Blast Hardware Design Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)
Los Alamos National Laboratory
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM seeks a blast hardware design engineer to join the BEAM team (J-4) within DARHT. The role is filled at R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level based on candidate skills, focusing on mechanical design, fabrication support, and design reviews.
The ideal candidate has Creo CAD experience and a strong engineering background, with collaboration across disciplines and potential for mentoring.
Qualifications
- Professional-level background in engineering with demonstrated project execution.
- Experience with CAD and drawing packages for fabrication and assembly.
- Ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders and teams.
Responsibilities
- Engage in hands-on design, fabrication support, and tooling development.
- Lead or contribute to design reviews for blast hardware builds.
- Document assembly procedures and test results.
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians as needed.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Minimum Job Requirements:
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.
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:
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
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 large, programmatic projects involving multiple organizations.
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.
- 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.
This position is full time, on-site. 5/8s or 9/80 work schedule.
The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
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 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.
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