R&D Engineer 1/2

NCSL International; Los Alamos, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM is hiring an R&D Engineer 1/2 to apply engineering principles to improve manufacturing processes and producibility across materials and environments.

The role is onsite in Los Alamos, with responsibilities including analysis, design for manufacturability, tooling evaluation, and supporting training initiatives. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering and 2+ years of related experience; level determined by candidate's experience.

Qualifications

• Formal engineering degree with relevant manufacturing exposure.
• Strong fundamentals in engineering and GD&T.
• Familiarity with CAD tools and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to analyze problems and drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles to analyze problems and support improvements.
• Design components for manufacturability, production, or process development.
• Evaluate new tools, technologies, and processes to enhance capability.
• Support development and delivery of technical training related to manufacturing.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

GD&T understanding

Communication

Problem solving

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

NX

CATIA

Inventor

Job description

R&D Engineer 1/2

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. As the nation’s premier plutonium center of excellence, LANL leads efforts in safeguarding the U.S. nuclear stockpile while advancing science across national security, space exploration, renewable energy, supercomputing, and more. The SPM-SI Stockpile Integration organization at Los Alamos National Laboratory supports manufacturing innovation, production readiness, and mission-critical manufacturing capabilities. We are seeking an R&D Engineer 1/2 to join the SPM-SI organization focused on advancing manufacturing processes, improving producibility, and ensuring readiness to meet programmatic needs. In this role, you will apply fundamental engineering and manufacturing principles to evaluate, develop, and improve manufacturing processes across a variety of materials and production environments. This position will be filled at either level 1 or level 2, depending on the selected candidate’s experience. This is a regular, onsite role in Los Alamos, NM, with salary ranges as follows:

• R&D Engineer 1: $96,600–$158,000
• R&D Engineer 2: $106,400–$176,000

Responsibilities for R&D Engineer 1:

• Apply engineering principles to analyze problems, identify solutions, and support process improvements
• Design components for manufacturability, production, or process development
• Assist in evaluating new tools, technologies, equipment, or processes to enhance manufacturing capability
• Support the development, coordination, or delivery of technical training related to manufacturing, engineering processes, or workforce development

Additional Responsibilities for R&D Engineer 2:

• Evaluate, select, and implement new manufacturing technologies, equipment, and process capabilities
• Develop and/or deliver technical training programs in manufacturing-related disciplines (e.g., metrology, GD&T, CMM programming)
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff
• Lead defined tasks or small projects, including planning, execution, and coordination across stakeholders

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Expertise

• Working knowledge of engineering fundamentals and their application within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Familiarity with a range of manufacturing processes or systems (e.g., machining, fabrication, assembly, additive manufacturing, or related areas).
• Ability to apply engineering principles to analyze problems, identify solutions, and support process improvements.
• Familiarity with interpreting engineering drawings and technical requirements, including basic understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with engineering tools such as CAD software (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, Inventor) or similar design/analysis platforms.

Manufacturing & Process Support

• Understanding of design for manufacturability, production, or process development concepts.
• Ability to support the development, evaluation, or improvement of manufacturing processes, systems, or workflows.
• Exposure to manufacturing operations, inspection methods, or production environments is desirable.
• Ability to assist in evaluating new tools, technologies, equipment, or processes to enhance manufacturing capability.

Training & Capability Development

• Ability to support the development, coordination, or delivery of technical training related to manufacturing, engineering processes, or workforce development.
• Ability to collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), vendors, and internal stakeholders to identify and address capability gaps.

Problem Solving & Execution

• Ability to support troubleshooting and resolution of manufacturing or engineering challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to manage assigned tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Communication & Teamwork

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to a range of audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment across engineering, production, and quality organizations.
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and commitment to organizational goals.

Education/Experience at Level 1

Position requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation.

Note: Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.

Level 2 In addition to the requirements outlined at Level 1

• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing process development, implementation, and optimization.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T and its application to manufacturing and inspection.
• Experience with metrology systems and/or CMM programming, operation, or oversight.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating, selecting, and implementing new manufacturing technologies, equipment, and process capabilities.
• Experience developing and/or delivering technical training programs in manufacturing-related disciplines (e.g., metrology, GD&T, CMM programming).
• Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Demonstrated ability to lead defined tasks or small projects, including planning, execution, and coordination across stakeholders.

Education/Experience at Level 2

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.

We Are Delivering Scientific Excellence

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution dedicated to solving the nation’s most critical national security challenges through science, technology, and innovation. As a cornerstone of the U.S. nuclear security enterprise and the nation’s premier plutonium center of excellence, LANL ensures the safety, reliability, and performance of the nuclear stockpile.

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 [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.