Research & Development Engineer; Mechanical​/Thermal); R&D Engineer

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 level, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Mechanical & Thermal Engineering Group (E-1), within the Engineering Technology & Design Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), develops and delivers engineering solutions that support national security missions. Our multidisciplinary teams provide mechanical design, thermal and fluid analysis, experimental testing, systems development, and specialized engineering support for weapons, scientific research, and technology development programs. E-1 is seeking a motivated early- to mid-career engineer to collaborate with engineers, scientists, technologists, and technicians on challenging mechanical and thermal engineering projects.

You will help translate customer needs into practical engineering solutions, contributing to activities ranging from initial concept development and analysis through fabrication, integration, testing, and documentation. Project assignments will reflect your skills and experience and the needs of the group.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated knowledge through coursework, research, or professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Mechanical Design:
  Design and evaluation of mechanical components, assemblies, fixtures, or experimental hardware using engineering calculations and computer-aided design tools.
• Thermal and Fluid Engineering:
  Application of heat transfer, thermodynamics, or fluid mechanics to evaluate and improve engineering systems.
• Computational Analysis:
  Development and interpretation of numerical models, such as finite element analysis or computational fluid dynamics, with consideration of assumptions, boundary conditions, and model limitations.
• Experimental Engineering:
  Development or execution of engineering tests, including test planning, instrumentation, data collection, and interpretation of results.
• Systems Development and Integration:
  Integration of components and subsystems into functional hardware, including assembly support, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation.

• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering fundamentals to technical problems, evaluate potential solutions, and support recommendations with calculations, analysis, or experimental evidence.

• Experience contributing to technical work as part of a team. Ability to coordinate with others, communicate progress and challenges, and work toward shared milestones and deliverables.

• Ability to communicate technical information clearly through written documentation, presentations, and discussions. Ability to explain engineering methods, assumptions, results, and recommendations to colleagues and project partners.
• Safe and Responsible Work Practices
• Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures and recognize the importance of safety, security, quality, and accurate documentation when performing engineering work.

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

• Independent Technical Execution:
  Demonstrated experience completing engineering assignments with limited direction, including defining an approach, evaluating results, and delivering documented technical outcomes.
• Technical Leadership:
  Experience leading defined technical efforts, coordinating contributions from others, and establishing work direction to achieve project objectives.
• Customer and Project Coordination:
  Experience working with customers or stakeholders to clarify requirements, communicate technical tradeoffs, and manage expectations.
• Mentorship and Technical Review:
  Demonstrated ability to guide less experienced staff or students and provide constructive reviews of engineering work.

Education/Experience at R&D Engineer 1: Position requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution related to the occupation and two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at R&D Engineer 2: Position requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution related to the…