Nuclear Materials Test Lead (R&D Engineer 2/3)

About the Role

The Weapons Test Execution group (V-21) is responsible for system-level testing, including project initiation, experimental design and analysis, hardware design and analysis, and fabrication for small component-level up to full-scale integrated tests. Test activities involve collaborations throughout ALDW, joint test operations with Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, and supporting experiments at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Projects range from small weapon component and system-level testing to experimental programs requiring containment/confinement system design and testing to contain detonation products and debris.

LANL qualifies and certifies the efficacy of designed and maintained systems through testing spanning explosives, thermal and mechanical environments, electrical, and flight testing. The Test Lead integrates specialized services from multiple organizations and participates in all phases of test execution. The successful candidate will work in V-21 on the Nuclear Materials team as a Test Lead for development, qualification, or surveillance tests supporting LANL and other Nuclear Security Enterprise customers.

Core responsibilities include preparing schedule and budget estimates, authoring test requirements and plans, interfacing with internal and external customers, coordinating service providers, assisting in test execution, and reporting test completion. The role primarily supports the Q-20 Materials Compatibility and Aging Qualification team through local testing at LANL, requiring knowledge of nuclear materials science, nuclear facility operations, and design of experiments. Testing may involve materials compatibility, irradiation, and intrinsic radiation studies.

This position may be filled at the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Function as a Test Lead for development, qualification, or surveillance tests for LANL systems groups or other nuclear security enterprise partners.
• Interface regularly with customers to plan, schedule, and update work in support of test goals.
• Participate in test execution and prepare test evidence, including data packages and final reports.
• Prepare schedule and budget estimates for scoping new work.
• Author test requirements and plans.
• Coordinate efforts of interdisciplinary service providers across the laboratory.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other test leads (R&D Engineer 3 level).
• Engage in strategic planning for future tests with customers (R&D Engineer 3 level).
• Manage multiple large projects with integrated and diverse teams (R&D Engineer 3 level).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience (R&D Engineer 2); or a Master's degree in Engineering and 6 years of related experience (R&D Engineer 3). Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively with customers (oral and written), including schedule updates, project/program status, and budget reports.
• Experience authoring and publishing formal test-related documents (e.g., test requirements, test plans, test reports) or peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to explain technical ideas, concepts, procedures, and requirements to employees of all experience levels.
• Experience designing experiments or projects using principles of the scientific method.
• Demonstrated experience in test execution.
• Experience interfacing with and integrating interdisciplinary teams to achieve program milestones and deliverables.
• Ability to manage and understand technical details across a broad range of STEM fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge of nuclear and materials science concepts, principles, and practices, including researching, designing, testing, analyzing, verifying, and validating technical solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of intrinsic radiation and/or radiation effects on materials.

Additional Requirements for R&D Engineer 3

• Direct experience in the defense or manufacturing industry.
• Experience developing budget estimates, project and program schedules, and delivering regular status, schedule, and budget reports to customers.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and mentor staff newer to the Test Lead role.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large projects with integrated and diverse teams.

Qualifications

R&D Engineer 2: $106,400 - $176,000

R&D Engineer 3: $128,000 - $215,900

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with measurements and research of special nuclear material (SNM).
• Familiarity with LANL design agency quality (DAQ) policy documents.
• Experience in the development of complex systems and knowledge of the system engineering process, including model-based system engineering (MBSE).
• Experience working with or around hazardous materials, including participation in the development or authorship of safety bases.
• Experience mentoring new or junior staff or students.
• Active Q clearance.
• Familiarity with relevant nuclear facilities and their conduct of operations.
• Experience reviewing/approving engineering drawings with a focus on GD&T.

Work Location & Commitment

This position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Work locations are at the discretion of management. Regular appointment employees must serve a one-year commitment in their current position to be eligible for other Laboratory jobs unless approved by their Division Leader.

Security & Citizenship

This position requires a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation, and eligibility for access to classified matter is determined by the Federal Government. Citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not Lawful Permanent Residents are prohibited from accessing facilities supporting national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including LANL.

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) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (for candidates outside a 50-mile radius).