W93 Flight Qualification Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

W93 Flight Qualification Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

R&D Engineer 2

  • Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, practices, and procedures, as evidenced by experience researching, designing, testing, analyzing, verifying, and validating engineering solutions.
  • Engineering Design: Demonstrated knowledge and experience in planning and executing tests or analyses for a system, subsystem, or component to meet the data needs of multiple stakeholders.


Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

  • Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and influence diverse, multi-talented R&D teams consisting of scientists, engineers, technicians, and operations personnel. This includes a proven track record of successfully mentoring early-career staff.
  • Collaboration: Demonstrated experience in developing and leading cross-organizational teams to solve complex problems.
  • Engineering Design: Thorough knowledge and hands-on experience in developing and implementing technical requirements, specifications, plans, reports, and procedures related to structural dynamic testing and associated signal processing.
  • Networking: Demonstrated success in interacting and integrating effectively with internal and external stakeholders (including DoD, NNSA, and other agencies), building trust, gaining consensus, and resolving conflicts while nurturing relationships. Program Management: Excellent project management skills, as evidenced by experience overseeing and completing highly complex, high-profile projects on schedule and within budget.


Education/Experience at lower level: 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 at higher level: 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:

  • Nuclear Weapon Lifecycle Experience: Experience in the design, development, qualification, certification, assembly/production, or surveillance of nuclear weapons, preferrable U.S. Navy systems.
  • Requirements Engineering Proficiency: Knowledgeable in requirement derivation, traceability, and verification processes.
  • Exceptional Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, as evidenced by recognition of presentations and publications.
  • Flight Testing: Experience in designing, analyzing, and testing flight systems to satisfy safety requirements and satisfy the data collection needs (on-board and off-board data).
  • Educational Qualification: Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree.
  • Security Clearance: Active Q Clearance, equivalent DoD 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, please submit a comprehensive resume and cover letter reflective of your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired skills stated above.
  • Domestic travel will be required


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 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.