What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the R&D 3 or 4 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 3 ($128,000-$215,900)
You will play an integral leadership role as part of a multidisciplinary team, facilitating transformation of innovative concepts into tangible, mission-ready solutions for national security applications. As part of the Mission Concepts (E-2) group, you will operate in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, and rapid prototyping, helping accelerate ideas from early-stage concepts through proof-of-concept and beyond.
R&D Engineer 4 ($153,600-$266,500)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, you will have experience leading large multidisciplinary teams and be able to communicate technical updates with senior leadership/external stakeholders. Additionally, proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project) and a record of authoring complex technical documents will set you apart.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated experience with complex R&D projects from concept to execution, especially in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, or rapid prototyping.
- Experience working with large technical teams (engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians) to deliver mission-focused solutions.
- Familiarity with project management tools for planning, resourcing, and executing work packages.
- Strong technical writing skills for authoring work planning and control documentation, with attention to operational and safety requirements.
- Ability to operate effectively in integrated R&D and operations environments, balancing agility with rigor.
- Excellent collaboration skills, including working under technical direction, partnering with peers and mentoring early-career engineers.
- Effective communication skills for delivering technical briefings and updates.
- Expertise in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering disciplines, guiding design, fabrication, and system integration.
- Experience with agile and additive manufacturing, including work with novel materials and processes.
Additional Job Requirements for the R&D Engineer 4
- Demonstrated experience leading complex R&D projects from concept to execution, especially in advanced manufacturing, systems engineering, or rapid prototyping.
- Proven experience leading large technical teams (engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians) to deliver mission-focused solutions.
- Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Primavera, MS Project) for planning, resourcing, and executing work packages.
- Effective communication skills for delivering technical briefings to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
- Strong track record of innovation, publications, or technical contributions.
Education/Experience at lower 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.
Education/Experience at higher level: Master's degree in engineering and 12 years of related experience; or equivalent combination. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
- Strong background or demonstrated interest in robotics integration, including hands-on implementation, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
- Experience supporting or driving digital transformation efforts, modernizing workflows, introducing automation, or improving data/process efficiency.
- Familiarity with metrology, precision measurement systems, instrumentation, or related quality-assurance practices.
- A proactive, execution-focused mindset, someone who is driven to get things done, can work independently, removes roadblocks, and delivers results reliably.
- Ability to work across interdisciplinary teams (engineering, operations, research) and communicate clearly about technical challenges and solutions.
- Comfortable working in fast-moving environments with evolving priorities.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a continuous-improvement mentality.
- Active DOE Q clearance (or the ability to obtain).
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.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position 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:
Please submit a detailed resume and cover letter highlighting your experience and achievements to be considered for this position.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, 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, 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
[email protected] or call (505)-664-6947.
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