Early Career 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 2 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 Detonation Science and Technology Group (Q-6) serves the Laboratory and the Nation providing the knowledge base and component design responsibilities for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other critical national security areas.

The Group's capabilities include design engineering for nuclear weapon detonators and detonator cable assemblies, design, fabrication, qualification, and installation of test fire control systems, pulse power engineering, advanced detonator design and testing, and applied problem solving. Additional capabilities include expertise in the detonation science and physics of detonator energetic materials, and engineering responsibility for the cradle to grave care of the detonators and detonator cable assemblies used by Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Q-6 is also responsible for engineering, fabricating, or acquiring precision high explosives detonators for a diverse R&D customer base to meet present and future national security needs in a safe, secure, and efficient manner.

Q-6 is offering an opportunity to join the Detonation Science and Technology Group as an R&D Engineer supporting Test Fire Operations. In this role, you will work with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technologists, and technicians to plan, execute, and document high-consequence experiments involving high-explosive components, precision diagnostics, and complex test configurations. These testing activities support the qualification of products that enable the Nuclear Stockpile Enterprise and require a strong commitment to technical rigor, configuration control, and disciplined execution.

You will contribute to the development, integration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of firing and diagnostic systems, support facility and test‑infrastructure readiness, and produce high-quality technical documentation and test reports that support formal qualification activities. We are seeking a hands‑on, collaborative engineer who enjoys solving challenging technical problems, learning quickly, and contributing effectively in a team‑oriented environment.

• Support the planning, setup, execution, and documentation of High Explosive (HE) testing activities. Work with Engineers, Technologists, and Technicians in a hands‑on environment supporting experimental operations and Product Qualification.
• Support setup, execution, and troubleshooting of engineering experiments and HE tests.
• Assist with procedures, drawings, schematics, test configurations, and technical reports.
• Operate diagnostic, instrumentation, and measurement equipment under guidance.
• Collect, analyze, and document experimental data.
• Support development and improvement of test fixtures and experimental hardware.
• Maintain test equipment and support safe, disciplined test operations.

R&D Engineer 1 ($96,600 - $158,000)

• Fundamental knowledge of engineering principles and hands‑on technical work.
• Ability to interpret drawings, schematics, procedures, and test requirements.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and communicate technical data.
• Strong technical writing, teamwork, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work safely in laboratory and hazardous test environments.

R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)

Successful applicants will be able to perform the following duties in this position:

• Demonstrated experience planning, setting up, executing, and troubleshooting complex engineering experiments or test activities in…