What You Will Do
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
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.
We are looking for a highly motivated engineer to join the Electrical Functional Qualification effort for the W93/Mk7 warhead - the Navy's newest sub-launched ballistic missile system. The role will be hired at the R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 3 level, depending on the candidate's experience and demonstrated expertise. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate closely with the W93 Electrical Functional Qualification Lead and the W93 Qualification, Test, and Evaluation (QTE) Director within the W93 System Development & Realization Group (Q-20) to plan and execute a comprehensive suite of electrical functional 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.
As an Electrical Functional Qualification Engineer, you will work in close concert with the QTE Director, Q-20 system engineers, product realization teams, and other qualification domain experts. Your responsibilities will span the full life cycle of the electrical functional qualification program. Early on, you will support the execution of component, sub-system, and system electrical functional tests and analyses focused on understanding how the initial W93 design performs against the stringent requirements for both the strategic War Reserve system and the surveillance bodies known as Joint Test Assemblies. Later in the program, you will play a central role in collecting 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.
You will also support the development of the Electrical Environmental Specification (ES), helping shape the electrical environment requirements that underpin the program, and contribute to the electrical domain aspects of the Certification Plan (CQ), which defines the testing and analysis strategy needed to achieve full requirement validation, verification, and design qualification for both the War Reserve and Joint Test Assembly configurations of the W93/Mk7.
R&D Engineer 2 $106,400- $176,000
As an R&D Engineer 2, you will play a pivotal role in the Electrical Functional Qualification program. You will be responsible for managing the planning, execution, and reporting for a critical subset of electrical functional tests and analyses within the portfolio. This will involve regular coordination with internal LANL organizations to accomplish these essential activities, including requirement derivation, traceability, and verification processes. 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 technical execution will be instrumental in delivering the qualification evidence needed to advance this 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 Electrical Functional 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 such as the NNSA, U.S. Navy, Sandia National Laboratories, and Lockheed Martin Space to ensure seamless coordination and integration. You will also manage a larger portfolio of critical electrical functional tests and analyses, leveraging your deep technical expertise and advanced knowledge of interconnected system, sub-system, and component electrical testing to drive these efforts forward. Importantly, you will provide invaluable mentorship and guidance to junior staff supporting these electrical functional qualification activities. Your ability to execute at a high level while developing the next generation of talent will be instrumental in delivering this groundbreaking new weapon system.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
R&D Engineer 2
Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of electrical 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 electrical functional tests or analyses for a system, subsystem, or component to meet the data needs of multiple stakeholders.
R&D Engineer 3
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Engineering Test and Evaluation: Extensive experience in electrical design certification, qualification, and complex test/analysis efforts for systems, subsystems, and components. Skilled in requirement derivation, traceability, and verification to validate robust design and performance.
Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop diverse R&D teams consisting of scientists, engineers, technicians, and operations personnel. This includes a proven track record of successfully mentoring and coaching early-career staff to build technical capabilities and professional growth.
Cross-Organizational Collaboration & Communication: Demonstrated experience in building and working effectively across organizational boundaries to solve complex problems. Proven ability to communicate technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including presenting to senior management and external stakeholders (DoD, NNSA, and partner agencies). Skilled at building trust, gaining consensus, and resolving conflicts while nurturing productive 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 (Phase 6.X or Phase X processes), preferably U.S. Navy systems.
Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Expertise: Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes and tools for tracing requirements.
Exceptional Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, as evidenced by recognition of presentations and publications.
Educational Qualification: Electrical 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:
For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume and cover letter reflective of your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired skills stated above.
Domestic travel will be required
This position will be required to work onsite and will have access to the 5/40 or 9/80 schedules.
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 (https://int.lanl.gov/org/ddops/oma/prime-contract-management/applicable-directives/_assets/docs/DOE-O-206.2-Chg-2-LtdChg-Identity,-Credential,-and-Access-Management-ICAM-1.pdf) . 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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-border-a-chg1-ltdchg/@@images/file) 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
