W93 Mechanical Engineer; R&D Engineer

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

As an R&D Engineer 2, you will play a pivotal leadership role in the Mechanical Qualification program. You will be responsible for managing the planning, execution, and reporting for a critical subset of tests and analyses within this portfolio. This will involve regular interfacing with internal LANL organizations to coordinate and accomplish these essential activities. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in external collaborations, leveraging your expertise to contribute to the broader success of this groundbreaking program.

Your ability to drive results through effective project management and cross‑functional partnerships will be instrumental in delivering the qualification evidence needed to advance this transformative new weapon system.

R&D Engineer 3 $128,000 - $215,900

As an R&D Engineer 3, you will take on an elevated leadership role within the Mechanical Qualification program. In addition to the core planning, execution, and reporting responsibilities of the R&D Engineer 2 level, you will interface regularly with a wide range of external partners. This will include collaborating with key stakeholders from organizations like the NNSA, U.S. Navy, Sandia National Labs, and Lockheed Martin to ensure seamless coordination and maximize the impact of your work.

You will also manage a larger portfolio of critical tests and analyses, leveraging your deep technical expertise to drive these efforts forward. Importantly, you will provide invaluable mentorship and guidance to junior staff supporting these mechanical qualification activities. Your ability to both execute at a high level and develop the next generation of talent will be instrumental in delivering this groundbreaking new weapon system.

• Engineering Knowledge:
  Demonstrated knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, practices, and procedures, as evidenced by experience researching, designing, testing,…