W93 Mechanical Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 106,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k) with matching contributions

Tuition assistance and training

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Research and Development Engineer 2/3 to join the Mechanical Qualification team for the W93 System Development and Realization Group (Q‑20) in Los Alamos, NM. You will plan and execute tests and analyses to support design qualification of a new warhead system, coordinating with national labs and defense partners.

The role spans entry to higher-level responsibilities, with opportunities to lead multidisciplinary teams and contribute to critical defense

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, practices, and procedures.
• Experience researching, designing, testing, analyzing, verifying, and validating engineering solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support the execution of tests and analyses for the W93 design and qualification.
• Collaborate with the Mechanical Qualification Lead and Q‑20 system engineers throughout the qualification lifecycle.
• Interface with external and internal stakeholders (DoD, NNSA, labs) to gather qualification evidence.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Engineering design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Job description

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level. Join the Mechanical Qualification team in the W93 System Development and Realization Group (Q‑20) as a Research and Development Engineer 2/3. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate closely with the Mechanical Qualification Lead to plan and execute a comprehensive suite of tests and analyses. Your work will provide the critical evidence needed to support the development and ultimate qualification of this groundbreaking new weapon system. This is an unparalleled opportunity to be part of the first new weapon system program in over 30 years. The W93/Mk7 Systems Development and Realization Group (Q‑20) is responsible for defining, developing, and fielding the warhead system for the Navy's newest sub‑launched ballistic missile program.

As the Mechanical Engineer, you will be a key partner to the Mechanical Qualification Lead, working in close concert with the Q‑20 system engineers, product realization teams, and other qualification domain experts. Your responsibilities will span the full lifecycle of the mechanical qualification program. Early on, you will support the execution of tests and analyses focused on understanding how the initial W93 design performs against the stringent requirements for both the tactical War Reserve system and the surveillance bodies known as Joint Test Assemblies. Later in the program, you will play a central role in collecting the critical qualification evidence. You will interface directly with stakeholders, including representatives from the NNSA, U.S. Navy, Sandia National Laboratories, and Lockheed Martin Space. Additionally, you will work closely with the test and analysis teams at Sandia National Laboratories and Lockheed Martin Space, contributing to the qualification of the re‑entry system and ensuring the W93 warhead delivers safe, secure, and reliable performance to maintain a robust nuclear deterrent.

R&D Engineer 2

$106,400 – $176,000

R&D Engineer 3

$128,000 – $215,900

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, practices, and procedures, as evidenced by experience researching, designing, testing, analyzing, verifying, and validating engineering solutions.
• Engineering Design: Demonstrated knowledge and experience in planning and executing tests or analyses for a system, subsystem or component to meet the data needs of multiple stakeholders.

Additional Job Requirements For R&D Engineer 3

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and influence diverse, multi‑talented R&D teams consisting of scientists, engineers, technicians, and operations personnel. This includes a proven track record of successfully mentoring early career staff.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated experience in developing and leading cross‑organizational teams to solve complex problems.
• Engineering Design: Thorough knowledge and hands‑on experience in developing and implementing technical requirements, specifications, plans, reports, and procedures related to structural dynamic testing and associated signal processing.
• Networking: Demonstrated success in interacting and integrating effectively with external and internal interfaces (including DoD, NNSA, and other agencies), building trust, gaining consensus, and resolving conflicts while nurturing relationships.
• Program Management: Excellent project management skills, as evidenced by experience overseeing and completing highly complex, high‑profile projects on schedule and within budget.

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

• Nuclear Weapon Lifecycle Experience: Experience in the design, development, qualification, certification, assembly/production, or surveillance of nuclear weapons, preferrable U.S. Navy systems.
• Requirements Engineering Proficiency: Knowledgeable in requirement derivation, traceability, and verification processes.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, as evidenced by recognition of presentations and publications.
• Educational Qualification: Mechanical Engineering degree.
• Security Clearance: Active Q Clearance, equivalent DoD clearance, or the ability to obtain an Active Q Clearance.

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

• Domestic travel will be required

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 You Will Work

• 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.

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.