R&D Engineer 2/3 | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

R&D Engineer 2/3

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 3, depending on the skills of the selected candidate(s). Additional job responsibilities, outlined below, will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Operational Safety & Compliance Programs group (PSS-2) within the Weapons Production Directorate is seeking a highly organized, self-motivated, and innovative engineer with a strong desire to learn. The selected candidate will support PSS-2's mission to reduce operational and programmatic risk across Weapons Production missions by applying scientific and engineering principles to analyze metrics and data related to the proper processing, storage, control, disposition, and distribution of special nuclear materials. The team manages a large volume of current and historical information, models complex problems involving multiple organizations and sites, and interacts with groups across the laboratory and the DOE/NNSA responsible for special nuclear materials.

Job Duties for an R&D Engineer 2:

  • Lead business and technical process improvements to meet customer needs and team deliverables.
  • Develop and document in-depth process knowledge of organizations across the laboratory to support predictive modeling efforts.
  • Define, formalize, and maintain technical and business processes through policies, standards, and procedures.
  • Interface and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as external establishments.
  • Analyze and develop predictive models from historical and current nuclear material data.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in working with SQL relational and transactional databases to support data analysis and modeling.
  • Collaborate with technical leadership while also operating with a high degree of independence in executing project objectives.
  • Mentor Nuclear Material Specialists in information collection, data management, analysis, and trending.


Job Duties for an R&D Engineer 3: In addition to the duties listed for R&D Engineer 2, candidates at R&D Engineer 3 will...

  • Lead and oversee complex business and technical process improvements to meet customer needs and team deliverables.
  • Develop, integrate, and maintain in-depth process knowledge of organizations to drive advanced predictive modeling and risk-informed decision-making.
  • Establish, formalize, and maintain technical and business processes, including development of policies, standards, and procedures.
  • Serve as a key interface with senior leadership, stakeholders, and external establishments.
  • Lead the development, validation, and implementation of advanced predictive models using historical and current nuclear material data.
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge working with SQL relational and transactional databases, to support data analysis and modeling.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Nuclear Material Specialists, including oversight of data management, analysis, and trending.


Salary Range:

  • R&D Engineer 2: $106,400 to $176,000
  • R&D Engineer 3: $128,000 to $215,900


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 selected candidates to grow into the full salary band over time.

#shiftwork

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements: For full consideration, please provide a comprehensive resume, which outlines how you meet the minimum and desired skills noted above. A cover letter is not required but is strongly recommended.

  • Education/Experience for an R&D Engineer 2: 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.
  • Education/Experience for an R&D Engineer 3: 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.


R&D Engineer 2:

  • Engineering Knowledge:
    • Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, chemical, nuclear, industrial, or materials science engineering.
  • Process Improvement:
    • Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in designing, planning, and executing technical process improvement projects.
  • Computer Skills:
    • Demonstrated advanced proficiency with business computing software such as MS Excel (and other MS Office), MS Visio, MS Teams, Databases, etc.
  • Programming:
    • Intermediate knowledge of programming concepts such as logic statements, basic algorithms, programming languages, and/or script writing.
  • Technical Communication:
    • Experience presenting briefings to stakeholders and conveying data to peers and/or management.
    • Proficient at writing technical procedures with attention to detail.
  • Innovation & Problem Solving:
    • Proven ability to recognize and assess technical problems, develop technical options, generate suitable solutions, and effectively document and communicate results.
  • Data Analysis, Modeling, and Reporting:
    • Demonstrated experience with data analytics - planning, trending, reporting, querying, form utilization and development, data visualization, etc.
    • Proficient in conveying data to varied audiences.
  • Teaming:
    • Demonstrated experience collaborating and contributing to successful teams to solve complex problems.
  • Communication and Customer Interaction:
    • Strong customer service experience, supported by strong oral and written communication skills.


R&D Engineer 3: In addition to the requirements for an R&D Engineer 2, candidates at R&D Engineer 3 will need...

  • Engineering Knowledge:
    • Advanced knowledge of, and extensive experience in, chemical, nuclear, industrial, or materials science engineering.
  • Process Improvement:
    • Demonstrated experience leading the design, planning, and implementation of complex technical process improvements with broad organizational impact.
  • Computer Skills:
    • Advanced proficiency with business and technical computing tools (e.g., MS Excel, Visio, Teams, databases).
  • Programming:
    • Advanced knowledge of programming concepts, including development of algorithms, scripts, or applications to support data analysis, modeling, or automation.
  • Technical Communication:
    • Extensive experience presenting complex technical information to senior leadership and stakeholders, and producing high-quality technical documentation, reports, and procedures.
  • Innovation & Problem Solving:
    • Proven ability to independently lead the identification, analysis, and resolution of complex technical problems, including development of innovative solutions and influencing implementation.
  • Data Analysis, Modeling, and Reporting:
    • Advanced experience in data analytics, including development and validation of predictive models, complex querying, data visualization, and translating results into actionable insights for diverse audiences.
  • Teaming & Leadership:
    • Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams or major project tasks, mentoring peers, and driving collaboration to solve complex technical challenges.
  • Communication and Customer Interaction:
    • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to influence decisions, build partnerships, and effectively interact with senior internal and external stakeholders.


Desired Qualifications:

  • Nuclear Materials Experience:
    • Experience or familiarity with nuclear materials management or nuclear materials control and accountability (e.g., material storage, control, shipping, or disposition) in accordance with the relevant DOE Orders.
  • Relational Database Skills:
    • Direct experience with relational databases, transactional databases, and/or SQL Server programming.
  • An active Q-level clearance.


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.

Work Schedule: This position may/will require 24/7 coverage, which could/will involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for the shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

Note to Applicants: 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.

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 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.