B61 Polymers and Materials System Scientist (Scientist 2)

About the role

The B61 Systems Engineering Group is responsible for ensuring the continued safety, performance, and reliability of the B61 nuclear package from deployment through dismantlement. The group currently supports multiple phases of the nuclear weapon's life cycle, ranging from feasibility studies through retirement. W-1 also serves as the Laboratory's coordinator for all B61 bombs external programmatic leadership activities involving the National Nuclear Security Administration, Sandia National Laboratories, the US Air Force, and the Department of Defense/War.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with the lead Polymer and Materials Component Engineer to be part of a small team that is responsible for the technical interface between W-1 and the production agency (PA), surveillance engineers, and physics communities.
• Helps to lead and coordinate technical projects associated with B61 polymers/materials and report out results to LANL management.
• Evaluate input to the Annual Assessment Reports with respect to polymer and material health.
• Attend technical meetings and discussion on behalf of the B61 Systems Engineering Group.
• Works closely with the lead Polymer and Materials Component Engineer to lead efforts directed at addressing potential knowledge gaps within these materials and evaluate and prioritize new evaluation tools that could help address such concerns.
• Communicate and work interdependently with personnel involved in the evaluation of polymers and materials at LANL, which includes but is not limited to; W-9 system surveillance engineers, weapon system engineers, MST Division, C-division, Q-division, primary physicists, and W-Division management.
• Contribute as a technical advisor for B61 PSFN/SFN/SFIs associated with polymers and materials.
• Serve as a technical lead for B61-13 production and contributor to B61-13 AUR full rate production.
• Resolve process related issues at Pantex and/or KCNSC related to polymers and materials.
• Collaborate and coordinate with MST and C-division on material related issues.
• Contribute to B61 Weapons Systems FMEA and collaborate with other Weapons Systems groups on topics relating to materials-related projects.
• Support Primary Mod 12/13 PRTs as necessary.

Requirements

• Weapon Engineering Experience
• Knowledge of engineering and material science principles and practices. Experience with materials used in LANL weapons designs and methods used for characterization of these materials.
• Demonstrated ability in contributing to the completion of projects, establishing project plans, assigning tasks to team members, and reporting progress and meeting milestones. Proven ability to reach milestones and produce deliverables while remaining with budget constraints. Demonstrated ability to interact with internal and external customers, and ability to work on multiple projects within a given time.
• Demonstrated ability to generate and apply innovative approaches to solve complex problems. Proven record of achievements in a technical field.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and through written documentation. Experience in communicating with coworkers, managers, and customers. Proven record of working effectively as a team member. Demonstrated ability to seek technical input from experts.

Qualifications

• Minimum Job Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Skills

• General knowledge of the engineering authorization system and document management systems.
• Experience in technical report writing.
• Working knowledge of practices related to working with Special Nuclear Material, classified documents and parts.
• Current or previous experience as a derivative classifier.
• Ph.D. in related field is preferred.

Benefits

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)