Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory R&D Engineer 2/3 (Modeling and Simulation Engineer) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The Advanced Engineering Analysis (AEA) Group, W-13, seeks a motivated, experienced analyst to support LANL's core mission. W-13 provides expertise in engineering analysis including modeling & simulation, material models, post processing, and interpretation of outputs to support customers and stakeholders with an emphasis on national security challenges. The expertise in W-13 spans structural solid mechanics, structural dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and radiation transport.
We seek an analyst with a background in structural mechanics/dynamics with finite element modeling/simulation skills in support of the weapons program. This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills and background of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
R&D Engineer 2 $99, 200 - $164,100
At the R&D Engineer 2 level, you will support the development, application, maintenance, and validation of complex engineering models. You will join one of the W-13 analysis teams to provide support to the team lead, other team members, sister organizations, and customers in matters related to assessing system and component response to mechanical and thermal environments. You will interface and collaborate with systems engineers, test engineers, and other analysts. Communication of engineering analysis processes, methods, and findings will take the form of formal presentations and written reports.
R&D Engineer 3 $119,200 - $201,100
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the selected candidate will demonstrate expertise and leadership as a part of the W-13 analysis teams. In particular, you will provide mentorship to early-career staff, effect positive collaborations within W-13, build strong collaborations with other organization in the weapons program and beyond. You will help to define and execute strategic plans in support of the W-13 team leads and management.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Engineering Expertise: A documented record of technical achievement in a relevant engineering discipline such as mechanical, structural, civil, or aerospace; ability to perform engineering analysis at an appropriate level of fidelity ranging from hand calculations to complex, system-level modeling. Experience with FEA preprocessors such as Cubit and FEA software such as Abaqus or Ansys. The ability to assess and communicate thermal and structural analysis simulation results.
Computational Skills: Experience with the development and/or application of computational engineering methods and tools, particularly in parallel computing environments; experience with mesh generation, constitutive models and their application, boundary condition definition, contact interactions, and/or post-processing practices; use of open-source programming languages and libraries.
Communication and Teamwork: Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills in technical reports and presentations; experience meeting deliverable deadlines, both independently and as part of a team. Experience proposing relevant analyses and scope required for a requested project. A strong penchant for peer review of others and your own work.
Education: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Ability to obtain a Q Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter.
*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.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requ i res:
Work Experience: Relevant experience (> 3 years) performing complex engineering analyses or related R&D, preferably at component- and system-levels. Multiple years of experience with FEA preprocessors such as Cubit and FEA software such as Abaqus or Ansys. The ability to assess and communicate thermal and structural analysis simulation results is required.
Technical Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading engineering analysis teams, integrating and coordinating interdisciplinary work, and working with customers and other stakeholders to define analysis tasks and plan deliverables. Demonstrated experience using engineering judgment and evidence of peer review of others and your own work.
Communication and Teamwork: Experience establishing and meeting schedule deadlines, both independently and for a team. Experience identifying the relevant analyses and scope required for a requested project and communicating analyses constraints.
Education: Position requires a master's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 6 years of related
experience: or an equivalent combination of engineering education and experience directly related to the occupation.
At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
• Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent
• Experience in one or more of the following
o weapons physics
o weapons engineering
o verification and validation of complex models
o modern programming languages (e.g., Python, Matlab, C++)
o modern software development tools (e.g., Sphinx, GitLab, Confluence, etc.) and practices (unit testing, documentation, etc.)
o data analysis
o parallel computing
o computational workflow automation
o error and uncertainty analysis
Note to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must submit a resume and comprehensive cover letter that specifically addresses each of the requirements. Some travel may be required. This is a 100 % on-site position.
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.
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 or preference, 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.