R&D Engineer 1/2
- Req. Number: IRC135430
- Organization : AMPP-5/PS Production
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Recruiter Name: Coulter, Joseph Patrick
- Recruiter Email: jcoulter@lanl.gov
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 at LANL. The 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.
The Actinide Materials Processing and Power Division (AMPP) consists of four groups and the division office. All groups work in a team environment within LANL's nuclear facility to process materials and manufacture products in support of Nuclear Deterrence.
AMPP-5 is the Power Supply Production group. We work for space and defense programs to process Pu-238 to make heat sources for instruments or generators that need long lasting and reliable power. Our group consists of three teams: the aqueous team which purifies fuel and processes waste for disposition, the fuel fabrication team which processes and manipulates powder fuels, and the welding team which encapsulates fuel into various containment vessels. Each team plays a vital role in the organization's overarching mission to support space exploration and national defense through Pu-238 science.
The majority of daily production tasks in AMPP is "hands-on" glove box work. Chemical and material processes at Los Alamos National Laboratory 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.
This position is for a Process Engineering role on the Fuel Fabrication team which is specifically tasked with the intricate process of shaping and refining materials into their final form. Our team uses high-temperature furnaces for the fabrication process and hydraulic presses for shaping materials under extreme pressure. This enables the creation of heat sources that meet stringent quality and performance standards, ensuring they can withstand the demands of applications requiring long-lasting power.
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 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.
R&D Engineer 1 ($90,000-$147,100)
You will perform the following duties and responsibilities:
R&D Engineer 2 ($99,200-$164,100)
You will perform the following duties and responsibilities in addition to what was outlined at the lower level:
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 2:
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience.
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
DOE Order 426.2: Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in science or engineering or related science, 2 years of job-related experience and 1 year of nuclear experience.
Desired Qualifications:
Note to Applicants:
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.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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, 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.
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 at LANL. The 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.
The Actinide Materials Processing and Power Division (AMPP) consists of four groups and the division office. All groups work in a team environment within LANL's nuclear facility to process materials and manufacture products in support of Nuclear Deterrence.
AMPP-5 is the Power Supply Production group. We work for space and defense programs to process Pu-238 to make heat sources for instruments or generators that need long lasting and reliable power. Our group consists of three teams: the aqueous team which purifies fuel and processes waste for disposition, the fuel fabrication team which processes and manipulates powder fuels, and the welding team which encapsulates fuel into various containment vessels. Each team plays a vital role in the organization's overarching mission to support space exploration and national defense through Pu-238 science.
The majority of daily production tasks in AMPP is "hands-on" glove box work. Chemical and material processes at Los Alamos National Laboratory 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.
This position is for a Process Engineering role on the Fuel Fabrication team which is specifically tasked with the intricate process of shaping and refining materials into their final form. Our team uses high-temperature furnaces for the fabrication process and hydraulic presses for shaping materials under extreme pressure. This enables the creation of heat sources that meet stringent quality and performance standards, ensuring they can withstand the demands of applications requiring long-lasting power.
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 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.
R&D Engineer 1 ($90,000-$147,100)
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.
R&D Engineer 2 ($99,200-$164,100)
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.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- 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 complex engineering work, including experience designing a complete project, system, or component through courses or experience.
- The ability to work independently and with a team in high-intensity environments with coworkers representing a variety of technical backgrounds and the ability to express ideas clearly, and in ways that build understanding, respect, and trust, as demonstrated through presentations and publications.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 2:
- In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
- Thorough knowledge of and experience in one or more of the following engineering disciplines: mechanical; materials science; chemical; metallurgical or other R&D engineering fields.
- Thorough knowledge of and experience in designing; planning; and executing research and development projects.
- Excellent written communication skills are required.
- The ability to recognize technical problems, analysis, and testing to generate suitable solutions and effectively document and communicate results.
- Will be asked to take on leadership roles and mentor other process engineers.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience.
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
DOE Order 426.2: Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in science or engineering or related science, 2 years of job-related experience and 1 year of nuclear experience.
Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated knowledge or experience working in a manufacturing or production organization requiring implementation of defined manufacturing, testing, and quality requirements.
- Knowledge and experience with system and subsystem qualification testing and/or analysis.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Conduct of Operations.
- Willingness to take initiative on new tasks or projects
- Design to manufacturing experience
- Technical writing consisting of project proposals, technical research, and summary presentations.
- Active HRP certification.
- Active DOE Q clearance.
Note to Applicants:
- For full consideration, submit a comprehensive resume reflective of your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired skills stated above.
- Evaluation of applications will commence immediately.
- This is a reoccurring job ad that does not have a date it will close.
- While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for the selected candidates to grown into the full salary band over time.
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.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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, 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.
