Blast Hardware Design Engineer; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 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 DARHT Experiments and Radiographic Science (J-4) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a qualified candidate to join the Blast Hardware Engineering, Assembly, and Metrology (BEAM) team as a blast hardware design engineer. The BEAM team is responsible for blast hardware design, optical hydrotest assembly, and precision optical metrology.

The successful candidate will work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment that includes scientists, engineers, mathematicians, technicians, IT professionals, drafters, and collaborators from diverse backgrounds. They will use CREO to design and model components and tooling for optical hydrodynamic tests. The candidate will be responsible for having blast hardware components fabricated and inspected, along with participating/overseeing during the assembly of the blast hardware.

He/she will also participate in multidisciplinary design reviews. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, or a related technical field. Familiarity with weapons design or integrated weapons experiments is highly desirable.

The culture of J Division emphasizes mutual trust, interdependent teaming, and shared success. It values innovation, creative problem-solving, and operational excellence. The division is committed to delivering the highest quality technical data to meet the needs of its mission partners, making this an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about impactful science and national service.

The selected candidate will:

• Engage in hands-on mechanical design and fabrication support.
• Contribute to the development of blast hardware designs and required assembly tooling.
• Present blast hardware concepts and designs at high level design reviews.
• Work toward becoming a blast hardware subject matter expert.

In addition to the duties outlined above, the candidate selected will:

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering design and assembly build efforts.
• Perform job functions independently.
• Document assembly procedures and the results of hardware builds.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in blast hardware design.
• Represent LANL in internal and external technical collaborations.

Professional-level background, education, and experience in engineering, demonstrated through academic qualifications and successful project and program execution. Demonstrated strong understanding of research and development practices, with proven ability to investigate alternative solutions and recommend effective approaches to complex technical challenges impacting R&D activities, projects, or initiatives.

Demonstrated knowledge of nuclear weapons systems, including their design and function. Working knowledge of hydrodynamic testing principles, processes, and experimental objectives, including the integration of diagnostic systems and test hardware.

Demonstrated experience developing mechanical designs using computer-aided design (CAD) tools and established engineering work processes, preferably using Creo Parametric. Experience creating and modifying three-dimensional models, assemblies, components, and detailed engineering drawings. Ability to develop complete and accurate drawing packages that communicate design intent, dimensions, tolerances, materials, and fabrication requirements. Demonstrated ability to work with engineers, designers, machinists, and technicians to review designs, resolve manufacturability or integration issues, and incorporate changes as necessary.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with all levels of personnel, stakeholders, and customers.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate and interact effectively with a wide range of personnel; exhibit professional conduct in interactions with co-workers and supervisors; and work both independently and in a team environment. Demonstrated experience leading technical projects.

Ability to obtain Q clearance as well as Sigma 15, which typically requires US…