Location: Amarillo, TX
Job Title: Research and Development Engineer/Scientist
Career Level From: Associate
Career Level To: Specialist
Organization: Development Engineering (51431131)
Job Specialty: Core Engineering
What You'll Do
As a Research and Development Engineer/Scientist, the candidate will do work to conduct leading edge technology development activities with a specific application to Pantex production operations or similar national security applications. The position would perform duties as part a team, working with subject matter experts, coordinating and preparing technical aspects of engineering projects from inception to completion including conceptual design, prototype testing, and final qualification. The position could be responsible for conducting formal presentations to Pantex plant personnel, National Laboratory representatives, and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) headquarters personnel depending on the candidates experience level. The candidate would potentially be in communication with representatives of National Laboratory design agencies, NNSA representative, vendors, contractors, and other Pantex departments as required to ensure effective and necessary technical cooperation at all levels that result in the completion of assigned objectives all of which are dependent on the candidates’ level of expertise.
Job Duties May Include
- Performs technical project assignments.
- Analyzes impact of mission and requirement changes on assigned programs, designs, and concepts.
- Prepares technical specifications based on weapon requirements provided by the design agencies.
- Acts as a leader, advisor, mentor, or teammate as required in the design and application of products, processes, devices, and equipment with other engineer, scientist, and technical staff within the department and at other applicable locations as required for the efficient and economical accomplishment of the Plant’s assigned mission.
- Recommends improvements in procedures, technology utilization, and automation.
- Experience writing and performing test plans, providing constructive and applicable feedback in areas of expertise, and the ability to develop, manage, and report planned cost and scheduled work on assigned projects.
What You Can Expect
- Meaningful work and unique opportunities to support missions vital to national and global security
- Top-notch, dedicated colleagues
- Generous pay and benefits with a stable organization
- Career advancement and professional development programs
- Work-life balance fostered through flexible work options and wellness initiatives
Minimum Job Requirements - Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Physical Science [Chemistry, Physics] from an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program in the United States or designated equivalents from Canada or Mexico, the Washington Accord, or the list of substantially equivalent as documented by ABET.
- OR Master's Degree.
- OR a PhD in Physical Science
- There is a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement up to 4 years post-graduation at time of offer and confirmed by transcript. Beyond four years from graduation, engineering experience will supersede GPA as a requirement for hire.
- 3.0/4.0 minimum cumulative GPA for Bachelor degree
- 3.3 minimum cumulative GPA for Master degree
- 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA for PhD
- In addition, the applicant must meet the requirements of Department of Energy (DOE) O 426.2 (i.e., Baccalaureate in engineering or related science, 2 years job-related and at least 1 year nuclear experience, or a DOE O 426.2 alternative). DOE 426.2 experience requirements can be satisfied following employment. In the interim, newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities. (Ref. DOE O 426.2)
Preferred Job Requirements
- The position requires technical knowledge in technical principles, theories, and concepts of engineering systems related to material, analysis, testing, qualification, and engineering application of computers.
- The position requires the ability to clearly and effectively communicate through oral and written word, read and interpret drawings and specifications, and convert the criteria into detailed written procedures.
- Must have the ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion under limited supervision; develop, manage, and report planned cost and scheduled work; and develop a plan for recovery in order to successfully achieve overall objectives.
- Typical experience could range up to five plus years; no experience is required for entry level positions.
- Develop novel materials solutions for unique functional applications. Duties include developing proposals and experimental plans, demonstration of bench scale solutions, understanding of the fundamental chemistry and physics, as well as scale up to pilot facility.
Why Pantex?
You get #morethanajob. We encourage employees to achieve a healthy personal balance among home, work and the community. One of the ways we embrace work-life balance is by offering flexible work arrangements that provide alternatives to the traditional workweek, while still meeting business needs. Top talent and personal commitment mean more to our success than any other factors, so we reward our people with the kinds of benefits that make a positive difference in the quality of their lives. Benefits such as: medical plan, prescription drug plan, vision plan, dental plan, employer matched 401(k) savings plan, disability coverage, education reimbursement and many more. Want to stay healthy and fit but hate the cost of a gym membership? Take advantage of one of our onsite workout facilities and eat healthy in our onsite cafeterias. Much more than a workplace, at Pantex you can build a career that lasts a lifetime.
Notes
The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired.
If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level.
Requires a Q clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required.
Position may require entry into Materials Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP). If HRP is required, candidate must complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph, pursuant to 10CFR 709. Medical requirements may apply.
Pantex is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to being randomly selected for drug testing without advance notification.
Pantex is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability or veteran status.
