Blast Hardware Design Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)

This position is open for external candidates only to apply. What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 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.

The DARHT Experiments and Radiographic Science (J-4) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a qualified candidate to join the Blast Hardware Engineering, Assembly, and Metrology (BEAM) team as a blast hardware design engineer. The BEAM team is responsible for blast hardware design, optical hydrotest assembly, and precision optical metrology.

The successful candidate will work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment that includes scientists, engineers, mathematicians, technicians, IT professionals, drafters, and collaborators from diverse backgrounds. They will use CREO to design and model components and tooling for optical hydrodynamic tests. The candidate will be responsible for having blast hardware components fabricated and inspected, along with participating/overseeing during the assembly of the blast hardware. He/she will also participate in multidisciplinary design reviews. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, or a related technical field. Familiarity with weapons design or integrated weapons experiments is highly desirable. The culture of J Division emphasizes mutual trust, interdependent teaming, and shared success. It values innovation, creative problem-solving, and operational excellence. The division is committed to delivering the highest quality technical data to meet the needs of its mission partners, making this an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about impactful science and national service.

R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000) The selected candidate will:

• Engage in hands-on mechanical design and fabrication support.
• Contribute to the development of blast hardware designs and required assembly tooling.
• Present blast hardware concepts and designs at high level design reviews.
• Work toward becoming a blast hardware subject matter expert.

R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 - $215,900) In addition to the duties outlined above, the candidate selected will:

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering design and assembly build efforts.
• Perform job functions independently.
• Document assembly procedures and the results of hardware builds.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in blast hardware design.
• Represent LANL in internal and external technical collaborations.

Blasting, Technical/Engineering Design, Hardware Design, Research & Development (R&D), Computer Engineering, Metrology, Hardware Design, Radiography, Computer Engineering, Technical/Engineering Design, Professional-level background, education, and experience in engineering, demonstrated through academic qualifications and successful project and program execution. Demonstrated strong understanding of research and development practices, with proven ability to investigate alternative solutions and recommend effective approaches to complex technical challenges impacting R&D activities, projects, or initiatives.

Nuclear Weapon Systems Knowledge Demonstrated knowledge of nuclear weapons systems, including their design and function. Working knowledge of hydrodynamic testing principles, processes, and experimental objectives, including the integration of diagnostic systems and test hardware.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Experience Demonstrated experience developing mechanical designs using computer-aided design (CAD) tools and established engineering work processes, preferably using Creo Parametric. Experience creating and modifying three-dimensional models, assemblies, components, and detailed engineering drawings. Ability to develop complete and accurate drawing packages that communicate design intent, dimensions, tolerances, materials, and fabrication requirements. Demonstrated ability to work with engineers, designers, machinists, and technicians to review designs, resolve manufacturability or integration issues, and incorporate changes as necessary.

Communication Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with all levels of personnel, stakeholders, and customers.

Collaboration Demonstrated ability to collaborate and interact effectively with a wide range of personnel; exhibit professional conduct in interactions with co-workers and supervisors; and work both independently and in a team environment. Demonstrated experience leading technical projects.

Clearance Ability to obtain Q clearance as well as Sigma 15, which typically requires US citizenship., Professional-level background, education, and experience in engineering, demonstrated through academic qualifications and successful project and program execution. Demonstrated knowledge of research and development practices, with proven ability to investigate alternative solutions and recommend effective approaches to complex technical challenges impacting R&D activities, projects, or initiatives.

Technical Leadership Demonstrated technical leadership developing innovative advanced methods, techniques, and approaches to address specialized problems; planning, directing, and executing technical projects; leading technical decision-making within a project; and making technically sound decisions and/or recommendations that influence technical projects.

Collaboration Demonstrated ability to collaborate and interact effectively with a wide range of personnel; exhibit professional conduct in interactions with co-workers and supervisors; and work both independently and in a team environment. Demonstrated experience leading large, programmatic projects involving multiple organizations.

Mentoring Demonstrated ability to share knowledge and develop the skills of junior staff.

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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability and willingness to check drawings.
• Experience applying and interpreting ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
• Experience with Finite Element Method (FEM) Analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of machining operations.
• Ability to perform hands on assembly work.
• Experience with basic inspection and metrology tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers).
• Demonstrated ability for self-directed work, planning, and prioritization.
• Demonstrated ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of Vacuum Systems.
• Knowledge of fiber optic systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Active Q clearance.

Work Schedule: This position is full time, on-site. 5/8s or 9/80 work schedule.

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., *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.

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

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.