Los Alamos National Laboratory

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 3 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1) is seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated, results-oriented R&D Engineer 2 or 3. You would join a cross-functional and goal-oriented group of peers dedicated to the group's primary mission of developing and deploying nondestructive technologies and concepts in support of domestic and international nuclear safeguards and security. The group accomplishes this mission by fostering a work environment that encourages creative problem solving, teamwork, and passion for the mission while allowing flexibility in the work assignment.

Our group has a history of advanced and exciting R&D in nuclear material measurement physics and custom instrumentation development, mechanical and electrical engineering design, prototype fabrication, training and education, and opportunities for growth in the field. The laboratory encompasses unprecedented wealth of knowledge and expertise in a tremendous breadth of scientific and engineering disciplines.

We are seeking qualified individuals to work on the mechanical design team. You will be responsible for all aspects associated with developing SolidWorks CAD models, complex assemblies, and fabrication drawings to support the group's safeguards and security mission. Specifically, you will collaborate with the machine shop and electronics shop and outside vendors to design, refine, and produce mechanical assemblies that integrate electronics and custom components into neutron detector systems. Your role will ensure that designs are manufacturable, precise, and reliable in operational settings.

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

At the R&D Engineer 2 level, the candidate will be expected to contribute to assigned mechanical design activities in support of safeguards and security projects. This may include assisting in the development and implementation of on-going or new technical efforts, contributing to the completion of deliverables and milestones, and participation in the development of publications and presentations. The candidate will be expected to give presentations at discipline-specific meetings and may participate in professional societies and program-specific interactions.

R&D Engineer 3 $125,500 - $211,300

In addition to what is outlined for the R&D Engineer 2 position, the R&D Engineer 3 level candidate is expected to lead technical discussions, develop new methods, techniques or approaches to address critical mechanical design problems, and lead specific project tasks to meet scope, schedule, and budget. The candidate will be expected to work on teams to develop proposals and provide mentoring to junior staff.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical R&D Experience:

Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting collaborative R&D in the following areas:

• Expertise with SolidWorks CAD and demonstrated experience designing complex assemblies with hundreds/thousands of parts.
• Ability to produce formal fabrication drawings that follow industry standards.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles.
• Experience collaborating with machinists and engineers to ensure manufacturability and reliability.
• Familiarity with tolerances, materials, and precision mechanical design.

Communication and Teaming:

• Excellent writing and communication skills, as evidenced by publications and the cover letter.
• Experience in working effectively both independently and in a team.
• Ability to communicate, define, and delegate technical tasks to other team and staff members and engage with our clients and collaborators.

Work Environment:

• Demonstrated record of fostering a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
• Demonstrate the ability to resolve conflict in a positive way, give and receive feedback effectively, and always show kindness and respect towards others.
• Primary work location will be in an office setting.

Additional Job Requirements for the R&D Engineer 3:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Demonstrated experience in leading project tasks to completion.
• Experience developing new methods or approaches to complex mechanical design challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff and contribute to proposal development.

Education/Experience for the 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 for the 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. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience interfacing with machine shop personnel or hands-on knowledge of machining processes.
• Experience with detector systems, scientific instrumentation, or precision mechanical design.
• Knowledge or experience with standard nuclear measurements instrumentation including performing radiation measurements and experiments.
• Experience working in the safeguards and security field.
• Demonstrated experience in transitioning R&D prototype electronics from a laboratory setting to an operational facility and/or to transferring technology from prototype design to commercial companies.
• Experience in working in an operating nuclear facility.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.
• Willingness for work assignment to include domestic and international travel.
• Certified Solidworks Professional/Expert preferred.
• 3D design and drawing portfolio of current and past projects.
• Experience working with outside vendors.

Additional Desired Qualification for the R&D Engineer 3

• Advanced knowledge of radiation and detector physics.
• Participation in professional societies and external working groups in the safeguards and security field.

NOTE: In addition to the resume or CV, you must include a cover letter addressing each of the minimum job requirements and desired skills.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 or 2 years.

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.

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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 1-505-664-6947 option 3.

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