Detonation Science & Technology Engineer (R&D Engineer 3) - Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM
About the Job
What You Will Do
The Detonation Science and Technology Group (Q-6) serves the Laboratory and the Nation providing the knowledge base and component design responsibilities for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other critical national security areas. The Group's capabilities include design engineering for nuclear weapon detonators and detonator cable assemblies, design, fabrication, qualification, and installation of test fire control systems, pulse power engineering, advanced detonator design and testing, and applied problem solving. Additional capabilities include expertise in the detonation science and physics of detonator energetic materials, and engineering responsibility for the cradle to grave care of the detonators and detonator cable assemblies used by Los Alamos National Laboratory. Q-6 is also responsible for engineering, fabricating, or acquiring precision high explosives detonators for a diverse R&D customer base to meet present and future national security needs in a safe, secure, and efficient manner.
Q-6 is offering an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Detonation Science and Technology Group. The Group is seeking an enthusiastic and driven individual who can bring skills in design or scientific operations or project management and/or experimentation. The successful candidate must be capable of working independently on complex technical problems associated with the active and future nuclear weapon stockpile detonator programs as a research and development engineer while actively and openly contributing to the Q-6 detonator mission.
The successful candidate will work with customers and collaborators to ensure programmatic deliverables are met. Strong documentation (writing) skills and ability to present technical information to a wide audience through formal and informal interactions are crucial in this role. The successful candidate will work daily in a classified setting.
R&D Engineer 3 ($122,300-$206,300)
As a R&D Engineer 3 level you could be part of:
Advanced Concepts Engineering team where you will be responsible for the design, testing, and development of new initiation system technologies and their related components. This include developing models and drawings with GD&T, working with test facilities to verify technology capabilities through a variety of environments (radiation, shock and vibration, thermal cycling, etc...), and working with other agencies across the Department of Energy complex (Kansas City National Security Complex, Pantex Plant, Sandia National Labs, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, and the National Nuclear Security Administration) to implement these new technologies and designs into the nation's nuclear stockpile.
Modeling & Materials Science team where you will work to better develop the fundamental understanding of detonator materials, detonation and shock physics modeling, and novel diagnostic technologies that can be used to characterize short time events critical to the performance and overall capabilities of detonators.
R&D Engineers at this level will work with various LANL program managers to secure funding and establish schedules to meet annual deliverables for the development programs they are on. The R&D Engineer 3 will mentor junior engineers on the technical aspects of their assigned job and assist other engineers in meeting Laboratory deliverables. The R&D Engineer 3 is expected to become the laboratory expert in detonator design principles and the various sub-component materials, develop competency in hydrodynamic modeling, and lead research and development efforts.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Engineering Knowledge
Proven experience in electrical, chemical, optical, or mechanical engineering or STEM scientific disciplines. Candidates must have the ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical engineering design drawings, including GD&T for the engineers. 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, PSPICE, OpticsBuilder, or other relevant modeling software.
Technical Leadership
Extensive and demonstrable technical knowledge, experience, and ability to provide technical leadership on product designs and/or testing (e.g., multi-component assemblies, characterization, assessment, or multi-parameter testing). Experience leading efforts in designing, planning, and executing projects associated with novel technologies.
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 and Experience Required:
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:
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
Work Environment:
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.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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.
The Detonation Science and Technology Group (Q-6) serves the Laboratory and the Nation providing the knowledge base and component design responsibilities for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other critical national security areas. The Group's capabilities include design engineering for nuclear weapon detonators and detonator cable assemblies, design, fabrication, qualification, and installation of test fire control systems, pulse power engineering, advanced detonator design and testing, and applied problem solving. Additional capabilities include expertise in the detonation science and physics of detonator energetic materials, and engineering responsibility for the cradle to grave care of the detonators and detonator cable assemblies used by Los Alamos National Laboratory. Q-6 is also responsible for engineering, fabricating, or acquiring precision high explosives detonators for a diverse R&D customer base to meet present and future national security needs in a safe, secure, and efficient manner.
Q-6 is offering an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Detonation Science and Technology Group. The Group is seeking an enthusiastic and driven individual who can bring skills in design or scientific operations or project management and/or experimentation. The successful candidate must be capable of working independently on complex technical problems associated with the active and future nuclear weapon stockpile detonator programs as a research and development engineer while actively and openly contributing to the Q-6 detonator mission.
The successful candidate will work with customers and collaborators to ensure programmatic deliverables are met. Strong documentation (writing) skills and ability to present technical information to a wide audience through formal and informal interactions are crucial in this role. The successful candidate will work daily in a classified setting.
R&D Engineer 3 ($122,300-$206,300)
As a R&D Engineer 3 level you could be part of:
Advanced Concepts Engineering team where you will be responsible for the design, testing, and development of new initiation system technologies and their related components. This include developing models and drawings with GD&T, working with test facilities to verify technology capabilities through a variety of environments (radiation, shock and vibration, thermal cycling, etc...), and working with other agencies across the Department of Energy complex (Kansas City National Security Complex, Pantex Plant, Sandia National Labs, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, and the National Nuclear Security Administration) to implement these new technologies and designs into the nation's nuclear stockpile.
Modeling & Materials Science team where you will work to better develop the fundamental understanding of detonator materials, detonation and shock physics modeling, and novel diagnostic technologies that can be used to characterize short time events critical to the performance and overall capabilities of detonators.
R&D Engineers at this level will work with various LANL program managers to secure funding and establish schedules to meet annual deliverables for the development programs they are on. The R&D Engineer 3 will mentor junior engineers on the technical aspects of their assigned job and assist other engineers in meeting Laboratory deliverables. The R&D Engineer 3 is expected to become the laboratory expert in detonator design principles and the various sub-component materials, develop competency in hydrodynamic modeling, and lead research and development efforts.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Engineering Knowledge
Proven experience in electrical, chemical, optical, or mechanical engineering or STEM scientific disciplines. Candidates must have the ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical engineering design drawings, including GD&T for the engineers. 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, PSPICE, OpticsBuilder, or other relevant modeling software.
Technical Leadership
Extensive and demonstrable technical knowledge, experience, and ability to provide technical leadership on product designs and/or testing (e.g., multi-component assemblies, characterization, assessment, or multi-parameter testing). Experience leading efforts in designing, planning, and executing projects associated with novel technologies.
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 and Experience Required:
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 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 6.x Process and Defense Programs Business Process System (DPBPS) requirements
- Coursework, experience, or demonstrable knowledge of shock, detonation, or explosive-initiation physics
- Knowledge of lasers and optical assemblies
- Know-how to develop design of experiments for material and component studies; execute and interpret the results of such
- Knowledge of initiation systems particular to nuclear weapon applications
- Proficiency with PTC CREO parametric modeling software
- Knowledge of and experience relative to uncertainty quantification
- 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):
Work Environment:
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.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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.
Source : Los Alamos National Laboratory