Production Liaison Engineer (R&D Engineer 3)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 128,000 - 215,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking a qualified R&D Engineer 3 for onsite production activities in Los Alamos, NM. The role involves supporting multiple weapons programs and requires extensive knowledge in engineering principles related to nuclear weapons production.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's degree in engineering and possesses project management skills along with technical leadership abilities. Benefits include comprehensive medical plans, 401(k) matching, and flexible work schedules.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of engineering principles in material science.
• Experience with nuclear weapons production.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.

Responsibilities

• Support production activities for the B61, W76, W78, W88, and W93 weapons programs.
• Provide system engineering support for product definition.
• Lead projects and teams for technical solutions.

Skills

Weapons Engineering

Technical Leadership

Problem Solving

Communication and Teamwork

Education

Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

Document configuration management systems

Engineering authorization system

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only and will be filled at a R&D Engineer 3 level within the Weapon Systems Engineering (W) Production Liaison Group (W‑8). The group serves as the Design Agency representative to the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) production plants, ensuring that weapon production activities meet design requirements and intent. Members liaise daily with production agencies at LANL, Kansas City National Security Campus, Pantex Plant, and Y‑12 National Security Complex to oversee design, manufacture, qualification, and certification of products. The role also manages ALDW records stewardship, document configuration management (DCM), and engineering authorizations (EA) for site‑to‑site communications.

R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 – $215,900)

The successful candidate will support production activities for the B61, W76, W78, W88, and W93 weapons programs at the production agency. Responsibilities include assisting with hardware provisioning for local, joint, flight, and hydro tests; providing system engineering support for product definition; resolving nuclear weapon production and integrity issues; participating in site reviews; approving procedures and process changes; and acting as the technical interface between the production agency and LANL systems engineering and physics communities. The role also provides detailed knowledge on weapon component manufacturing methods, represents LANL at programmatic meetings, and participates in special projects as required by LANL management.

The position is located onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Weapons Engineering: Thorough knowledge of engineering principles in material science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related disciplines; ability to interpret mechanical drawings and specifications; functional knowledge of the B61, W76, W78, W88, and W93 weapons systems regarding production and operation; experience with nuclear weapons production, certification of special nuclear materials, and component manufacturing applicable to Los Alamos‑designed weapons; ability to meet schedules and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects across priorities.

Technical Leadership

Demonstrated ability to lead projects, assemble cross‑organization teams, establish project plans, assign tasks, and report progress; identify, address, and resolve technical problems; work independently with minimal supervision while functioning effectively as part of multidisciplinary teams; generate innovative solutions; meet schedules and deliverables within budget constraints.

Weapons Complex Experience

Experience interacting with all levels of NSE personnel, including internal and external customers, to provide solutions to complex problems; familiarity with Product Realization Teams (PRTs) during concurrent engineering, process development, prove‑in, engineering evaluation, qualification, and production phases; mentoring less experienced personnel and presenting results to management at all levels.

Problem Solving

Development and implementation of innovative process improvements that correct systemic production issues; proven record of building successful cross‑organizational teams to solve complex problems.

Communication and Teamwork

Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; effective independent worker and team member; experience mentoring early‑career engineers and technicians.

Education / Experience at R&D Engineer 3 level

Master’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution and six years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with the engineering authorization system, document configuration management systems (e.g., ThingWorx, Footprints, PDM Link), and stockpile maintenance applications.
• Experience interacting with one or more NSE production agencies.
• Experience with non‑destructive evaluation techniques and dimensional inspection methods.
• Fundamental understanding of the Defense Programs Business Process System (DPBPS).
• Derivative Classifier (DC) experience.
• Active Q clearance.

Work Location

The work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Work location may be at the discretion of management.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees must serve a continuous period in their current position to be eligible to apply for posted jobs. This position requires a one‑year commitment.

Note to Applicants

• For full consideration, submit a resume/CV and a detailed cover letter addressing all required and desired skills.
• Foreign/domestic travel is required for training and other activities at Los Alamos and at various production locations.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including 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.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a 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 the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to U.S. citizens. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance

Position requires a Q clearance. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the federal government and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. Q clearance requires U.S. citizenship, except in very limited circumstances.

New‑Employment Drug Test

Successful applicants must complete a new‑employment drug test. The Laboratory maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Positive drug tests for marijuana result in termination of employment, regardless of pre‑offer use.

Equal Opportunity

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, 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. The Laboratory is committed to making the workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call (505)‑664‑6947.