Development Engineer

Location: Amarillo, TX. Organization: Technology Development (50995951). Specialty: Core Engineering.

About the role

As an Electrical Engineer in Technology Development, you will contribute directly to the strength and viability of the United States' nuclear deterrent. You will bridge complex hardware and custom software, ensuring specialized instrumentation performs flawlessly. The role leads cutting‑edge research and development, owning technical projects from conceptual design through prototype testing and final qualification, and integrates advanced electro‑mechanical systems into manufacturing processes.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain critical custom‑built software systems using C#, C++, and Java, implementing stringent software quality assurance methods for high‑stakes environments.
• Architect and analyze complex analog/digital hardware, embedded processing systems, and high‑speed communication interfaces; lead development of in‑situ analysis instrumentation for nondestructive evaluation, incorporating vacuum technologies and laser‑based systems.
• Serve as the primary on‑site liaison with national laboratory design agencies, NNSA headquarters, vendors, and internal departments; conduct formal technical presentations to plant personnel and federal representatives.
• Translate weapon requirements into detailed technical specifications, write and execute rigorous test plans, manage costs and schedules, and develop recovery plans when project parameters shift.
• Mentor and advise engineers, scientists, and technicians; recommend advancements in automation, technology utilization, and procedural efficiency to optimize production operations.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in an engineering or science discipline.
• Compliance with DOE Order 426.2A: at least 2 years of job‑related experience and 1 year of nuclear experience, or an equivalent DOE‑approved alternative.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance; willingness to obtain access to Materials Access Areas and possibly participate in the Human Reliability Program.
• U.S. citizenship (required for security clearance).
• Pass pre‑placement physical, drug screening, and background investigation.

Preferred requirements

• ABET‑accredited engineering degree (or equivalent through ABET Mutual Recognition Agreements).
• Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0/4.0 for Bachelor’s, 3.3 for Master’s, 3.5 for PhD (verified by transcript).
• Technical knowledge of engineering systems related to design, analysis, testing, qualification, and computer applications.
• Software development experience with C# or C++ and database design; familiarity with software quality assurance methods.
• Knowledge of high‑speed interfaces (e.g., RS‑232) and analog/digital hardware design and embedded processing.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications and develop detailed procedures.
• Initiative, independent judgment, and discretion under limited supervision; ability to manage cost and schedule and develop recovery plans.
• Experience developing in‑situ analysis instrumentation for manufacturing, including electro‑mechanical design, vacuum technology, laser systems, and integration with nondestructive evaluation processes.

Benefits

Pantex offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes extensive health coverage, robust retirement planning, education reimbursement for continuous learning, and a flexible work environment that supports work‑life balance.