R&D Engineer 2/3

R&D Engineer 2/3

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. As the nation’s premier plutonium center of excellence, LANL leads efforts in safeguarding the U.S. nuclear stockpile while advancing science across national security, space exploration, renewable energy, supercomputing, and more. The Pit Technologies (PT) Division, within the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP), delivers world-class plutonium pit-related products and services while ensuring high-consequence manufacturing meets rigorous safety, compliance, and quality standards. We are seeking an R&D Engineer 2/3 to join the PT-2 Machining Group. In this role, you will apply mechanical engineering and precision machining expertise to design, develop, and qualify critical components for nuclear weapons systems and experimental platforms. This position will be filled at either level 2 or level 3, depending on the selected candidate’s experience. This is a regular, onsite role in Los Alamos, NM, with salary ranges as follows:

R&D Engineer 2: $106,400 – $176,000

R&D Engineer 3: $128,000 – $215,900

Responsibilities for R&D Engineer 2:

Design mechanical components, tooling, and fixtures for CNC machining, EDM, turning, drilling, and advanced manufacturing processes

Support fabrication and handling of plutonium and actinides in glovebox and hazardous material environments

Collaborate with machinists, engineers, scientists, and project teams to support manufacturing objectives

Participate in hazard analyses, readiness reviews, and quality assurance activities

Troubleshoot complex machinery and support integration of new equipment into manufacturing operations

Optimize manufacturing processes to improve yield, reduce cycle time, and enhance throughput

Additional Responsibilities for R&D Engineer 3:

Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts and guide development of high-rigor mechanical systems

Serve as a subject matter expert in design, stress analysis, tolerance stack-ups, and process integration

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical development of team members

Influence project strategy and lead technical initiatives with defined scope, schedule, and deliverables

Represent LANL in internal and external technical collaborations

Drive innovation in design, manufacturing methods, and systems engineering

Qualifications

R&D Engineer 2:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 4+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience in engineering design, R&D project execution, and precision manufacturing environments

Familiarity with CNC machine tools, inspection equipment, and machining operations

Knowledge of 3D CAD/CAM software (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks) and ASME Y14.5 GD&T

Experience with basic metrology tools (calipers, micrometers) and strong troubleshooting skills

Excellent communication, teamwork, and ability to obtain a Q clearance (U.S. citizenship required)

R&D Engineer 3:

Master’s degree in engineering and 6+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience (Ph.D. preferred)

Advanced expertise in engineering design, manufacturing integration, and R&D project leadership

Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and mentoring engineering staff

Strong project management, technical writing, and presentation skills

Innovation in engineering design, manufacturing methods, or systems engineering

Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance (U.S. citizenship required)

Desired Qualifications:

Active Q clearance and Human Reliability Program (HRP) participation

Experience in nuclear or radiological environments, including glovebox operations

Familiarity with NQA-1 or similar quality assurance standards

Experience with simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL) for thermal or mechanical analysis

Certification in GD&T and experience with machine design and drafting

Background in CNC programming, additive manufacturing, or tooling design

Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, manufacturing metrics, and process optimization

Understanding of materials science, machine dynamics, and kinematics

We Are Delivering Scientific Excellence  

Los Alamos National Laboratory is more than a place to work. It is a catalyst for discovery, innovation and achievement. It’s one of the reasons we attract world-class talent who contribute greatly to our outstanding culture. Professional development and work/life balance foster lasting career satisfaction. Our onsite cafeterias and medical, fitness and breastfeeding facilities, education assistance and generous compensation and benefits reflect our commitment to providing our people with all they need for personal and professional growth. Northern New Mexico offers an abundance of wildlife, culture and adventures, including hiking trails and nearby ski resorts. Learn why Los Alamos has been rated #3 in the Best Counties to Live in the USA. 

Apply Now: https://lanl.jobs/search/jobdetails/rd-engineer-23/7941103e-1f5c-4123-b6bd-1822472c1fdf

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Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.