Test Lead (R&D Engineer 2/3)

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

Job summary

A leading lab in northern New Mexico is seeking a Test Lead (R&D Engineer 2/3) to manage and oversee system level testing. The role requires interaction across various disciplines, project management of test execution and leadership in developing testing strategies. Candidates with a strong engineering background in testing environments and experience in managing projects are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Qualifications

• Experience communicating effectively with customers.
• Experience designing experiments or projects leveraging principles of the scientific method.
• Experience authoring technical documentation and test reports.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for system level testing including project initiation and experimental design.
• Prepare schedule and budget estimates for scoping new work.
• Coordinate service provider efforts across the laboratory.

Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Job description

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What You Will Do

The Weapons Test Execution group (V-21) is responsible for system level testing that includes project initiation, experimental design and analysis, hardware design and analysis, and fabrication for small component level up to full scale integrated tests. Test activities will include collaborations with W- and Q-Divisions, the hydrodynamic test program, dynamic materials experimental programs, joint test operations with Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, and supporting experiments performed at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Projects vary widely from small weapon component and system level testing to experimental programs requiring containment/confinement system design and testing that is proven to contain detonation products and debris.

What You Will Do

The Weapons Test Execution group (V-21) is responsible for system level testing that includes project initiation, experimental design and analysis, hardware design and analysis, and fabrication for small component level up to full scale integrated tests. Test activities will include collaborations with W- and Q-Divisions, the hydrodynamic test program, dynamic materials experimental programs, joint test operations with Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, and supporting experiments performed at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Projects vary widely from small weapon component and system level testing to experimental programs requiring containment/confinement system design and testing that is proven to contain detonation products and debris.

More broadly, LANL is tasked with qualifying and certifying the efficacy of the systems and subsystems we design and maintain through testing. The nature of the testing spans a wide range of engineering disciplines to include explosives testing, thermal and mechanical environments testing, electrical testing, and flight testing. Typical tests require the support of many specialized service organizations, and the integration of all these services fall under the responsibility of a Test Lead, who is afforded the opportunity to participate during all phases of test execution.

The successful candidate will work in V-21 on the Autherntication of Engineering Requirements and Objectives (AERO) team as a test lead for development, qualification, or surveillance tests in support of LANL and other Nuclear Security Enterprise customers. Core roles in this position include preparation of schedule and budget estimates for scoping new work, authoring test requirements and plans, regularly interfacing with internal and external customers to update schedule and status, coordination of the efforts of service providers across the laboratory, assisting in test execution, and reporting at the completion of the test.

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate.

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

At the R&D Engineer 2 level, you will function in the test lead role in support of a development, qualification, or surveillance test for LANL systems groups of other nuclear security enterprise partners. You will interface regularly with your customer, plan and schedule work in support of the goals of the test, participate in the execution of the test, and prepare test evidence in the form of data packages and final reports.

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

In addition to what was outlined at the R&D 2 level, as a R&D Engineer 3, you will be required to provide technical leadership and mentorship to other test leads on the team and interface with customers to engage in strategic planning for future tests.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Communication Skills

• Experience communicating effectively with customers in one or more of the following (both oral and written format): schedule communication, project/program status updates, or spending/budget reports
• Ability to explain technical ideas, concepts, procedures, and requirements to employees of all experience levels.
  
  

Leadership Skills

• Experience designing experiments or projects leveraging principles of the scientific method.
• Demonstrated experience in test execution.
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience authoring technical documentation, test reports, and/or peer reviewed. publications.
• Ability to effectively manage and understand technical details over a large range of STEM fields.
  
  

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Direct experience in the test, qualification, product realization team (PRT) lead role or equivalent lead role at LANL or in the defense or manufacturing industry.
• Experience developing budget estimates, project and program schedules, and delivery of regular status, schedule, and/or budget reports to customers.
• Demonstrated ability to work largely independently and provide mentorship to staff newer to the test lead role.
  
  

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. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with LANL design agency quality (DAQ) policy documents.
• Experience working with or around hazardous materials including participation in the development or authorship of safety bases.
• Experience mentoring new and/or junior staff or students.
• Active Q clearance
• Experience reviewing/approving engineering drawings with focus on GD&T
  
  

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: 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.

Note to Applicants: 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.

Where Will You 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. 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)
  
  

Additional Details

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.
  
  

New-Employment Drug Test: 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.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: 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.

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 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 opt. 3.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Defense and Space Manufacturing and Research Services

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