What You Will Do

The High Explosives Science and Technology group (Q-5) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a motivated candidate to serve as the Lead Engineer for War Reserve and Surveillance (WRS) Analysis. This is an exciting time to be a part of the Group and the Team, as we are engaged in mission-critical challenges related to high explosives development, production and sustainability. The WRS Engineer responsibilities include:

• oversee the receipt and inventory of weapon system components and materials,

• disassembly of weapon system components (primarily detonators),

• extraction of the explosive materials,

• distribution of the explosive materials to the Analytical Chemistry Team (ACT),

• work closely with the ACT throughout the analysis process,

• review and analyze analytical data,

• produce formal reports for the analyses,

• develop and maintain formal and rigorous documents for procedures for disassembly and analysis,

• oversee analysts in the development of analytical methods to meet customer requirements,

• interface with weapon system managers and Design Agency representatives,

• develop schedules and budgets,

• oversee maintenance, repair and service contracts for analytical equipment.

In addition, we will expect the WSA Engineer to have or develop a strong working knowledge of the relevant analytical techniques including high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas-phase chromatography (GC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), optical/scanning electron microscopy (OM/SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and other relevant techniques. The WSA Engineer will have the opportunity to interface with other elements in the group, including dynamic testing, formulation and scale-up, and diagnostic and process monitoring equipment design and development.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Hands-on Experience: assembly and disassembly of parts and the use of machining tools.

Communication and Teamwork: Demonstrated successful communication within a wide-ranging team. Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly in technical reports and presentations; experience meeting deliverable deadlines, both independently and as part of a team. Ability to provide direction and vision through positive example and action.

Institutional Acumen : Demonstrated commitment to Laboratory goals and Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles in assuring the security of classified information, assuring the health and safety of workers, the public and environment, workforce diversity and employee development.

Willingness to work with and handle explosives and other hazardous chemicals and energy sources.

Clearance Ability: Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

Education/Experience : Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Background and experience with elements of general analytical chemistry and modern analytical and methods. Specifically, knowledge of, and familiarity with: DSC, TGA, HPLC, GC, GPC.

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or demonstrated equivalent degrees and/or experience.

• Experience handling high explosives and other hazardous materials

• Knowledge of physical elements and testing methods of safety of high explosives

• Prior experience in War Reserve and/or Surveillance activities in the NNSA complex

• Prior experience with analytical chemistry preparation and characterization techniques

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering

Work Environment:

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 2 years.

Note to Applicants: For consideration, applicants must submit a resume and a comprehensive cover letter that specifically addresses each of the minimum and desired requirements. Successful applicants are expected to remain in the position for a minimum of 2 years.

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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-chg1-pgchg) 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.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.