What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 3 or R&D Engineer 4 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 Weapon Systems Engineering (W) Production Liaison Group (W-8) is seeking an experienced R&D Engineer level 3 or 4 to join our team. W-8 is the Design Agency representative to the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) production plants to ensure that weapon production activities at the production agencies meet design requirements and intent. The group member liaisons are responsible for the daily interactions with the Production Agencies: Detonator and Pit production at LANL, Kansas City National Security Campus, Pantex Plant, and Y-12 National Security Complex - surrounding the design, manufacture, qualification, and certification of products. In addition, the group includes ALDW records stewardship via document configuration management (DCM), and formal site-to-site communications via engineering authorizations (EA).
R&D Engineer 3 ($125,200 - $211,300)
The successful candidate will support production activities for the B61, W76, W78, W88, and W93 weapons programs at the PA. Activities may include assisting with hardware provisioning for local, joint, flight and hydro tests, and system engineering support for product definition. The selected candidate will partner with the PA in resolving issues relating to nuclear weapon production and integrity. They will also participate in site reviews, approve PA procedures and process changes, and provide the technical interface between the PA and the LANL systems engineering and physics communities. Additionally, the selected candidate will provide detailed knowledge, information, and experience related to weapon component manufacturing methods to the PA. They will also represent LANL at programmatic meetings, as well as participate and assist in any special projects required by LANL management.
R&D Engineer 4 ($150,300 - $260,800)
In addition to the R&D Engineer 3 level, the R&D Engineer 4 level will be expected to work with group management to develop and execute strategic plans aimed at improving overall production capabilities, reducing single-point failures, and partnerships with the PAs. They will serve as a technical mentor to early- and mid-career staff and represent group management as needed.
This position is located onsite in Oak Ridge, TN at the Y-12 National Security Complex Production Agency.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Weapons Engineering
Thorough knowledge of engineering principles to provide solutions in one or more of the following disciplines: material science, mechanical engineering, or chemical engineering. Demonstrate ability to interpret mechanical drawings and specifications. Functional knowledge of the B61, W76, W78, W88, and the W93 Weapon Systems in regard to production and operation. Demonstrated experience with nuclear weapons production, production certification of special nuclear materials, and components applicable to the various Los Alamos designed Weapon Systems. Demonstrated ability to meet schedule and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a range of priorities.
Technical Leadership
- Demonstrate ability to lead projects, assemble teams across multiple organizations, establish project plans, assign tasks to team members, and report progress.
- Demonstrate ability to identify, address, and resolve technical problems.
- Demonstrate ability to work independently with minimum supervision, as well as effectively as part of a team in a multi-discipline environment.
- Demonstrate ability to generate and apply innovative approaches to solve complex problems.
- Demonstrate ability to meet schedule and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a range of priorities and within budget constraints.
Weapons Complex Experience
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all levels of NSE personnel including internal and external customers to provide solutions to complex problems.
- Experience with Product Realization Teams (PRTs) during the concurrent engineering/process development, process prove-in, engineering evaluation, qualification and production phases.
- Experience mentoring less experienced personnel, team with other personnel across the NSE, and present work objectives and results at all levels to internal and external management and customers.
Problem Solving
- Development and implementation of innovative process improvements that correct systemic production issues.
- Demonstrated and proven record of developing and fostering successful cross-organizational teams to solve complex problems.
Communication and Teamwork
- Demonstrate ability to work independently with minimum supervision, as well as the ability to be an effective member of a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Mentorship of early career engineers and technicians.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 4:
- Advanced knowledge of systems engineering and requirements management principles and processes.
- Exceptional skills demonstrated in the following areas: problem solving, conflict resolution, and customer and stakeholder interactions.
- Notable experience with engineering component fabrication, inspection processes and/or assembly operations.
- Demonstrated mentoring and teaming skills.
- Demonstrated experience leading projects, evaluations, or other critical engineering attributes.
Education/Experience at R&D Engineer 3 level: Position requires a master's degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience R&D Engineer 4 level: Position requires a master's degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 12 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with the engineering authorization system, document configuration management systems (e.g., ThingWorx, Footprints, and PDM Link) and applications related to stockpile maintenance.
- Demonstrated experience interacting with one or more NSE Production Agencies.
- Experience with non-destructive evaluation techniques and dimensional inspection methods.
- Fundamental understanding of the Defense Programs Business Process System (DPBPS).
- Derivative Classifier (DC) experience.
- Active Q clearance.
Location: This position will be physically located in Oak Ridge, TN.
Note to Applicants:
- For full consideration, submit a resume/CV and detailed cover letter addressing all required and desired skills outlined above. (Please save cover letter with job number and name).
- Foreign/domestic travel. Travel is required to perform required training and other activities at Los Alamos as well as observations at various production locations.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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 on-site at Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
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 maternity and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus annual contribution based on years of service)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
- 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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
