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. As the nation’s premier plutonium center of excellence, LANL leads efforts in safeguarding the U.S. nuclear stockpile while advancing research across national security, space exploration, renewable energy, supercomputing, medicine, and nanotechnology. The Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP) and Pit Technologies (PT) Division deliver plutonium pit-related products and services of the highest quality to support national security and global stability. We are seeking an R&D Engineer 3/4 to join the PT-5 Product Engineering Group. In this role, you will provide engineering support across the full lifecycle, ensuring high-quality manufacturing, configuration management, and technical execution of plutonium programs. This position will be filled at either level 3 or level 4, depending on the selected candidate’s experience. This is a regular, onsite role in Los Alamos, NM, with salary ranges 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, analysis, verification, and validation of engineering solutions
- Apply advanced engineering principles to solve complex or ambiguous technical problems and develop innovative concepts, methods, and technologies
- Influence project strategy and technical direction; lead technical decisions at the task or project level
- Develop and execute project plans (scope, schedule, deliverables) and produce technical reports, presentations, and publications
- Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, participate in external working groups, and mentor junior engineers and staff
Additional Responsibilities for R&D Engineer 4:
- Serve as a recognized technical expert, leading large-scale, high-impact engineering projects and programs
- Set technical direction, approve approaches for complex challenges, and influence division and institutional strategy
- Drive development of advanced technologies and capabilities while leading major project planning (scope, schedule, budget)
- Manage complex, high-risk projects across multiple teams and represent the Laboratory in external collaborations
- Lead peer reviews, mentor technical staff across the division, and develop major proposals and new program opportunities
Qualifications
R&D Engineer 3:
- Master’s degree in engineering and 6+ years of related experience (or equivalent); PhD desired
- Advanced knowledge of engineering principles with experience leading R&D efforts in design, analysis, and testing
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems, influence decisions, mentor staff, and deliver high-quality results
- Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills, including presenting technical work to stakeholders
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
R&D Engineer 4:
- Master’s degree in engineering and 12+ years of related experience (or equivalent); PhD preferred
- Advanced or specialized expertise with proven leadership of large, complex programs or high-risk projects
- Demonstrated influence on organizational strategy, external representation, and major technical contributions or innovations
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in manufacturing or production environments with defined processes, testing, and quality requirements
- Knowledge of materials science, metallurgy, materials characterization, and selection/design
- Experience with qualification testing, modeling, data analysis, and rigorous engineering or conduct of operations processes
- Familiarity with non-destructive evaluation (e.g., radiography), microscopy/image analysis, electrochemistry, and chemical analysis
- Background in computational modeling, computer programming, and reliability/maintainability certification
- Project management experience (scope, schedule, budget) and interdisciplinary collaboration across technical teams
- Active DOE Q clearance or similar
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.
(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.
