What You Will Do
The W93 System Development and Realization Group (Q-20) is seeking a R&D Engineer to help support the United Kingdom's Replaceable Warhead (UK RW) Program. The W93/Mk7 program is working in parallel with the UK Astrea's A21 warhead program. This role will facilitate communications between the US and the UK programs to leverage design and engineering integration activities between the programs. The successful candidate will attend and participate in various working groups and subgroups to understand technical and programmatic needs of both programs. This role will lead the effort to answer technical questions from the UK A21 integration team working with the US subject matter experts to understand the questions and their relevance to the W93 program and then provide a response as needed. Once need or requirement gaps are identified, the job will require working with NNSA and other agencies to develop official responses to the UK through the appropriate channels. An understanding of LANL's capabilities/organizations along with the ability to extract detailed information from multiple sources and then develop succinct and concise responses is needed to successfully meet action items and tight deadlines for information. Some domestic and foreign travel will be required.
This is an opportunity to be part of the first new weapon system program in over 30 years. Q-20, W93/Mk7 Systems Development and Realization Group, defines, develops, and fields the warhead system for the newest Navy sub-launched ballistic missile weapon program. We support the DoD/Navy SSP and DoE/NNSA customers in defining the mission need and corresponding technical and programmatic requirements. The W93 collaborates closely with Sandia National Laboratory and Lockheed Martin Systems design agencies, developing the re-entry system, ensuring safe, secure, & reliable warhead performance and a relevant nuclear deterrent. Q-20 also incorporates the production agency teams (KCNSC, Pantex, SRS, Y-12, LANL, and SNL) tightly into the design, qualification, and realization processes.
The Group is responsible for W93 Systems and Design Engineering with emphasis on improved performance, safety, producibility, and agility of the future stockpile.
Weapon Stockpile Modernization Division (Q Division) provides systems engineering and program management to develop and field qualified engineering solutions to improve the safety, reliability, and security of our Nation's nuclear stockpile throughout the weapon life cycle. Q Division is responsible for leadership of activities in new LANL weapons programs as well as life extension and alternation projects.
This posting is under the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Engineering (ALDW).
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Weapons Knowledge
Knowledge of Nuclear Weapons Systems and subsystems. Detailed knowledge of at least one of the following: nuclear weapon system design, qualification, certification, and production including materials, components, safety, and assembly.
System Engineering Experience
Experience in one or more of the following: nuclear weapon design, development, qualification, certification, assembly/production, or surveillance. Experience in the application of system engineering principles, at a basic level, providing solutions in one or more of the following disciplines: material science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, or chemical engineering.
Communication
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to interact effectively with team members and management.
Project Facilitation
Ability to meet schedule and deliverables for multiple assigned projects. Ability to developing and foster successful cross-organizational teams to solve complex problems. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimum supervision, as well as the ability to be an effective member of a multidisciplinary team.
Education/Experience
Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience collaborating with UK Ministry of Defence or UK Atomic Weapon Establishment
- Detailed knowledge of nuclear weapon systems and their associated delivery vehicles
- Familiar with Navy nuclear weapon program and organization structures
- Understanding of re-entry, gravity, and powered flight weapon systems used both by DOE and DoD
- Knowledge of weapon surety and safety solutions
- Familiarity with development of specifications for components and systems
- Experience presenting technical design details to technical and non-technical customers
- Understanding of NNSA and DOD qualification processes
- Active Q clearance
Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
For full consideration submit a comprehensive resume and include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
- PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
- Dental and vision insurance
- Free basic life and disability insurance
- Paid childbirth and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
- Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: 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 spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
