What are the responsibilities and job description for the Applied Engineering Analyst position at CEIS | Clover Leaf Solutions?
CEIS | Clover Leaf Solutions is seeking a highly skilled Applied Engineering Analyst to support the Process, Research, and Readiness Office (PRRO) within the Nuclear Production Office (NPO) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This role supports modeling and simulation across the full suite of weapons production operations, including plutonium foundry, component fabrication, and radioisotope generator production. The PRRO team spans across Pit Technologies (PT), Plutonium Supply & Disposition (PSD), and Power Supply Production (PSP) divisions.
You will provide detailed physics-based engineering analysis of key manufacturing processes, components, and custom-built tooling. This includes modeling of metal melting, casting, heat treating, forming, machining, and welding—all within a complex and highly regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct detailed mechanical, thermal, structural, and fluid simulations using finite element methods (FEM/FEMAP).
Develop physics-based models for metal processing workflows (refining, casting, welding, etc.) and contribute to production optimization.
Analyze the performance, stresses, and tolerances of fixturing and custom tooling designed for nuclear materials and component assembly.
Build and validate finite element models using CAD inputs (Abaqus CAE, Ansys SpaceClaim, or equivalent tools).
Support experiment design and model validation through correlation with physical test data and measured results.
Document technical results formally and prepare materials for peer reviews and readiness assessments.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including manufacturing engineers, R&D staff, safety personnel, and program managers.
Present findings and recommendations to internal teams and stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Materials, Aerospace, or Nuclear Engineering (or related field) and 2 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience in modeling and simulation of physical systems including thermal, structural, fluid, or electromagnetic domains.
Proficiency in using FEA tools such as Ansys, Abaqus, or COMSOL.
Ability to set up, debug, run, and interpret results from simulations across multiple physics domains.
Proficiency with MATLAB for data analysis or post-processing.
Strong documentation and communication skills for formal reporting and presentation.
Ability to collaborate across functions and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Desired Qualifications
Master’s or PhD in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
Deep understanding of finite element theory and its application to non-linear material behavior.
Experience creating FEM models from the ground up using CAD systems.
Familiarity with validation and verification principles and experience conducting experimental correlation.
Prior experience in nuclear, radiological, or high-consequence manufacturing environments.
Hands-on experience in mechanical testing of structures or materials for model validation.
Exposure to Linux-based high-performance computing (HPC) systems for running large simulations.
Familiarity with mechanical design processes and tooling qualification.
DOE O 426.2 Compliance: Requires a Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related science, 2 years of job-related experience, and 1 year of nuclear experience.
