Advanced Manufacturing & Mission Realization Lead (R&D Engineer 3/4)

About the role

This position is open for external candidates only to apply. This position will be filled at either the R&D 3 or 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate.

Responsibilities

• Play an integral leadership role as part of a multidisciplinary team, facilitating transformation of innovative concepts into tangible, mission-ready solutions for national security applications.
• Operate in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, and rapid prototyping, helping accelerate ideas from early-stage concepts through proof-of-concept and beyond.
• For R&D Engineer 4: Lead large multidisciplinary teams and communicate technical updates with senior leadership/external stakeholders.
• Lead complex R&D projects from concept to execution, especially in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, or rapid prototyping.
• Lead large technical teams (engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians) to deliver mission-focused solutions.
• Proficient in project management tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project) and author complex technical documents.
• Communicate technical briefings and updates to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Guide design, fabrication, and system integration in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering disciplines.
• Support or drive digital transformation efforts, modernize workflows, introduce automation, or improve data/process efficiency.
• Work across interdisciplinary teams (engineering, operations, research) and communicate clearly about technical challenges and solutions.
• Work in fast-moving environments with evolving priorities.
• Problem-solving skills and a continuous-improvement mentality.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience with complex R&D projects from concept to execution, especially in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, or rapid prototyping.
• Experience working with large technical teams (engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians) to deliver mission-focused solutions.
• Familiarity with project management tools for planning, resourcing, and executing work packages.
• Strong technical writing skills for authoring work planning and control documentation, with attention to operational and safety requirements.
• Ability to operate effectively in integrated R&D and operations environments, balancing agility with rigor.
• Excellent collaboration skills, including working under technical direction, partnering with peers and mentoring early-career engineers.
• Effective communication skills for delivering technical briefings and updates.
• Expertise in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering disciplines, guiding design, fabrication, and system integration.
• Experience with agile and additive manufacturing, including work with novel materials and processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum: 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.
• Additional: Master's degree in engineering and 12 years of related experience; or equivalent combination.
• Education/Experience at higher level: Master's degree in engineering and 12 years of related experience; or equivalent combination. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong background or demonstrated interest in robotics integration, including hands-on implementation, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Experience supporting or driving digital transformation efforts, modernizing workflows, introducing automation, or improving data/process efficiency.
• Familiarity with metrology, precision measurement systems, instrumentation, or related quality-assurance practices.
• A proactive, execution-focused mindset, someone who is driven to get things done, can work independently, removes roadblocks, and delivers results reliably.
• Comfortable working in fast-moving environments with evolving priorities.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a continuous-improvement mentality.
• Active DOE Q clearance (or the ability to obtain).

Pay

$128,000 - $215,900 for R&D Engineer 3
$153,600 - $266,500 for R&D Engineer 4

Schedule

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.

Benefits

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)

Note to Applicants

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.