Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Design Engineer (R&D Engineer 4) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
Come join the W93/Mk7 Systems Development and Realization Group (Q-20) in one of the most exciting projects at Los Alamos National Laboratory, as we develop and field a brand-new weapon in the stockpile. Q-20 is seeking an experienced, senior design engineer to support the W93/Mk7 program. This is a great opportunity to be part of the first new weapon system program in over 30 years!
Q-20 defines, develops, and fields the warhead system for the newest Navy sub-launched ballistic missile weapon program. We support the DoD/Navy SSP and DoE/NNSA customers in defining the mission need and corresponding technical and programmatic requirements. The W93 collaborates closely with Sandia National Laboratory and Lockheed Martin Systems design agencies, developing the re-entry system, ensuring safe, secure, & reliable warhead performance and a relevant nuclear deterrent. Q-20 also incorporates the production agency teams (KCNSC, Pantex, SRS, Y-12, LANL, and SNL) tightly into the design, qualification, and realization processes.
The Design Engineer role:
Perform/oversee mechanical analysis to ensure parts will perform and function as desired in service and in testing.
Develop and oversee the drawing approval process to ensure relevant subject matter experts concur on design.
Sign off on all W93 drawings ensuring fit, form, function of part and assembly and proper specification call outs.
Establish and enforce design standards for W93 parts.
Develop and document best practices for W93 design and production.
Guide engineers in appropriate design practices (e.g., quality bolts, specifying reasonable tolerances, picking correct material, starting shapes, finishes, specs) including principles of design for manufacturing.
Mentor staff in relevant LANL and NNSA standards.
Run internal reviews of engineering products (e.g., Producibility Reviews, DMAT, FMEA) and contribute to external customer reviews.
Understand production capabilities to guide team to the most efficient process for making hardware.
Define and enforce W93 drafting/production standards
Support product Failure Modes and Effects Analysis.
Assist with Engineering Authorizations to ensure configuration management of product definition
Build culture of rigor and excellence with designers and drafters.
Assist program managers in defining resources required for work to support planning.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Knowledge
Advanced understanding of:
Mechanical design principles and standards relevant to mechanical assemblies.
Machine shop fabrication and inspection equipment (use of and not necessarily ability to use)
Engineering materials and their suitability for component design and manufacture
High-level, three-dimensional parametric CAD systems and associated Product Data Management system
Modeling and drawing drafting principals, application of standards, symbols, notes, GD&T on drawings and models to capture design intent
Novel design solutions for unique and non-standard design challenges in either static or dynamic applications
Application of design limits in non-routine environments
Engineering Experience
Advanced knowledge and experience in mechanical assembly design and mechanical assembly production/fabrication.
Communication
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to interact effectively with team members and management.
Experience presenting technical design details to technical and non-technical customers
Project Facilitation
Ability to meet schedule and deliverables for multiple assigned projects.
Ability to develop and foster successful cross-organizational teams to solve complex problems.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimum supervision, as well as the ability to be an effective member of a multidisciplinary team.
Education and Experience Required: 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:
Detailed knowledge of nuclear weapon systems and their associated delivery vehicles
Experience with failure modes and effects analyses
Familiar with Navy nuclear weapon program and organization structures
Experience leading or mentoring engineers
Knowledge of Digital Engineering, including Digital Product Definition, Digital Thread, etc
Knowledge of Models Based System Engineering tools and processes
Ability to work between electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines
Active Q clearance
Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 12 years of related experience
Work Environment:
Work Schedule:
This position will be required to work onsite and will have access to the 5/40 or 9/80 schedules.
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 and include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
Domestic travel will likely be required.
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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-chg1-pgchg) 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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.