W88 Systems Engineer (R&D Engineer 3/4)
- Req. Number: IRC143011
- Organization : W-4/W88 Systems Engineering
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Recruiter Name: Robinson, Loren
- Recruiter Email: lrob@lanl.gov
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 3 or R&D Engineer 4 level, depending on skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
What You Will Do
As an R&D Engineer in the W88 Systems Engineering Group, you will provide senior level systems engineering across the weapon life cycle in support of a safe, reliable, and strategically credible nuclear deterrent. You will own complex technical and programmatic scope and contribute directly to delivering mission outcomes on demanding schedules where engineering decisions carry real consequence.
You will work closely with engineers, scientists, program managers, and external partners across the Nuclear Weapons Complex. This role requires sound engineering judgment, comfort operating in ambiguity, and the ability to integrate technical, programmatic, and risk considerations into clear decisions and recommendations, often with incomplete information and competing priorities.
As a senior engineer, you will help shape how the group executes its mission. You will strengthen technical rigor, support the development of other engineers, and improve engineering processes so the organization can execute complex work more effectively and predictably. You will be trusted to recognize when discipline is required, when adaptation is necessary, and when decisions must be made.
R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 - $215,900)
Lead and support W88 system studies and analyses across the weapon life cycle, with responsibility for system integration, technical coherence, and risk informed decision making. Manage and maintain product definition and technical specifications to ensure accuracy, traceability, and alignment with program intent.
Oversee activities supporting the W88 annual assessment, including surveillance data review and evaluation of anomalous findings. Participate in Product Realization Teams leading efforts across the NSE. Apply independent engineering judgment and coordinate with subject matter experts to develop technically sound conclusions that withstand scrutiny at multiple organizational levels.
R&D Engineer 4 ($153,600 - $266,500)
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualifications at the higher level require you to work with program and line management to develop and execute strategic plans that strengthen engineering capability, execution discipline, and long term stewardship for the group. Identify gaps, propose improvements, and help drive changes that improve how engineering work is planned and delivered.
Serve as a technical mentor to early and mid career engineers, providing guidance through example, review, and decision making. Represent the group or program in interactions with external organizations and senior stakeholders as needed.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
System Engineering/Operational Experience: Demonstrated experience in systems engineering or operational environments is required. This includes direct experience in one or more of the following areas:
Organization & Timeliness: Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent efforts with competing priorities while meeting schedules and commitments.
Communication: Clear and effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment and to collaborate with internal and external partners. Experience navigating and resolving technical or programmatic disagreements in a constructive manner.
Independence and Judgement: Ability to work with nominal supervision, exercise sound engineering judgment, and contribute effectively as both an independent contributor and a team member.
Education/Experience:
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.
R&D Engineer 4: Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 12 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
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 resume/CV and detailed cover letter addressing all required and desired skills outlined above. (Please save cover letter with job number and name).
A frequent amount of travel may be required due to programmatic complexity and frequent interactions with various National Security Enterprise (NSE) PAs, NNSA and United States Navy customers.
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.
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 3 or R&D Engineer 4 level, depending on skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
What You Will Do
As an R&D Engineer in the W88 Systems Engineering Group, you will provide senior level systems engineering across the weapon life cycle in support of a safe, reliable, and strategically credible nuclear deterrent. You will own complex technical and programmatic scope and contribute directly to delivering mission outcomes on demanding schedules where engineering decisions carry real consequence.
You will work closely with engineers, scientists, program managers, and external partners across the Nuclear Weapons Complex. This role requires sound engineering judgment, comfort operating in ambiguity, and the ability to integrate technical, programmatic, and risk considerations into clear decisions and recommendations, often with incomplete information and competing priorities.
As a senior engineer, you will help shape how the group executes its mission. You will strengthen technical rigor, support the development of other engineers, and improve engineering processes so the organization can execute complex work more effectively and predictably. You will be trusted to recognize when discipline is required, when adaptation is necessary, and when decisions must be made.
R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 - $215,900)
Lead and support W88 system studies and analyses across the weapon life cycle, with responsibility for system integration, technical coherence, and risk informed decision making. Manage and maintain product definition and technical specifications to ensure accuracy, traceability, and alignment with program intent.
Oversee activities supporting the W88 annual assessment, including surveillance data review and evaluation of anomalous findings. Participate in Product Realization Teams leading efforts across the NSE. Apply independent engineering judgment and coordinate with subject matter experts to develop technically sound conclusions that withstand scrutiny at multiple organizational levels.
R&D Engineer 4 ($153,600 - $266,500)
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualifications at the higher level require you to work with program and line management to develop and execute strategic plans that strengthen engineering capability, execution discipline, and long term stewardship for the group. Identify gaps, propose improvements, and help drive changes that improve how engineering work is planned and delivered.
Serve as a technical mentor to early and mid career engineers, providing guidance through example, review, and decision making. Represent the group or program in interactions with external organizations and senior stakeholders as needed.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
System Engineering/Operational Experience: Demonstrated experience in systems engineering or operational environments is required. This includes direct experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Component development, fabrication, or production
- Developing system and component level requirements and ensuring adherence to those requirements
- Component or system level surveillance activities
- Use of engineering authorization and document management systems
- Project or technical leadership with clearly defined deliverables and milestones
Organization & Timeliness: Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent efforts with competing priorities while meeting schedules and commitments.
Communication: Clear and effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment and to collaborate with internal and external partners. Experience navigating and resolving technical or programmatic disagreements in a constructive manner.
Independence and Judgement: Ability to work with nominal supervision, exercise sound engineering judgment, and contribute effectively as both an independent contributor and a team member.
Education/Experience:
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.
R&D Engineer 4: Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 12 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with nuclear weapon design, system integration, or product realization
- Experience with assembly practices, modeling tools, or engineering analysis methods
- An advanced degree in engineering or a closely related scientific field
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering design drawings using sound analytical judgment
- Demonstrated experience interacting with customers and external stakeholders
- Experience presenting technical information to senior level management and decision makers
- Project management training or experience planning and executing complex technical work within defined scope, schedule, and budget
- Active Q Clearance or the ability to obtain an Active Q 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.
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 resume/CV and detailed cover letter addressing all required and desired skills outlined above. (Please save cover letter with job number and name).
A frequent amount of travel may be required due to programmatic complexity and frequent interactions with various National Security Enterprise (NSE) PAs, NNSA and United States Navy customers.
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.
