Job Title Structural Mechanics / FEA Modeling and Simulation Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3) Location Los Alamos, NM, US Organization Name E-13/Advanced Engineering Analysis What You Will Do This position is open for external candidates only to apply. The Advanced Engineering Analysis (AEA) Group, E-13, seeks a national-security-motivated, experienced structural mechanics analyst to tackle some of the most technically challenging problems in national security. E-13 provides expertise in modeling and simulation, material modeling, post-processing, and interpretation of results for high-consequence systems. You will work alongside experts in structural mechanics, dynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and radiation transport to deliver high-fidelity engineering insight. Your analyses will inform design, testing, and mission decisions, allowing you to see complex modeling work translated into real engineering outcomes. We are looking for an analyst with structural mechanics and FEA expertise to support the weapons program. This position may be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned at the R&D Engineer 3 level as outlined below. Success in this role means producing technically rigorous analyses that design and test teams can trust, clearly communicating model assumptions and limitations, and taking increasing ownership of complex analysis efforts. Candidates who enjoy digging into difficult mechanics problems, connecting analysis to test evidence, and working across disciplines will thrive in this role. Required Application Materials To be considered for this position, applicants must submit both (1) a resume and (2) a comprehensive cover letter. The cover letter should address how your experience meets the Minimum Job Requirements and, where applicable, the Desired Qualifications, using specific examples. Applications missing either document will not be considered. R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000) At the R&D Engineer 2 level, you will: Develop and execute high-fidelity structural mechanics simulations Build, validate, and maintain complex FEA models Analyze system and component behavior under mechanical and thermal environments Collaborate closely with design, systems, test, and analysis engineers to connect simulation with engineering decisions Present findings to technical teams and program stakeholders R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 - $215,900) In addition to the R&D Engineer 2 responsibilities, you will: Lead complex multiphysics analysis efforts Mentor early-career engineers and grow team capability Set technical direction and influence modeling strategy Build strong collaborations across the weapons program and beyond Interface directly with stakeholders to define analysis approaches and communicate constraints and limitations What You Need Minimum Job Requirements: Engineering Expertise: A documented record of technical achievement in a relevant engineering discipline such as mechanical, structural, civil, or aerospace. In addition: Ability to operate across fidelity levels-from first-principles calculations to large-scale simulations Experience with FEA preprocessors such as Cubit and FEA software such as Abaqus or Ansys. Demonstrated ability to model complex systems exposed to a wide range of mechanical and thermal environments. Experience interpreting and clearly communicating simulation results in the context of real systems Computational Skills Experience with meshing, material models, contact, and post-processing Experience developing or applying computational engineering tools (Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar) Exposure to parallel computing or large-scale simulations is valued but not required Communication and Teamwork Ability to clearly communicate complex technical ideas Experience defining scope, meeting deadlines, and contributing to project planning Ability to deliver work independently and within teams Demonstrated commitment to technical rigor and peer review Education/Experience R&D Engineer 2: Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution plus 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3: Education/Experience: 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. Demonstrated leadership in engineering analysis teams Experience integrating multi-physics models across structural, thermal, and mechanical domains Demonstrated ability to define project scope, schedule, and deliverables and work with customers Desired Qualifications: Applicants are not expected to meet every desired qualification. If you meet the Minimum Job Requirements and bring relevant technical depth, we encourage you to apply. Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent Structural mechanics and thermal experience Analysis or testing related to weapons structures Instrumentation, signal processing, and data processing related to structural and thermal applications Other relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: weapons engineering verification and validation of complex models modern programming languages (e.g., Python, Matlab, C++) modern software development tools (e.g., Sphinx, GitLab, Confluence, etc.) and practices (unit testing, documentation, etc.) data analysis / signal processing parallel computing computational workflow automation error and uncertainty analysis weapons physics 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: Applicants must submit both a resume and a comprehensive cover letter to be considered for this position. The cover letter should specifically address how the applicant's experience meets the Minimum Job Requirements and, where applicable, the Desired Qualifications, using specific examples. Applications missing either document will not be considered. Some travel may 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. Contact Details Contact Name Robinson, Loren Email [email protected] Work Telephone