Metrology R&D Engineer (R&D Engineer 3/4)
About the Role
This position is open for external candidates only and will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 3 or 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will apply if hired at the higher level.
The Prototype Fabrication Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory provides technical expertise in machining, fabrication, and precision dimensional inspection of critical hardware to support the nation's nuclear stockpile stewardship efforts. The selected candidate will join a team of engineers, machinists, and quality control professionals to ensure manufactured components meet drawing standards and requirements.
The successful applicant will work in the Prototype Fabrication Applied Metrology Group, which operates across three environmentally controlled laboratories supporting dimensional inspections of conventional materials, depleted uranium, and beryllium components.
Responsibilities
R&D Engineer 3
- Participate in design for manufacturability reviews to ensure dimensional inspection requirements are understood and achievable.
- Validate, interpret, statistically analyze, and communicate high-fidelity inspection data to customers.
- Design holding fixtures, develop inspection processes, write Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) programs, and research new inspection techniques and platforms.
- Collaborate with staff across the manufacturing enterprise, including research and development, production, quality assurance, management, and customers.
R&D Engineer 4
- Perform all duties outlined for R&D Engineer 3.
- Demonstrate advanced experience in applied metrology, particularly in the maintainability, operability, and capability of ultra-high precision CMMs.
- Lead maintenance of CMM capability, adhering to the Prototype Fabrication Engineering User Performed Calibration Plan.
- Develop and lead strategic initiatives for the division.
Requirements
Minimum Job Requirements
Technical Expertise- Expert-level knowledge and experience supporting the inspection of products to meet technical and quality standards through engineering practices and principles.
- Advanced knowledge of engineering practices and principles supporting capability development in manufacturing and dimensional inspection.
- Advanced knowledge of CAD software (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, NX, Catia, Inventor).
- Advanced knowledge of CMM programming software (e.g., Quindos, Calypso, PC-DMIS, or Polyworks).
- Advanced knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to consult on manufacturability and inspection capabilities for products in the design phase or conceptual prototypes.
- Advanced knowledge of and experience in project management for technical or operational work, including developing project plans, managing scope, schedule, and budget, and identifying and managing risks for complex projects.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities across projects and meet deadlines.
- Expert writing and verbal communication skills to independently prepare and present data and reports to peers, senior colleagues, management, and customers.
- Demonstrated experience mentoring and training engineers and inspectors.
- Proven dependability, reliability, and commitment to the long-term needs of job duties and programmatic goals.
- Demonstrated experience developing strategic plans and leading major initiatives in metrology.
- Expert-level knowledge of CMM programming software (e.g., Quindos, Calypso, PC-DMIS, or Polyworks).
- Expert-level knowledge of GD&T.
- Expert-level experience with ultra-high precision CMMs.
Qualifications
Education/Experience at Level 3
Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Education/Experience at Level 4
Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 12 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- Existing knowledge of Weapons Production and familiarity with NAP 401.1, Weapon Quality Policy.
- Working knowledge of collecting ISO 10360 calibration data, observing trends for equipment monitoring and preventative maintenance.
- Knowledge or ASQ certifications in Quality Engineering, SPC, or Lean/Six Sigma manufacturing methodologies.
- Experience creating and correcting CMM error maps.
- Contributions to professional societies, publications, and external collaborations.
Pay
- R&D Engineer 3: $128,200 - $215,900
- R&D Engineer 4: $153,600 - $266,500
Benefits
- PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a 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).
Schedule and Location
The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Regular appointment employees must serve a 1-year commitment in their current position to be eligible for other Laboratory jobs.
The selected applicant is required to work on-site and must obtain a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Foreign nationals are subject to similar requirements under DOE Order 142.3A.