R&D Engineer 1/2 (Welding Engineer)

About the Role

You will participate in manufacturing process development and execution for gas tungsten arc (GTA) welds, and other high-energy density welding processes (laser and electron beam welding) for various materials used in component manufacturing. Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. The R&D Engineer 1/2 assures safety and security compliance, maintains required safety and security training, and makes safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security.

The selected candidate assists in the research, design, testing, analysis, verification, and validation of engineering and technology solutions in support of manufacturing operation initiatives. Develops a technical approach, using judgment within defined practices and procedures, and makes technical decisions to implement solutions to complex problems, improve production cycle times, and/or maximize production yield rates.

This position may require 24/7 coverage, which could involve working a shift or weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager.

Responsibilities

R&D Engineer 1

• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following engineering disciplines: welding engineering, mechanical engineering, or materials science/engineering.
• Basic knowledge of welding and joining procedures.
• Basic knowledge or experience troubleshooting welding/joining processes and production of products to meet detailed technical specifications.
• Basic knowledge of professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, and procedures, as demonstrated by experience researching, designing, testing, analyzing, verifying, and validating mechanical engineering solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of welding/joining processes used in manufacturing as well as processes or approaches used to optimize welding processes.
• Demonstrated written communication abilities.

R&D Engineer 2

• Leads the research, design, testing, analysis, verification, and validation of novel engineering and technology solutions in support of R&D initiatives.
• Develops innovative advanced concepts, theories, methods, techniques, and approaches to address specialized problems.
• May contribute to the development of industry standards.
• Develops new technical capabilities and creates opportunities to extend R&D engineering through the expansion of existing efforts.
• Leads the development of technical products such as journal papers, reports, presentations, and concept papers.
• Influences organizational, project, and program strategies and directions.
• Leads technical decision-making at the task level within a project. Makes decisions and/or recommendations that influence the achievement of key programmatic objectives.
• Uses project assignments to further organizational goals.
• Develops and implements project management plans, including scope, schedule, and budget, for small to moderate projects and/or major project tasks.
• Defines deliverables at the project or major task level.
• Leads peer review of the work of others within his/her own organization and participates in peer review across organizations or disciplines.
• Actively mentors and trains junior staff.
• Develops and/or contributes ideas for new proposals and business development opportunities.
• Leads development of the technical section of small to moderate proposals.
• Acquires internal/external funding for self.
• Contributes to developments in industry and develops new skills consistent with state-of-the-art.
• May attain additional certifications, qualifications, and/or recognition to grow in the field.

Requirements

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or the R&D Engineer 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate.

R&D Engineer 1

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Salary range: $96,600 - $158,000

R&D Engineer 2

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Salary range: $106,400 - $176,000

DOE Order 426.2: Requires a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or related science, 2 to 4 years of job-related experience, and 1 year of nuclear experience.

Active Q Clearance and HRP (Human Reliability Program) are required.

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in welding engineering, mechanical engineering, or materials science/engineering.
• Basic knowledge of welding and joining procedures.
• Basic knowledge or experience troubleshooting welding/joining processes.
• Basic knowledge of professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, and procedures.
• Demonstrated written communication abilities.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of laser, gas tungsten arc (GTA), and/or electron beam welding methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, or experience assessing the effects of beam profiles, power levels, and alignment on welding systems.
• Knowledge and experience with nondestructive analysis methods.
• Experience in project development, reporting, and presentation to management and sponsors.

Additional Details

• Work Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
• Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of 2 years of continuous service in their current position to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory.
• Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.
• Clearance: Q clearance required, which generally requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required.
• HRP (Human Reliability Program) requirements include ongoing drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
• New-employment drug test required. The Laboratory maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.

Benefits

• 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).