Procurement Engineer (R&D Engineer 3)

What You Will Do

The Maintenance Procurement Engineering Team under the Supply Chain Logistics-1 (SCL-1) Group is seeking an energetic and customer-focused Procurement Engineer to lead and supervise the Procurement Engineering segments in support of Facility and/or Production Maintenance efforts at TA-55 and surrounding areas. The selected candidate will assist the first-line manager in supervising and training a dynamic workforce that performs a wide range of activities including participation in project walk-downs, performing technical evaluations for obsolete parts, extracting data from engineering drawings and specifications, presenting in ITP meetings, interacting with warehouse personnel, managing pre-procurement inventory tools and other related activities aimed at providing efficient and professional support to its many customers.

Individuals working in this position will be interacting with multiple organizations to ensure implementation and compliance with Conduct of Engineering, Conduct of Maintenance, Conduct of Operations, Quality and Safety Management Programs for their area.

Successful candidates will perform the following duties and responsibilities:
  • Lead and supervise the R&D Procurement Engineering team, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback.
  • Spearhead the development of processes and procedures, desktop instructions, and training materials for team members and the customers the team serves.
  • Oversee the team's comprehensive support for the procurement and strategic inventory management of essential and critical spare parts, ensuring timely availability and cost-effectiveness in support of Facility and/or Production maintenance efforts.
  • Understand LANL procurement processes and ensure materials and equipment are procured in compliance with all relevant procurement policies, regulations, and quality standards.
  • Occasionally serve as acting First-Line Manager (FLM), to include attendance at management meetings, development and support of reporting for management and customers, and leading team meetings and training sessions.
  • Identify inefficient processes, develop continuous improvement mitigation strategies and implement through standardized processes. Apply principles and lessons learned to maintenance activities.
  • Assist with personnel management to include forecasting staffing needs for the team based on material needs from each customer, participate in employee hiring and onboarding, and assist with oversight on work prescribed in performance action plans.
  • Develop new technical capabilities and create opportunities to extend R&D engineering through the expansion of existing efforts.
  • Assist in building cohesive, high-performing teams, direct daily work activities to meet deliverables, and supervise the execution of work in alignment with the organization's goals and objectives.
  • As a working lead, an R&D Engineer 3 may need to perform the job duties and responsibilities of an R&D Engineer 1 or 2. Collaborate with multidisciplinary groups throughout the Laboratory.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Proficiency with engineering principles and basic technical responsibilities, including design and systems technology.
  • Proficiency with applying complex, integrated, and overlapping requirements for nuclear, manufacturing, and/or production facilities, to include but not limited to weapon quality and nuclear safety.
  • Experienced in building and leading training programs for technical staff.
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative to provide succinct communication and guidance.
  • Prior experience in materials management.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve problems and perform effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
  • Familiarity with construction disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, fire protection, sheet metal, and carpentry.

Computing/Business Systems

Highly proficient in business systems and software, including advanced experience with Inventory Control and Material Tracking systems (e.g., CBOM). Skilled in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and adept at leveraging AI tools to enhance daily tasks and efficiency.

Customer Service

Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise support and guidance while consistently maintaining composure and professionalism, even during challenging or escalating interactions. Proven experience interacting professionally with all levels of personnel, including external interfaces and executive management.

Communication
Record of effective written and oral communication skills as evidenced by internal and/or external interactions, seminars, briefings, presentations, or publications. Ability to communicate findings and make recommendations.

Organizational Skills

Possess exceptional attention to detail and excellent organizational, analytical, observational, and problem-solving skills, consistently demonstrating high accuracy. Proven ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and thrive in a dynamic, cohesive, and fast-paced team environment.

Leadership

Ability to successfully plan, organize, lead and monitor team efforts. Fosters a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment. Proven ability to provide continuous feedback to further develop staff and ensure proper team and individual recognition and appreciation. Demonstrated ability to proactively assist others in achieving organizational objectives.

Education/Experience

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:
  • Experience preparing and reviewing technical information, developing metrics and presentations.
  • Experience with business operations to include financial, human resources, procurement and other related activities and experience providing customer service.
  • Experience purchasing material in a nuclear facility and/or high-regulated environment.
  • Knowledge of and experience with the Associate Lab Director for Weapons Production (ALDWP) programs including technical and operational disciplines.
  • Experience working in the CBOM database and Asset Suite to include running reports.
  • Active DOE Q Clearance
  • Current LANL HRP participant
  • Knowledge of relevant Laboratory procedures, standards and guides.
  • Awareness of industry, regulatory, or DOE/NNSA complex codes, standards, and criteria pertinent to the engineering discipline.

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, submit a comprehensive resume reflective of your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired skills stated above.

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.

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.

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 opt. 3.