Continuous Improvement (Quality Engineer 2/3)

What You Will Do

Do you want to be part of an energetic, high performing team; working on challenges and deliverables that ensure national security? Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research and production institution with the brightest minds in the world and unparalleled technology and equipment. As a member of Production Agency Quality, you will ensure all products in the Weapons Production Directorate meet or exceed defined quality requirements through identification and analysis of applicable metrics as well as the application of continuous improvement tools and techniques.

Quality Engineer 2 ($92,300-$151,000)

You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of and experience in designing, planning, and executing problem solving and process improvement projects. You should have basic knowledge using A3, 8D, FMEA, VSM, Process Mapping tools. You will be expected to work with members from various process teams in a collaborative manner to collect and analyze data and recommend changes to processes based on the results of the analyses, define post-implementation monitoring and benefits, and help implement the changes. You will champion change and might make presentations to upper management at various points. Ability to work in a team environment is a must as you will be expected to work with various process teams whose members would have varied levels of experience and expertise with the subject matter. Prior knowledge/certification in lean manufacturing principles, statistical quality control techniques, and Six Sigma methodologies are highly desirable.

Quality Engineer 3 ($101,700-$168,200)

In addition to what was outlined at the Quality Engineer 2 level, you might apply and interpret, on a broad basis, techniques, methods, and tools to provide solutions for an extensive and diverse range of complex and/or ambiguous problems where analysis of situations or date requires in-depth evaluation of variable factors such as process certification activities to include control charting techniques,, design of experiments, or gage R&R for example. Develops innovative advanced concepts, theories, methods, techniques and approaches to address specialized problems. May contribute to the development of processing procedures. Develop new technical capabilities and create opportunities to extend continuous improvement and preventative action techniques through the expansion of existing methodologies. Leads technical decision-making at task level within a project. Makes decisions and/or recommendations that influence the achievement of key programmatic objectives. May attain additional certifications, qualifications, and/or recognition to grow in field.

What You Need

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge

Quality Policies: Knowledge of and/or experience with quality related regulations, policies, and procedures.Knowledge of the weapons quality requirements: DOE/NNSA weapons quality policy (NAP-401.1A), nuclear weapons complex technical business practices (DPBPS), NNSA development and production manual, and of weapons manufacturing, production, design operations and practices as well as other weapons systems.

Communication: Demonstrated experience in interpersonal and communication skills as evidenced by successful interaction with various levels of staff, management, stakeholders, and/or customers.

Quality Assurance: Working knowledge of and/or experience with QE / Quality Assurance (QA) activities including, but not necessarily limited to, system and/or performance audits, recommending and implementing corrective actions, providing thorough and accurate documentation of technical and/or statistical reports, and ensuring QE compliance.

Quality Knowledge: Working knowledge and ability to develop and administer management information systems and to audit quality systems for adequate compliance to requirements. Ability to analyze and evaluate data using statistical software. Knowledge and application of lean manufacturing techniques and Six Sigma methodologies.

Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos, NM. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.

In addition to the above, the Quality Engineer 3 must have the following:

Quality Assurance: Ability to work with minimal direction to accomplish general programmatic objectives. Proven record of success leading cross-functional teams in continuous improvement activities. Advanced understanding/ability with Quality/Production control processes. Advanced knowledge of weapons manufacturing, weapons systems, or similar DOE programs. Mentoring lower-level analysts/engineers. The Quality Engineer 2 might lead and coordinate activities of other production personnel.

Education/Experience for Level 2: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, QE/Quality Assurance (QA), or Industrial Systems Engineering or a related field and 5 year of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience for Level 3: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, QE or Industrial Systems Engineering or a related field and 8 year of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications
  • Active DOE Q Clearance
  • Six Sigma methodologies and tools
  • Lean Manufacturing methodologies and tools
  • Statistical analysis software such as Minitab
  • Experience with Excel and Access
  • Root Cause Analysis training such as Blue Dragon

Work Environment:

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.

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. 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 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.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.