Production Liaison Engineer (R&D Engineer 3

Overview

The Weapon Systems Engineering (W) Production Liaison Group (W‑8) seeks an experienced R&D Engineer Level 3 to serve as the Design Agency representative to the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) production plants. The role ensures that weapon production activities at LANL, Kansas City National Security Campus, Pantex Plant, and Y‑12 National Security Complex meet design requirements and intent. The position will be filled under a regular appointment with a one‑year commitment.

• Support production activities for the B61, W76, W78, W88, and W93 weapons programs at the PA.
• Assist with hardware provisioning for local, joint, flight, and hydro tests and provide system engineering support for product definition.
• Collaborate with the PA to resolve issues related to nuclear weapon production and integrity.
• Participate in site reviews, approve PA procedures and process changes, and act as the technical interface between the PA and LANL systems engineering and physics communities.
• Represent LANL at programmatic meetings and support any special projects required by LANL management.
• Maintain ALDW records stewardship through document configuration management (DCM) and facilitate site‑to‑site communications via engineering authorizations (EA).

• Thorough knowledge of engineering principles in material science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related fields.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Functional knowledge of the B61, W76, W78, W88, and W93 Weapon Systems concerning production and operation.
• Experience with nuclear weapons production, certification of special nuclear materials, and related components.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meet schedules, and deliver results.
• Strong technical leadership, problem solving, and teamwork skills.
• Master’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution and six years of related experience (or equivalent combination).
• Active Q clearance.

• Experience with the engineering authorization system and document configuration management systems (e.g., Thing Worx, Footprints, PDM Link).
• Experience interacting with NSE Production Agencies.
• Knowledge of non‑destructive evaluation techniques and dimensional inspection methods.
• Understanding of the Defense Programs Business Process System (DPBPS).
• Derivative Classifier (DC) experience.
• Mentoring experience with early‑career engineers and technicians.

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Travel to Los Alamos and production locations is required for training and other activities.

• Medical (PPO or high deductible with nationwide network)
• Dental and vision insurance
• Basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Tuition assistance and learning opportunities
• Flexible schedules and PTO
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Relocation packages for locations beyond 50 miles

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or citizenship. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Position requires a Q clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, except under rare circumstances. Additional access authorization may be required for classified information.

Submit a resume/CV and a detailed cover letter addressing all required and desired skills. Foreign nationals and specific nationalities may be excluded per federal restrictions.

New‑Employment Drug Test is required. The Laboratory maintains a substance abuse policy and performs random drug testing. Positive results for marijuana lead to termination, regardless of state legality.