:
Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 6 years of related experience, or equivalent combination.

• Knowledge of linear accelerator operation, configuration, and components.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Experience with high‑powered computational analysis tools such as Ansys Fluent.
• Knowledgeable of all types of water system equipment and practices.
• Ability and willingness to provide engineering support to other accelerator teams.
• Possess active Q clearance.

Peripheral vision, depth perception, reading vision, distance vision, ability to discriminate speech, hearing in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz), sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, stooping, crouching, twisting the trunk or back, reaching overhead, horizontally, down, applying torque with hands or arms, lifting over 30 pounds.

Confined spaces, irregular schedule, operation of motor vehicles, unusual lighting, proximity to electrical power supplies and ionizing radiation, machinery with moving parts, irritant chemicals, headgear or head protection, safety glasses or eye protection, mask or respirator, hearing protection, gloves, safety shoes, and protective foot gear.

Onsite at Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at management’s discretion.

Regular appointment employees required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position to be eligible for posted jobs. Position commitment is 1 year.

Provide resume and detailed cover letter addressing how your experience relates to each required and desired skill.

Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national‑security laboratories and nuclear weapons production, including Los Alamos National…