Los Alamos National Laboratory

What You Will Do

Do you want to be part of an energetic, high performing team; working on challenges and deliverables that ensure national security? Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution with the brightest minds in the world and unparalleled technology and equipment. Production Agency Quality (PAQ) ensures that all products in the Weapons Production Directorate meet or exceed all quality requirements.

As an R&D Engineer (Quality) 1 you will support the Weapons Production Directorate Production Agency Quality (PAQ-1) group by ensuring quality assurance results, materials, processes and final products meet quality requirements and are completed according to established processes. Utilizes a graded approach to quality including the application of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) principles based on risk to the product by following well-defined policies. Applies problem-solving methods to support the development and qualification of capable measurement methods and manufacturing processes. Supports the development of process control methods to identify failure modes, track trends, recommend improvements, and monitor process capability. Supports the development of weapons quality systems and production processes. Solid experience in an engineering discipline and the ability to act as an individual contributor is required.

In addition to the above duties, the R&D Engineer (Quality) 2 will be responsible for applying quality engineering principles to a broad set of QA and QC activities within one or more engineering disciplines to support an effective implementation of the quality management system. Broad professional expertise in an engineering discipline and the ability to act as an independently functioning skilled engineer is required.

Job Duties:

• Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Assures safety and security compliance, maintains required safety and security training, and makes safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security.
• Develops a technical approach, using judgment within defined practices and procedures, and makes technical decisions, including making preliminary selections and adaptations of technical alternatives, for assigned work.
• Contributes to the completion of milestones associated with specific projects. May directly contribute to the achievement of programmatic objectives.
• Understand and adhere to Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and governance specific to QA.
• Ensure that QA results, materials, processes, and final products meet quality specifications and are completed according to established requirements.
• Coordinate the preparation of QA procedures for review, approval, and issues in accordance with approved Laboratory procedures.
• Write or review technical and performance specifications, quality levels, sampling plans, and inspection plans or procedures.
• Takes responsibility for understanding tasks and own contributions to deliverables. Sets direction and goals for assigned tasks and manages his/her own assignments.
• Coordinate, prepare and review QA inspection reports, certificates of compliance and conformance, and related test reports to determine validity.
• Coordinate, review and report on selected engineering and procurement documents to assure the inclusion of applicable quality requirements.
• Fosters a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

In addition to performing the job duties for R&D Engineer 1, the R&D Engineer 2 will perform the following:

• Applies and interprets, on a broad basis, existing engineering and scientific principles, techniques, methods and tools to provide solutions for a wide assortment of complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of causal relationships which are difficult to establish.
• Develops a technical approach and new methods or techniques, using creativity in applying standard practices and procedures, which lead to new or improved capabilities.
• Sets direction and goals for well-defined tasks involving more than one person. Scopes tasks within a project and defines deliverables at task level. Leads specific project tasks to meet scope, schedule and budget.
• Provides peer review of the work of others across organizations or disciplines.
• Developing mentoring skills to mentor junior staff and peers in technical and professional growth.
• Maintains state-of-the-art technical expertise and knowledge within discipline and develops new skills in related disciplines. Attains additional certifications and/or qualifications to grow in field, which may include more advanced educational degrees.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

R&D Engineer 1 - ($94,500 - $154,600)

• Collaboration, Teaming & Communication: Demonstrated ability to accomplish technical tasks while working independently, as well as in a team environment, and ability to interact effectively with all levels of personnel to build trust, gain consensus, and resolve conflicts. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Technical: Experience conducting troubleshooting, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions on problems affecting product quality using processes such as root cause analysis. Provide thorough and accurate documentation of technical and/or statistical reports and ensure quality assurance compliance.
• Engineering: Knowledge of and experience in an engineering discipline.
• Quality Standards: Knowledge and understanding of national consensus standards of quality assurance, quality regulations, policies, and procedures as well as industry standards including, but not limited at, IPC, ASME, AS9100, ISO, ANSI, NQA-1, and/or NAP 401.1A, etc. Knowledge-creating processes and procedures for use by internal or external personnel.

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

In addition to having advanced knowledge of the R&D Engineer 1 requirements, the R&D Engineer 2 must have the following:

• Quality Assurance: Working knowledge of and/or experience with weapons quality related regulations, policies, and procedures including NAP-401.1A, nuclear weapons complex technical business practices, and weapons manufacturing, production, design operations and practices as well as other weapons systems. Working knowledge and experience with nuclear and/or DOE QA programs of less than 3 years.
• Engineering: Working knowledge to understand and interpret various physical, mechanical, and electrical documents, blueprints, drawings, and schematics. Demonstrated experience and skill in conducting research, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions on problems affecting quality.

Desired Qualifications:

• Inspection Design: Ability to understand and interpret various physical, mechanical, and electrical documents, blueprints, drawings and schematics; familiarity with ASME Y14.5M standard, mechanical inspection, machining tolerances, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and assembly processes.
• Metrology: Knowledge of metrology and statistical methods to help diagnose and correct improper quality control practices.
• Certification: Nationally recognized quality engineering related certification such as American Society of Quality's Certified Quality Engineer, Reliability Engineer, or equivalent.

Education Requirements:

R&D Engineer 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation.

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.

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:

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 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.

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.

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