Mechanical Engineer (R&D Engineer 2) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Mechanical Engineer (R&D Engineer 2)

Where You Will DoWhat You Will Do

Q-6 is offering an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Detonation Science and Technology Group. The Group is seeking an early to mid-level R&D Optical/Mechanical Engineer to work closely with a diverse group of engineers, technologists and technicians on laser based initiation train designs, high explosive detonator testing, high energy laser fireset development, and experiment fielding activities in support of developing initiation systems for future stockpile applications. You will work in areas involving high consequences for safety that might be in the form of chemicals, high explosives, high-power lasers, and high-energy devices.

The successful candidate will work on the optical initiation program under the Future Systems Innovation and Development team on a multitude of projects supporting the development of a next generation laser based initiation system. You will be responsible for the development, design, testing, requirements development, component verification, and qualification of next generation laser initiation components and laser firesets. In this team you will gain experience in small and large scale experiment design and fielding, requirements development, verification methodologies, and initiation train design.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Engineering Knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge in mechanical or optical engineering or STEM scientific disciplines. Candidates must have the ability to read and interpret mechanical engineering design drawings. Knowledge of geometrical and physical optics, including optical propagation, diffraction, polarization, and laser and fiber-optic fundamentals. Experience with requirements document development, interpretation, and verification. Knowledge of and experience in designing, planning, and executing designs for fabrication and testing of products, and using statistical analysis techniques. Experience with computer aid design tools such as SolidWorks, CREO, or Autodesk. Experience with computer programming languages; experience with Matlab, C/C++ preferred. Knowledge of application of scientific methods and engineering discipline-relevant standards. Knowledge of and experience with simulation tools such as COMSOL or other relevant modeling software.

Communication and Teamwork

Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all levels of internal and external peers, customers, and stakeholders. Ability to effectively accomplish work without considerable direction; expect significant latitude in determining objectives of assignments, and determine the methods and procedures needed for new assignments

Education/Experience: 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.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with quality assurance standards such as NQA-1, NAP-401.A, or DOE Order 414.D
  • Knowledge and experience with execution of the NNSA Phase X Process and Defense Programs Business Process System (DPBPS) requirements
  • Experience designing experiments to characterize optical components and systems, interpreting results, and quantifying measurement uncertainty
  • Experience with optical alignment, beam characterization, fiber coupling, optical metrology, and optomechanical interfaces
  • Experience with requirements development and component to system integration
  • Coursework, experience, or demonstrable knowledge of shock, detonation, or explosive-initiation physics
  • Know-how to develop design of experiments for material and component studies; execute and interpret the results of such
  • Proficiency with PTC CREO parametric modeling software or other CAD programs
  • Knowledge of GD&T standards and practices
  • Experience with python, MATLAB, C, or other coding/modeling software
  • Ability to lead and execute test series in support of component validation/verification efforts
  • Demonstrated experience in secure work environment or working with sensitive or classified information
  • Active Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship

Essential Job Functions: (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
  • Ability to speak
  • Reading vision

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 2 years.

Note to Applicants:
  • For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses the key requirements of this position.


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. 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. 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.