Description
R&D Engineer 3/4
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. LANL is the nation’s premier center for nuclear security science and engineering, advancing capabilities across the nuclear stockpile mission while also driving innovation in space exploration, geophysics, renewable energy, supercomputing, medicine, and nanotechnology. The Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP) leads critical efforts to ensure the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. Within ALDWP, the Pit Technologies (PT) Division provides plutonium pit-related products and services of exceptional quality and value in support of national security and global stability. We are seeking an R&D Engineer 3/4 to join the PT-5/Plutonium Product Engineering organization. In this role, you will support advanced engineering efforts across plutonium programs including pit production, surveillance, research and development, and subcritical experiments. You will contribute to design, analysis, testing, verification, and validation activities while helping ensure configuration control and engineering rigor across the product lifecycle. This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 3 or R&D Engineer 4 level, depending on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications. Additional responsibilities will be assigned at the higher level. This is a regular, onsite role in Los Alamos, NM, with a salary range as follows:
- R&D Engineer 3: $128,000 – $215,900
- R&D Engineer 4: $153,600 – $266,500
Responsibilities for R&D Engineer 3:
- Lead research, design, testing, and validation of engineering solutions; applying advanced principles to solve complex or ambiguous technical problems and develop innovative concepts and approaches
- Drive project-level technical direction, including planning, decision-making, and delivery of reports, presentations, and documentation
- Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, external working groups, and mentor junior engineers and technical staff
Additional Responsibilities for R&D Engineer 4:
- Serve as a recognized technical authority, setting direction and approving engineering approaches for large-scale, complex, high-impact programs and projects
- Influence division and institutional strategies, lead major planning efforts including scope, schedule, and budget, and manage high-risk, multi-team engineering efforts across organizations
- Represent LANL in external collaborations, lead cross-organizational peer reviews, and drive development of major proposals and new program opportunities
- Mentor senior technical staff and provide division-level engineering leadership
Qualifications
R&D Engineer 3:
- Master's degree in engineering and 6+ years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Advanced knowledge of engineering principles, practices, and methodologies applied across complex R&D environments
- Experience leading or supporting engineering projects spanning design, analysis, testing, and validation
- Ability to solve complex and ambiguous technical problems using structured engineering approaches
- Demonstrated technical leadership including directing engineering tasks, influencing technical decisions, and mentoring junior staff
- Strong analytical skills with experience designing experiments, interpreting complex technical data, and delivering high-quality engineering deliverables
- Effective written and verbal communicator with experience presenting technical results to engineering teams and leadership, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in high-consequence environments
Additional Qualifications for R&D Engineer 4:
- Master's degree in engineering or related field and 12+ years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Advanced expertise in one or more engineering disciplines, or deep technical specialization
- Proven experience leading large, complex, or high-risk engineering programs
- Demonstrated ability to influence organizational technical direction and strategy
- Experience representing technical organizations in external engagements
- Strong record of technical contributions, innovation, or leadership impact
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in manufacturing or production engineering environments
- Knowledge of materials science, metallurgy, or related fields
- Experience with qualification testing, modeling, or analysis
- Familiarity with conduct of operations and rigorous engineering processes
- Project management experience including scope, schedule, and budget
- Active DOE Q clearance or ability to obtain and maintain clearance
We Are Delivering Scientific Excellence
Los Alamos National Laboratory is more than a place to work. It is a catalyst for discovery, innovation, and achievement. It’s one of the reasons we attract world-class talent who contribute greatly to our outstanding culture. Professional development and work/life balance foster lasting career satisfaction. Our onsite cafeterias and medical, fitness, and wellness facilities, education assistance, and generous compensation and benefits reflect our commitment to supporting our employees’ personal and professional growth. Northern New Mexico offers abundant outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and year-round adventure.
Apply Now: https://lanl.jobs/search/jobdetails/rd-engineer-34/7ac8b316-a903-4a7f-aa11-5ea81b3c7c90
(IRC143527)
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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
