Electrical Engineering Test Lead (R&D Engineer 2/3)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 104,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in national security seeks an R&D Engineer to lead electrical and electromagnetic tests. The role involves developing experimental requirements, overseeing design and execution, and requires strong communication and leadership skills. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and experience in multidisciplinary teams. This position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM, and offers competitive compensation based on experience level.

Qualifications

• 4 years of related experience for R&D Engineer 2.
• 6 years of relevant experience for R&D Engineer 3.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental requirements and objectives with program partners.
• Oversee experimental design, fabrication, and assembly.
• Conduct post-test analysis and reporting.

Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's in Engineering

Ph.D.

Job description

What You Will Do

The Weapons Test Execution Group (V-21) is responsible for delivering high-fidelity test articles to resolve critical weapon design questions. V-21 provides expertise to facilitate design, fabrication, assembly, and fielding of experiments for small components up to full-scale integrated tests. Test activities include collaborations with weapon sustainment and modernization programs, hydrodynamic test programs, subcritical experiments, and may include joint test operations with Sandia National Laboratory, Lockheed Martin Space, and others. Projects vary from small weapon component experiments to system-level testing to validate functional and engineering design performance requirements.

Experiments supported by V-21 span various engineering disciplines including explosives testing, thermal and mechanical environments testing, electrical testing, electromagnetic environments testing, and flight testing. Experiments require partnerships across many specialized organizations; coordinating these capabilities is a key responsibility of V-21.

The successful candidate will work on the Authentication of Engineering Requirements and Objectives (AERO) Team as an electrical or electromagnetic test lead, supporting development, qualification, or surveillance tests for LANL and other Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) customers. Principal responsibilities include:

1. Working with program partners to develop experimental requirements and objectives
2. Overseeing experimental design, fabrication, and assembly
3. Collaborating across the Laboratory to field and execute experiments
4. Post-test analysis, reporting, and hardware disposition
5. Preparing and overseeing test scope, schedule, and budget

Periodic travel to other NSE sites may be required based on experiment objectives.

This position is available at the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on candidate skills.

Position Levels and Compensation

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

Supports development, qualification, or surveillance tests, interfaces with program partners, plans and schedules work, participates in test execution, and prepares data packages and reports.

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

Includes all R&D 2 responsibilities plus provides technical leadership and mentorship, and engages in strategic planning for future tests and capabilities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Communication Skills: Ability to articulate technical ideas clearly, communicate status and issues effectively, and build collaborative networks.

Leadership Skills: Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, designing and fielding experiments, and authoring technical documentation.

Additional Requirements for R&D Engineer 3:

• Experience in test, qualification, or product realization leadership roles
• Experience in developing budgets, resource estimates, and schedules
• Ability to work independently and mentor others

Education/Experience:

Lower level: Bachelor’s in Engineering + 4 years of related experience or equivalent.

Higher level: Master’s in Engineering + 6 years of relevant experience; Ph.D. preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in electrical engineering experimentation
• Experience with hazardous materials
• Knowledge of LANL QA policies
• Mentoring experience
• Reviewing engineering drawings
• Active Q clearance

Work Location

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Management discretion applies.

Position Commitment

1-year position, with requirements for ongoing service to be eligible for other positions.

Note to Applicants

Federal restrictions apply for non-US citizens from certain countries regarding access to facilities supporting national security missions.