R&D Engineer

Position: R&D Engineer 2/3
** What You Will Do*
* ** This position is open for external candidates only to apply.*
* This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 3 level, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will apply at the higher level.

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is the nation's premier plutonium center of excellence. We are a leader in safeguarding the U.S. nuclear stockpile while pushing the frontiers of science and technology across national security, space exploration, geophysics, renewable energy, supercomputing, medicine, and nanotechnology.

The Pit Technologies (PT) Division, part of the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP), is at the forefront of delivering world-class plutonium pit-related products and services. The PT Division ensures high-consequence manufacturing operations meet rigorous compliance, safety, and quality standards.

As part of the PT-2 Machining Group, you will contribute your expertise in precision machining and mechanical engineering to support national security objectives. You will design, develop, and qualify critical components for nuclear weapons systems and experimental platforms in a high-tech, secure, and mission-driven environment.

Key responsibilities include:

+ Design mechanical components, tooling, and fixtures for CNC machining, EDM, turning, drilling, and other advanced manufacturing processes.

+ Support the fabrication and handling of plutonium and other actinides in a glovebox and hazardous material environment.

+   Collaborate cross-functionally with machinists, technologists, project managers, and scientists.

+   Lead and participate in hazard analyses, readiness reviews, and quality assurance activities.

+   Troubleshoot and maintain complex machinery and integrate new equipment and capabilities into the manufacturing floor.

+   Optimize manufacturing processes to improve yield, reduce cycle time, and enhance throughput.

** R&D Engineer 2  $106,400 - $176,000*
* + Engage in hands-on mechanical design and fabrication support.

+ Contribute to the development and integration of manufacturing processes.

+ Solve complex problems with innovative engineering solutions.

** R&D Engineer 3 $ 128,000 - $215,900*
* In addition to the responsibilities at the lower level, a candidate selected at this level will:

+ Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts and guide high-rigor mechanical system development.

+ Serve as a subject matter expert in design, analysis (including stress analysis and tolerance stack-ups), and process integration.

+ Mentor junior engineers and influence project strategy.

+ Represent LANL in internal and external technical collaborations.

Shiftwork

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* + Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in an engineering discipline.

+ Comprehensive knowledge of designing, planning, and executing research and development projects.

+

Experience with CNC machine tools, inspection equipment, or experience in a high-precision environment.

+ Familiarity working with hazardous materials e.g., radioactive, pyrophoric, or toxic substances.

+ Strong troubleshooting skills.

+ Awareness of 3D CAD/CAM software (e.g., Creo, Solid Works) and ASME Y14.5 GD&T.

+ Knowledge of machining operations.

+

Experience with basic inspection and metrology tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers).

+ Excellent collaboration and communication skills in multidisciplinary environments.

+ U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Q clearance.

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

+ Thorough knowledge of and experience in engineering disciplines

+ Excellent project management skills, including the ability to plan and execute R&D projects

+ Demonstrated leadership in engineering design and manufacturing integration.

+ Track record of leading technical projects with defined scope, schedule, and deliverables.

+ Experience in mentoring and technical leadership.

+ Innovation in design, manufacturing methods, or systems engineering.

+ Strong technical writing and presentation skills.

**…