Research & Development Engineer

About the Role

As a Research and Development Engineer, the candidate will conduct leading edge technology development activities with a specific application to Pantex production operations or similar national security applications. The position will perform duties as part of a team, working with subject matter experts, coordinating and preparing technical aspects of engineering projects from inception to completion including conceptual design, prototype testing, and final qualification.

The position may be responsible for conducting formal presentations to Pantex plant personnel, National Laboratory representatives, and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) headquarters personnel depending on the candidate's experience level. The candidate may be in communication with representatives of National Laboratory design agencies, NNSA representatives, vendors, contractors, and other Pantex departments as required to ensure effective and necessary technical cooperation at all levels that result in the completion of assigned objectives, all of which are dependent on the candidate's level of expertise.

Job Duties

• Performs technical project assignments
• Analyzes impact of mission and requirement changes on assigned programs, designs, and concepts
• Prepares technical specifications based on weapon requirements provided by the design agencies
• Acts as a leader, advisor, mentor, or teammate as required in the design and application of products, processes, devices, and equipment with other engineers, scientists, and technical staff within the department and at other applicable locations as required for the efficient and economical accomplishment of the Plant's assigned mission
• Recommends improvements in procedures, technology utilization, and automation
• Experience writing and performing test plans, providing constructive and applicable feedback in areas of expertise, and the ability to develop, manage, and report planned cost and scheduled work on assigned projects
• Developing proposals and experimental plans, demonstration of bench scale solutions, understanding of the fundamental chemistry and physics, as well as scale up to pilot facility

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in engineering/science discipline with a minimum 2 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree in engineering/science discipline OR PhD in engineering/science discipline
• Department of Energy (DOE) Order 426.2A Requirements: In addition to the above requirements, the applicant must also meet the requirements of DOE O 426.2A (i.e., Baccalaureate in engineering or related science, 2 years job-related and at least 1 year nuclear experience, or a DOE O 426.2A alternative). DOE O 426.2A experience requirements can be satisfied following employment. In the interim, newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities. (Ref. DOE O 426.2A)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program in the United States or designated equivalents through ABET Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) OR a Bachelor's degree in science
• A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) is preferred for up to four years post-graduation, confirmed by transcript at the time of offer. Beyond four years from graduation, relevant experience will supersede GPA in hiring considerations
• Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0/4.0 cumulative GPA
• Master's degree with a minimum 3.3/4.0 cumulative GPA
• PhD with a minimum 3.5/4.0 cumulative GPA
• Experience in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering
• Technical knowledge in technical principles, theories, and concepts of engineering systems related to material, analysis, testing, qualification, and engineering application of computers
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate through oral and written word, read and interpret drawings and specifications, and convert the criteria into detailed written procedures
• Ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion under limited supervision
• Develop, manage, and report planned cost and scheduled work
• Ability to develop a plan for recovery in order to successfully achieve overall objectives
• Developing novel materials solutions for unique functional applications