Description

Job Title R&D Engineer 1/2

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name MST-15/Plutonium Microstructure & Mechanics

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
What You Will Do

The Materials Characterization & Metallography team is seeking a highly motivated Materials, Metallurgical, or Mechanical R&D Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2) to support laboratory-based metallography and materials characterization activities in support of national security programs.

This role centers on the preparation, analysis, interpretation, and documentation of metallographic examinations for programmatic and research efforts. The selected candidate will generate clear, defensible technical reports that support decision-making across a range of mission-critical activities. The primary product of this position is high-quality, timely technical documentation based on microstructural characterization and related analyses.

You will work closely with scientists, engineers, technicians, and program stakeholders to execute metallographic examinations, interpret results, and communicate findings effectively. Responsibilities include specimen preparation (sectioning, mounting, polishing, etching), optical microscopy, microstructural evaluation in accordance with applicable standards, and preparation of formal technical reports.

A major focus of this role is balancing technical rigor with schedule and scope requirements. The selected candidate must exercise sound engineering judgment to ensure analyses are appropriate to the request and aligned with programmatic needs. This position requires collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, adherence to laboratory safety and quality requirements, and support of milestone-driven deliverables.

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned at the higher level.

R&D Engineer 1 ($96,600 - $158,000)
The successful candidate will:

• Perform metallographic specimen preparation and characterization in accordance with established laboratory procedures and applicable ASTM standards.
• Analyze microstructures using optical microscopy and, as applicable, SEM and related techniques.
• Prepare clear, concise, and technically sound reports summarizing observations, analyses, and conclusions.
• Manage assigned tasks to meet scope, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Apply engineering judgment to ensure analyses are appropriately scoped and aligned with programmatic needs.
• Continuously develop technical expertise in metallography, materials characterization, and related disciplines.
• Assure safety and security compliance, maintain required training, and integrate safety and security into every task.
• Contribute to the completion of milestones associated with specific projects and directly contribute to the achievement of programmatic objectives.
• Take responsibility for understanding tasks and own contributions to deliverables, set direction and goals for assigned tasks, and manage their own assignments.
• Work is performed under general technical guidance, with objectives defined and results subject to supervisory review.

R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)
In addition to the duties outlined at the lower level, the successful candidate will:

• Independently plan and execute metallographic examinations for complex materials and components.
• Exercise advanced judgment in determining appropriate characterization techniques and analysis scope.
• Lead well-defined tasks involving multiple contributors and ensure delivery of reports within schedule and budget constraints.
• Mentor junior staff in metallographic techniques, report preparation, and scope management.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of laboratory processes, documentation standards, and technical practices.
• Provide peer review of reports and technical products.
• Completed work is subject to supervisory review; the candidate may provide technical coordination and guidance to others.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 1:

• Materials & Metallography Foundations: Basic understanding of materials science and metallurgical principles, including microstructure-property relationships.
• Hands-On Project Experience: Experience with metallographic specimen preparation and microstructural characterization through coursework, internships, or professional experience.
• Technical Writing: Demonstrated ability to prepare clear and organized written technical documentation.
• Effective Communication: Proven ability to articulate ideas effectively through both oral and written communication.
• Ability to obtain DOE Q Clearance.
• Ability to obtain HRP.
• Ability to become Glovebox Operator (GBO)
• Ability to become Fissile Material Handler (FMH)

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 2:
At this level, in addition to what is outlined at the lower level, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Demonstrated experience independently performing metallographic analyses and preparing formal technical reports.
• Experience applying ASTM and other relevant standards in materials characterization.
• Ability to define analysis scope appropriate to programmatic needs.
• Experience mentoring junior staff or coordinating small technical efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deliverables under schedule constraints.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation. Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.

Education/Experience at higher level: 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. Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.

Advanced degrees may be considered in lieu of some experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Candidates will be most competitive when they possess:
• Experience with optical microscopy, SEM, EBSD, or microhardness testing.
• Familiarity with ASTM metallography standards (e.g., E3, E407, E112).
• Experience with image analysis software.
• Experience in failure analysis or component evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver technical reports on schedule.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Ability to thrive in a structured, milestone-driven environment.
• Experience working in regulated or safety-driven laboratory environments.

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:
Application Submission:

• Cumulative GPA: Must have graduate with a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates who graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher will be most competitive.
• Application Submission: Must submit a complete application including the following three required documents. Incomplete applications will be automatically deemed ineligible. We strongly recommend reviewing the Application and Interview Tips website before applying.
• Cover Letter: Must explicitly reference your interest in the Physical Sciences Directorate and MST-15, and detail your relevant academic and work experiences, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Resume: Must include dates for all related experience.
• Current Transcript: Must include all grades earned up to the time of application and may be unofficial.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

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.

Contact Details

Contact Name Pincheira Dennett, Marcela

Email [email protected]

Work Telephone