R&D Engineer 3
Los Alamos National Laboratory
United States
Posted on Aug 13, 2025
What You Will Do
The Gas Transfer Systems (GTS) group (Q-7) is seeking an experienced Research and Development (R&D) Engineer 3 to fulfill a broad range of challenging assignments in support of the GTS mission. The successful candidate will be highly organized, self-motivated, proficient in multitasking, and capable of working across disciplines. This role will directly support enduring stockpile activities, next generation weapons R&D, GTS surveillance activities, hydro shot support, selected weapon safety enhancement work, and materials investigations.
As the design authority for Gas Transfer Systems (Q-7), our team provides engineering and technical expertise to develop and deploy innovative gas transfer technologies critical to the nation's nuclear deterrent. The Q-7 team consists of engineers, technologists, and technicians engaged in interdisciplinary projects spanning conceptual development through system deployment and mission execution.
In this role, you will apply engineering expertise in support of design, testing, and implementation of gas transfer systems and associated hardware. You will be expected to participate in product realization efforts and interface with key partners including the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) and Savannah River Site (SRS). You will also support test readiness activities, new capability development, and data collection efforts. Work will be conducted in laboratory and test environments, and may involve high-pressure systems, tritium, and explosives.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Desired Qualifications:
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.
Work Schedule: 9/80 work schedule is mandatory.
Job Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
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:
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.
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 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 opt. 3.
The Gas Transfer Systems (GTS) group (Q-7) is seeking an experienced Research and Development (R&D) Engineer 3 to fulfill a broad range of challenging assignments in support of the GTS mission. The successful candidate will be highly organized, self-motivated, proficient in multitasking, and capable of working across disciplines. This role will directly support enduring stockpile activities, next generation weapons R&D, GTS surveillance activities, hydro shot support, selected weapon safety enhancement work, and materials investigations.
As the design authority for Gas Transfer Systems (Q-7), our team provides engineering and technical expertise to develop and deploy innovative gas transfer technologies critical to the nation's nuclear deterrent. The Q-7 team consists of engineers, technologists, and technicians engaged in interdisciplinary projects spanning conceptual development through system deployment and mission execution.
In this role, you will apply engineering expertise in support of design, testing, and implementation of gas transfer systems and associated hardware. You will be expected to participate in product realization efforts and interface with key partners including the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) and Savannah River Site (SRS). You will also support test readiness activities, new capability development, and data collection efforts. Work will be conducted in laboratory and test environments, and may involve high-pressure systems, tritium, and explosives.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated contribution as a leader of a technical program, project, or organization.
- Demonstrated "hands-on" experimental laboratory skills and application of engineering principles and theory in any or all of the following topical areas: compressible flow phenomenon, diffusion phenomenon, hydrogen isotope science, and hydride science.
- Demonstrated skills in any or all of the following topical areas: test set-up, instrumentation, data acquisition, and pressure system methods/safety.
- Significant knowledge and experience in using systematic approaches to problem solving.
- Ability to accomplish technical tasks while working independently or as part of a team. Experience mentoring/assisting other engineers, scientists, and technicians.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to interact with all levels of personnel and customers; strong teaming skills.
Desired Qualifications:
- Familiarity with fabrication techniques including machining, welding, and process development.
- Understanding of vacuum systems, precision leak detection, and hydrogen containment materials.
- Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing; ability to work with drafting personnel.
- Demonstrated experience in test engineering including planning, preparing, executing, and documenting experimental work.
- Proficiency with programming languages and modeling software such as Fortran, C++, Abaqus, COMSOL Multiphysics, or ANSYS Fluent.
- Experience with the Defense Programs Business Process System (DPBPS).
- Experience with the product realization process (Phase X process).
- Active Q clearance.
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.
Work Schedule: 9/80 work schedule is mandatory.
Job Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
- Carrying 30+ pounds
- Lifting 30+ pounds
- Color discrimination
- Peripheral vision
- Ability to speak
- Ability to discriminate speech
- Sitting
- Standing
- Walking
- Fine motor control
- Use of both hands
- Use of both arms
- Use of both legs
- Use of both feet
- In a cold environment
- Operation of specialized heavy equipment
- In widely ranging ambient temperatures
- Work in a noisy environment
- Work near electrical power supplies
- Work near sources of ionizing radiation
- Work with weapons or explosives
- Work near machinery with moving parts
- Irritant chemicals
- Dusts or powders
- Safety glasses or eye protection
- Face shield or facial protection
- Hearing protection
- Gloves or hand protection
- Safety shoes or protective footgear
- A cover letter addressing how your experience meets the required and desired qualifications is required for full consideration.
- This position may require frequent domestic and/or international travel
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 maternity and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
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.
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 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 opt. 3.