Test Lead (R&D Engineer 2/3)

About the role

The Weapons Test Execution group (V-21) is responsible for system level testing that includes project initiation, experimental design and analysis, hardware design and analysis, and fabrication for small component level up to full scale integrated tests. Test activities will include collaborations with W- and Q-Divisions, the hydrodynamic test program, dynamic materials experimental programs, joint test operations with Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, and supporting experiments performed at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS).

Responsibilities

• Work in V-21 on either the Flight Systems or Stockpile Survivability team as a test lead for development, qualification, or surveillance tests in support of LANL and other Nuclear Security Enterprise customers.
• Core roles include preparation of schedule and budget estimates for scoping new work, authoring test requirements and plans, regularly interfacing with internal and external customers to update schedule and status, coordination of the efforts of service providers across the laboratory, assisting in test execution, and reporting at the completion of the test.

Requirements

• Minimum Job Requirements:
• Communication Skills: Experience communicating effectively with customers in one or more of the following (both oral and written format): schedule communication, project/program status updates, or spending/budget reports.
• Experience authoring and publishing formal test related documents, such as test requirements (TR), test plan (TP) and test reports (TR) and/or peer reviewed publications.
• Ability to explain technical ideas, concepts, procedures, and requirements to employees of all experience levels.
• Demonstrated experience in test execution.
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with and integrating the efforts of interdisciplinary teams to achieve program milestones and deliverable due dates.
• Ability to effectively manage and understand technical details over a large range of STEM fields.

• Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3:
• Direct experience in the test, qualification, product realization team (PRT) lead role or equivalent lead role at LANL or in the defense or manufacturing industry.
• Experience developing budget estimates, project and program schedules, and delivery of regular status, schedule, and/or budget reports to customers.
• Demonstrated ability to work largely independently and provide mentorship to staff newer to the test lead role.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Master's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.

Skills

• 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 and/or junior staff or students.
• Active Q clearance.
• Experience reviewing/approving engineering drawings with focus on GD&T.

Benefits

Includes 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, and extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius).