Engineer / Scientist 2 or 3 – W93 Polymer Components

Coastal International Security, Inc; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 115,718 - 119,851; Full time

Job summary

Coastal International Security, Inc is seeking an Engineer/Scientist 2 or 3 for the W93 program in Los Alamos, NM. This critical role involves leading the development and delivery of polymer components for a new nuclear weapon system, ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of national defense.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and possess at least 4 years of relevant experience. Candidates must be U.S. citizens able to obtain a Q Clearance, with a commitment to work 100% onsite.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related experience, preferably at a university or national lab.
• Significant knowledge in technical research and development disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of W93 polymer components.
• Manage requirements and oversee product delivery.
• Interface with internal LANL organizations and customers.

Skills

Technical R&D project management

Verbal communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of safe practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Job description

Engineer / Scientist 2 or 3 - W93 Polymer Components (DOE/LANL)

Location: Los Alamos, NM (Onsite) Salary: $84-$87/hr Schedule: 9/80s Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required Clearance: Active Q Clearance preferred; ability to obtain required

WHY THIS ROLE

This is a rare opportunity to be part of the first new U.S. nuclear weapon system program in over 30 years. As an Engineer/Scientist 2 or 3 on the W93/Mk7 program at Los Alamos National Laboratory, you will serve as a Product Realization Team (PRT) Lead responsible for developing and delivering the polymer components of the W93 - a submarine-launched ballistic missile warhead program supporting the U.S. Navy.

You will work alongside colleagues at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Lockheed Martin Space, Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), Pantex, Savannah River Site, and Y‑12, directly contributing to national security objectives that require safe, secure, and reliable nuclear deterrence.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead the planning, execution, and status reporting for product realization of the W93 polymer components
• Interface regularly with internal LANL organizations, external production agencies, and DoD/Navy SSP and DoE/NNSA customers
• Manage requirements and interfaces, coordinate testing, and oversee delivery of a producible, Mark Quality design and product
• Collaborate with other PRTs and the W93 Systems Engineering Director to coordinate LANL team efforts
• Work closely with production agency partners - KCNSC, Pantex, SRS, Y‑12, LANL, and SNL - throughout design, qualification, and realization
• Support design, qualification, certification, assembly/production, or surveillance activities as required
• Domestic travel required to support partner agency collaboration and program reviews

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Required - Engineer/Scientist 2

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university
• 4+ years of related experience, typically with research experience at a university, national lab, or equivalent
• Significant knowledge and experience in one or more technical research and development disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement technical R&D projects including hypothesis formulation, testing, and alternative solution evaluation
• Experience presenting results to technical audiences; strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to solve complex problems with multiple variables using new and unconventional methods when necessary
• Knowledge of appropriate safe practices for technical work

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with nuclear weapon system design and engineering, particularly U.S. Navy systems
• Background in nuclear weapon development, qualification, certification, assembly/production, or surveillance
• Science or engineering degree in a chemical, polymer, or materials-based field (e.g., chemistry, materials science and engineering)
• Demonstrated knowledge of chemical sciences and ability to evaluate scientific data from material experiments
• Understanding of material interactions, particularly polymer aging and compatibility
• Firm knowledge of GD&T and ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and interfaces
• Demonstrated understanding of requirements engineering - creating, validating, and verifying requirements
• Familiarity with DPBPS (Defense Programs Business Process System)
• Experience with product realization from conceptual designs through to qualified production
• Active Q Clearance or equivalent DoD clearance

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS - READ BEFORE APPLYING

• Must be a U.S. Citizen - required for Q Clearance eligibility, no exceptions
• Must be able to obtain a DOE Q Clearance - subject to federal background investigation
• Must have a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and 4+ years of relevant R&D experience
• Must be available 100% onsite in Los Alamos, NM - no hybrid or remote
• Must be willing and able to travel domestically to support partner agency collaboration