Blast Hardware Design Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)

Los Alamos National Security LLC

Los Alamos (NM)

On-site

USD 128,000 - 176,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with matching

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking a qualified R&D Engineer to design blast hardware and oversee manufacturing and metrology activities in the BEAM team at LANL. The role requires hands-on mechanical design using Creo Parametric, collaboration across disciplines, and the ability to obtain Q clearance and Sigma 15.

The position is available at R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level with duties expanding at the higher level.

Qualifications

Professional-level background in engineering with project execution experience.
Knowledge of nuclear weapons systems and hydrodynamic testing.
Experience with CAD tools and Creo Parametric.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

Engage in hands-on mechanical design and fabrication support.
Lead blast hardware design and assembly tooling development.
Present concepts at high-level design reviews and mentor others.
Represent the team in internal and external collaborations.

Skills

Creo CAD

Blast hardware design

Mechanical design

Nuclear weapon systems knowledge

Technical leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Creo Parametric

3D modeling

Job description

What You Will Do

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.

The DARHT Experiments and Radiographic Science (J-4) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a qualified candidate to join the Blast Hardware Engineering, Assembly, and Metrology (BEAM) team as a blast hardware design engineer. The BEAM team is responsible for blast hardware design, optical hydrotest assembly, and precision optical metrology.

The successful candidate will work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment that includes scientists, engineers, mathematicians, technicians, IT professionals, drafters, and collaborators from diverse backgrounds. They will use CREO to design and model components and tooling for optical hydrodynamic tests. The candidate will be responsible for having blast hardware components fabricated and inspected, along with participating/overseeing during the assembly of the blast hardware. He/she will also participate in multidisciplinary design reviews. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, or a related technical field. Familiarity with weapons design or integrated weapons experiments is highly desirable.

The culture of J Division emphasizes mutual trust, interdependent teaming, and shared success. It values innovation, creative problem-solving, and operational excellence. The division is committed to delivering the highest quality technical data to meet the needs of its mission partners, making this an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about impactful science and national service.

R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)

The selected candidate will:

Engage in hands-on mechanical design and fabrication support.
Contribute to the development of blast hardware designs and required assembly tooling.
Present blast hardware concepts and designs at high level design reviews.
Work toward becoming a blast hardware subject matter expert.

R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 - $215,900)

In addition to the duties outlined above, the candidate selected will:

Lead multidisciplinary engineering design and assembly build efforts.
Perform job functions independently.
Document assembly procedures and the results of hardware builds.
Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
Serve as a subject matter expert in blast hardware design.
Represent LANL in internal and external technical collaborations.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Experience

Professional-level background, education, and experience in engineering, demonstrated through academic qualifications and successful project and program execution. Demonstrated strong understanding of research and development practices, with proven ability to investigate alternative solutions and recommend effective approaches to complex technical challenges impacting R&D activities, projects, or initiatives.

Nuclear Weapon Systems Knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge of nuclear weapons systems, including their design and function. Working knowledge of hydrodynamic testing principles, processes, and experimental objectives, including the integration of diagnostic systems and test hardware.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Experience

Demonstrated experience developing mechanical designs using computer-aided design (CAD) tools and established engineering work processes, preferably using Creo Parametric. Experience creating and modifying three-dimensional models, assemblies, components, and detailed engineering drawings. Ability to develop complete and accurate drawing packages that communicate design intent, dimensions, tolerances, materials, and fabrication requirements. Demonstrated ability to work with engineers, designers, machinists, and technicians to review designs, resolve manufacturability or integration issues, and incorporate changes as necessary.

Communication

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with all levels of personnel, stakeholders, and customers.

Collaboration

Demonstrated ability to collaborate and interact effectively with a wide range of personnel; exhibit professional conduct in interactions with co-workers and supervisors; and work both independently and in a team environment. Demonstrated experience leading technical projects.

Clearance

Ability to obtain Q clearance as well as Sigma 15, which typically requires US citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3

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

Technical Expertise

Professional-level background, education, and experience in engineering, demonstrated through academic qualifications and successful project and program execution. Demonstrated knowledge of research and development practices, with proven ability to investigate alternative solutions and recommend effective approaches to complex technical challenges impacting R&D activities, projects, or initiatives.

Technical Leadership

Demonstrated technical leadership developing innovative advanced methods, techniques, and approaches to address specialized problems; planning, directing, and executing technical projects; leading technical decision-making within a project; and making technically sound decisions and/or recommendations that influence technical projects.

Collaboration

Mentoring

Demonstrated ability to share knowledge and develop the skills of junior staff.

Education/Experience at lower level

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 at higher 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.

Desired Qualifications

Ability and willingness to check drawings.
Experience applying and interpreting ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
Experience with Finite Element Method (FEM) Analysis techniques.
Knowledge of machining operations.
Ability to perform hands on assembly work.
Experience with basic inspection and metrology tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers).
Demonstrated ability for self-directed work, planning, and prioritization.
Demonstrated ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
Knowledge of Vacuum Systems.
Knowledge of fiber optic systems.
Strong mechanical aptitude.
Active Q clearance.

Work Schedule

This position is full time, on-site. 5/8s or 9/80 work schedule.

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.

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: