R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

Join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and the world.

This role works in a team environment within LANL's nuclear facility to manufacture products in support of Nuclear Deterrence. The majority of daily work is "hands‑on" glove box work in the purification and generation of actinide oxides and metals involving Pu239/242, or Am241, or U235 and the processing of residues for eventual disposal to WIPP. Chemical and material processes at Los Alamos National Lab are performed using detailed operating procedures that utilizes extensive knowledge and expertise in following good Conduct of Operations, nuclear criticality safety, material control and accountability, radiological safety and environmental compliance requirements.

In this role you will use the principles and theories of chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering to solve technical problems in support of engineering for pit manufacturing and surveillance in the Strategic Materials and Directed Stockpile Work programs  successful candidate will support engineering and projects in the development of tooling and equipment for various projects in our development and production areas.

Typical processes that are performed include: tooling design and prototyping, reverse engineering, and process development assistance. Responsibilities will entail equipment installation and production support for these processes. The successful candidate will work closely with other LANL design, tooling, prototype, and fabrication personnel to ensure that these products are compatible for use in a Category 2 nuclear facility. All documentation that is developed will meet nuclear conduct of operations requirements and meet the quality requirements of our diverse customer base.

The successful candidate will be expected to work independently; work as part of a team; and contribute to continuous process improvements to meet customer requirements.

You will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Serve as a contributing member of an MR&R process to address engineering challenges.
• Contribute to the research, design, testing, analysis, verification, and validation of engineering and technology solutions in support of R&D and operations initiatives.
• Develop new methods, technologies, and analysis techniques for institutional programs and process improvements for existing operations.
• Ensure programmatic objectives through engineering support to successfully complete milestones.
• Independently present specific aspects of engineering assignments at project meetings to coworkers and management personnel.
• Adapt to evolving R&D requirements while meeting safety, security, compliance, and schedule imperatives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary groups throughout the laboratory.
• Participate in professional development and mentorship opportunities to enhance your engineering career.

You will perform the following duties and responsibilities in addition to what was outlined at the lower level:

• Lead the research, design, and testing of engineering and technology solutions in support of R&D initiatives.
• Apply broad and diversified knowledge of engineering principles to implement sound engineering practices to achieve organizational objectives.
• Develop and review technical procedures to ensure work is executed safely and securely while meeting product requirements.
• Mentor junior process engineers.

• Basic knowledge of professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, and procedures; demonstrated through experience researching, designing, testing, analyzing, verifying, and validating engineering solutions.
• Basic analytical thinking skills, as demonstrated by experience designing and executing experiments, including analyzing and interpreting data. This includes a commitment to high quality and timeliness of deliverables.
• Experience performing a broad range of…