Research Jobs in New Mexico

What You Will Do
MST-8 Scattering Team is seeking a research and development engineer to join the Materials Scattering Team to support and conduct in-situ microstructural characterization using neutron and synchrotron X-ray sources. The principal function of the candidate is the development of experimental environments to contain, stimulate and measure extrinsic material properties at beam line facilities. The position will be awarded to the candidate that demonstrates critical thinking, foundational engineering principles and successful collaboration. The engineer will report to the lead engineer with close integration with the scientific staff for program with both internal and external stakeholders. Interpersonal communication skills are a paramount element of the teamwork environment as are committedis commitment to the safety and security culture of Los Alamos National Laboratory.
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1/R&D Engineer 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
R&D Engineer 1 ($96,600 - $158,000)
Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Designing, analyzing, and building experimental devices to given requirements
• Research and implement instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Evaluating data from engineering instrumentation i.e. stress/strain/vacuum/electrical/temperature

Test types include but are not limited to:

• Material testing, aging & compatibility studies
• Thermal, and/or high temperature studies
• Combined environments (thermal plus mechanical stress/strain) studies

R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the above mentioned tasks are expected to be accomplished with significantly less oversight. Additional tasks will include:

• Creating Engineering reports detailing design adherence to requirements
• Scheduling, executing, and maintaining tests
• Providing technical oversight to team members

Experimental activities require working closely in a team environment with other engineers, scientists, and technicians within LANL, DOE, and other institutions.

Additional job responsibilities include participating in the development of new testing technologies and facilities and implementing quality assurance requirements. Performance of job responsibilities will require working in controlled hazardous environments that may include radiation generating devices, radioactive materials, high explosives, and other hazardous materials. The ability to provide clear, timely, and technically accurate direction to test support technicians is part of the job duties.

Travel to national/international user facilities for experiment execution is to be expected (typically 5 to 10 days at a time, several times a year).



What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

R&D Engineer 1

Experimental Design Management:

• Experience and knowledge of experimental engineering including experimental design, planning, preparation, execution, and documenting of results against specifications.
• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently and with changing priorities while delivering on to a strict deadline.
• Ability to accomplish technical tasks while working independently or as part of a team with other engineers, scientists, and technicians.

Analysis and Reporting:

• Demonstrated experience in interpreting experimental data such as temperature and stress.
• Experience and knowledge in the use of specialized engineering software for analysis, such as CAE, CFD, FEA, Python, MATLAB, LabView, or other similar software packages.

Communication:

• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and experience interacting with all levels of personnel and customers.

Clearance:

• Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

R&D Engineer 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Demonstrated Experience and knowledge of experimental engineering including experimental design, planning, preparation, execution, and documenting of results against specifications.
• Ability to advise and guide experimental work including mentoring junior staff, students or technicians.
• Experience formulating experiment report documentation
• Demonstrated knowledge and independent use of specialized engineering software analysis tools, CAE.

Education/Experience R&D Engineer 1: Position requires a 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.

Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.



Education/Experience R&D Engineer 2: Position requires a 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced engineering degrees like MS in Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Physics Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Demonstrated experience in the design and analysis of thermal transient loading conditions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of experimental and analytical thermal analysis utilizing three-dimensional modeling software.
• Environmental, thermal life cycle, or thermal testing experience.
• Experience with cryogenic operations, thermometry and/or thermal radiation shielding environments
• Active Q clearance.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Sitting, standing, climbing stairs, reaching overhead and down, bending, stooping, and lifting 10-50 pounds.

Work Environment: Position involves working around and possibly handling nuclear material as well as being near sources of ionizing radiation.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.Travel will be required to external facilities, estimated up to 20%. Travel to external experiments and some internal experiments may require atypical work hours.

Position Commitment : Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses the key requirements of the position.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package 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
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Equal Opportunity: 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 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.