W93 Engineering Qualification Lead (R&D Engineer 3/4)

R&D Engineer Opportunity

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 3 or R&D Engineer 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. Our growing organization is seeking an experienced Engineering Qualification Lead to oversee the requirements definition, planning, and execution of verification and validation (V&V) test activities within the Q-20, W93/Mk7 Secondary Stage Product Realization Team (PRT). In this pivotal role, you will understand the intended use, operational environments, and the functional requirements of the system to translate them into comprehensive V&V plans. You will also work as part of the PRT to ensure the timely acquisition of necessary test hardware that is manufactured and/or configured in a manner that is representative of the design requirement being evaluated. This is an opportunity to be part of the first new weapon system program in over 30 years.

Q-20, W93/Mk7 Systems Development and Realization Group, defines, develops, and fields the warhead system for the newest Navy sub-launched ballistic missile weapon program. We support the DoD/Navy SSP and DoE/NNSA customers in defining the mission need and corresponding technical and programmatic requirements. The W93 collaborates closely with Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and Lockheed Martin Space design agencies, developing the re-entry system, ensuring safe, secure, & reliable warhead performance and a relevant nuclear deterrent. Q-20 also incorporates the production agency teams (KCNSC, Pantex, SRS, Y-12, LANL, and SNL) tightly into the design, qualification, and realization processes.

R&D Engineer 3 $125,200 - $211,300

At the R&D 3 level, you will serve as the interface from the PRT to the W93/Mk7 Qualification, Test, and Evaluation (QTE) team to ensure that V&V requirements are documented and executed according to the needs of the Secondary Stage PRT and W93/Mk7 program. Validation & Verification activities will range from local LANL/component level tests to joint/full assembly level tests that involve multiple Design Agencies. These efforts will be used to verify and validate the sub-system design and maintain traceability between requirements, design, and test artifacts to ensure end-to-end coverage. By effectively leading verification and validation of requirements, the Engineering Qualification Lead will play a crucial role in ensuring the delivered system components meet the customer's needs and expectations, while also identifying and addressing any issues or gaps early in the development lifecycle.

R&D Engineer 4 $150,300 - $260,800

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level will lead cross-functional teams in the development and execution of qualification scope and be responsible for design oversight of test hardware and analysis of data.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

R&D Engineer 3

Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, practices, and procedures, as demonstrated by experience researching, designing, testing, analyzing, verifying, and validating engineering solutions.

Engineering Design: Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the design basis qualification process to include designing, planning, and executing tests or analyses for a system, subsystem or component with data needs from multiple stakeholders.

Represents the PRT such that the requirements definition, planning, execution, and final documentation of verification and validation test activities are clear, complete, consistent, and testable and meet the needs of Secondary Stage design.

Interface with the engineering design team to understand system functional requirements and translate them into effective V&V plans, ensuring end-to-end coverage.

Work with the PRT to coordinate the acquisition of test hardware based on production maturation timelines to ensure the hardware is manufactured and/or configured in a manner that is representative of the design.

Demonstrate strong project management skills to work with and coordinate a variety of cross-functional teams to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

Use problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.

Communicate test plans, progress, and results effectively to cross-functional stakeholders.

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 4

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

Leadership: Demonstrated ability to work, influence, and lead in an R&D team environment consisting of diverse and multi-talented scientists, engineers, technicians, and operations personnel, including demonstrated ability to successfully mentor early career staff.

Collaboration: Demonstrated record of developing and leading successful cross-organizational teams to solve complex problems.

Engineering Design: Thorough knowledge of and demonstrated experience in developing and implementing technical requirements, specifications, plans, reports, and procedures related to structural dynamic testing and associated signal processing.

Networking: Demonstrated experience in interacting and integrating effectively with external and internal interfaces (to include DoD, NNSA, and other agencies); building trust, gaining consensus, and resolving conflicts while nurturing relationships.

Program Management: Excellent project management skills, as demonstrated by experience overseeing and completing highly complex/high-profile projects on schedule and within allocated budget.

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. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 12 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.

Desired Qualifications:

Extensive experience in a qualification or test engineering role

Working knowledge and understanding of Defense Programs Business Process System (DPBPS) with respect to product realization and V&V related activities and documentation

Proven track record of managing successful verification and validation test programs, including requirements verification through Certification Plan(s) (CQ(s)).

Ability to interpret system requirements and design specifications to develop comprehensive V&V plans

Familiarity with production processes and hardware acquisition timelines, including the ability to ensure test hardware is representative of the design and technology maturation effort

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking abilities

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 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, please submit a comprehensive resume reflective of your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired skills stated above; also required is a cover letter, in order to be considered for an interview.

Domestic travel will be required

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