Los Alamos National Laboratory

What You Will Do

The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) is seeking a highly motivated Corrosion R&D Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3) to support the Full-scale Test Facility (FSTF) program. This role centers on designing, implementing, and optimizing engineering systems for evaluating corrosion processes in plutonium environments. You will work in multidisciplinary teams alongside technicians, scientists, and engineers to maintain, upgrade, and lead high-impact test operations in secure nuclear facilities. MST-16 supports national security missions through engineering innovation, system development, and materials testing in support of Pit Surveillance, Plutonium Modernization, and other core programs.

The successful candidate will lead the engineering development and operation of the Full-scale Test Facility (FSTF) within the Corrosion Team. This includes designing, maintaining, and upgrading test systems used to evaluate corrosion behavior in plutonium environments. Key responsibilities include developing engineering solutions for test system integration, controlling experimental conditions, managing instrumentation and data acquisition, and supporting the safe and efficient execution of tests. The selected candidate will ensure alignment with facility infrastructure and compliance with safety requirements, including the Design Safety Analysis (DSA). A major focus will be on modernizing system components, control systems, and data acquisition capabilities to enhance performance and reliability. This role requires close collaboration with scientists and subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure engineering solutions meet scientific objectives and enable broader experimental efforts. The selected candidate will also contribute to technical documentation, system readiness, and milestone execution across programmatic and R&D activities.

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 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.

R&D Engineer 2 $104,100 - $172,200

Research activities and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct full-scale tests on the corrosion of plutonium using the group's corrosion FSTF capabilities.
• Acquire, analyze, and interpret test data. Communicate results through engineering documentation, technical reports, and presentations.
• Design, operate, and maintain pressure and vacuum systems used in corrosion testing environments.
• Maintain existing work-authorizing documents and develop new work-authorizing documents that support the team's work.
• Maintain and modernize the team's corrosion test facility, data acquisition and analysis capabilities.
• Lead the specification, technical procurement, installation and qualification of new test equipment.
• Collaborate with other engineers, technicians and scientists to support all aspects of the experimental research effort.
• Contribute to ongoing technical work, primarily focused on plutonium surface science or corrosion.
• Contribute to the completion of milestones associated with various core mission programs and fundamental R&D projects.
• Assist with general laboratory processes.
• Actively participate in professional societies and working groups.
• Maintain compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.
• Ensure engineering systems comply with facility requirements, including DSA documentation and readiness reviews.

R&D Engineer 3 $125,200 - $211,300

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the R&D Engineer 3 position has the following expectations.

• Design, direct, and lead plutonium corrosion research.
• Lead and sustain existing engineering projects, while proactively developing new programs that align with group and Laboratory national security missions through internal and external collaboration.
• Lead the development and preparation of proposals, work packages, and new initiatives that enhance the technical capabilities within the group.
• Serve as a technical point of contact for engineering system readiness, facility interfaces, and coordination with nuclear safety personnel.
• Build effective teams and enhance the technical and professional skills of junior staff, post docs, and students through active mentoring and training.
• Lead small teams of engineers, technicians and/or scientists to conduct plutonium research within nuclear facilities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience developing, operating, or maintaining engineered systems such as pressure/vacuum systems, gas handling, or environmental chambers.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, control systems, and time-resolved measurements.
• Demonstrated experience with troubleshooting and improving engineering processes in an R&D or production environment.
• Experience producing engineering documentation such as test plans, system schematics, standard operating procedures, or technical analyses.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to contribute independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated record of successful documentation of technical work and the ability to express ideas clearly in oral and written formats.
• Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance (usually requires U.S. citizenship) and HRP certification.

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in the design, operation, and continuous improvement of complex engineering systems - preferably in nuclear or high-consequence environments.
• Experience leading engineering projects or small teams, including planning, delegation, and milestone delivery.
• A strong technical background in corrosion, materials characterization, or system engineering.
• Proven success in developing new engineering capabilities or programs, including authoring technical proposals, work packages, or procurement justifications.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff, contribute to team development, and foster collaboration between engineers, technicians, and scientists.

Education/Experience R&D Engineer 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience R&D Engineer 3: 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Active Q clearance and HRP.
• Experience coordinating with facility operations, safety analysts, or nuclear safety personnel to ensure compliance with DSA and other safety frameworks.
• Familiarity with LANL nuclear weapons programs and mission-related work.
• Demonstrated innovation in system modernization, test design, or capability development in a national lab or high-security environment.
• Hands-on experience working in nuclear facilities or with special nuclear materials, including glovebox operations.
• PhD preferred.

Note to Applicants: For full consideration, your application must include a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills, and a full curriculum vitae, including publications.

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.

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.

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.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

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.

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.

Apply

Read Full Description