What are the responsibilities and job description for the Modeling and Simulation Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3) position at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
What You Will Do
The Advanced Engineering Analysis (AEA) Group, E-13, seeks a motivated, experienced analyst to support LANL's core mission. E-13 provides expertise in engineering analysis including modeling & simulation, material models, post processing, and interpretation of outputs to support customers and stakeholders with an emphasis on national security challenges. The expertise in E-13 spans structural solid mechanics, structural dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and radiation transport.
We seek an analyst with a background in structural mechanics/dynamics and with finite element modeling/simulation skills to support the weapons program. This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills and background of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
R&D Engineer 2 $104,100 - $172,200
At the R&D Engineer 2 level, you will support the development, application, maintenance, and validation of complex engineering models. You will join one of the E-13 analysis teams to provide support to the team point of contact, other team members, sister organizations, and customers in matters related to assessing system and component response to mechanical and thermal environments. You will interface and collaborate with systems engineers, test engineers, and other analysts. Communication of engineering analysis processes, methods, and findings will take the form of formal presentations and written reports.
R&D Engineer 3 $125,200 -$211,300
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the selected candidate will demonstrate expertise and leadership as a part of the E-13 analysis teams. In particular, you will provide mentorship to early-career staff, effect positive collaborations within E-13, build strong collaborations with other organization in the weapons program and beyond. You will help to define and execute strategic plans in support of the E-13 team leads and management.
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; ability to perform engineering analysis for complex systems at an appropriate level of fidelity ranging from hand calculations to complex, system-level modeling. Demonstrated ability to model complex systems exposed to a wide range of mechanical and thermal environments. Experience with FEA preprocessors such as Cubit and FEA software such as Abaqus or Ansys. The ability to assess and communicate thermal and structural analysis simulation results.
Computational Skills
Experience with the development and/or application of computational engineering methods and tools, particularly in parallel computing environments; experience with mesh generation, constitutive models and their application, boundary condition definition, contact interactions, and/or post-processing practices; use of open-source programming languages and libraries.
Communication and Teamwork
Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills in technical reports and presentations; experience meeting deliverable deadlines, both independently and as part of a team. Experience proposing relevant analyses and scope required for a requested project. A strong penchant for peer review of others and your own work.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Work Experience
Relevant experience (> 3 years) performing complex engineering analyses or related R&D, preferably at component- and system-levels. Work experience must demonstrate proficiency in FEA techniques and software, as well as the development of complex computational models.
Technical Leadership
Demonstrated experience leading engineering analysis teams, integrating and coordinating interdisciplinary work, and working with customers and other stakeholders to define analysis tasks and plan deliverables. Demonstrated experience using engineering judgment and evidence of peer review of others and your own work.
Communication and Teamwork
Experience establishing and meeting schedule deadlines, both independently and for a team. Experience identifying the relevant analyses and scope required for a requested project and communicating analyses constraints.
Education/Experience at the lower level: 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.
Education/Experience at the higher level: Position requires a master's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 6 years of related experience: or an equivalent combination of engineering education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Ability to obtain a Q Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter.
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:
For full consideration, applicants must submit a resume and comprehensive cover letter that specifically addresses each of the requirements. Some travel may be required. This is a 100 % on-site position.
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.
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 Advanced Engineering Analysis (AEA) Group, E-13, seeks a motivated, experienced analyst to support LANL's core mission. E-13 provides expertise in engineering analysis including modeling & simulation, material models, post processing, and interpretation of outputs to support customers and stakeholders with an emphasis on national security challenges. The expertise in E-13 spans structural solid mechanics, structural dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and radiation transport.
We seek an analyst with a background in structural mechanics/dynamics and with finite element modeling/simulation skills to support the weapons program. This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills and background of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
R&D Engineer 2 $104,100 - $172,200
At the R&D Engineer 2 level, you will support the development, application, maintenance, and validation of complex engineering models. You will join one of the E-13 analysis teams to provide support to the team point of contact, other team members, sister organizations, and customers in matters related to assessing system and component response to mechanical and thermal environments. You will interface and collaborate with systems engineers, test engineers, and other analysts. Communication of engineering analysis processes, methods, and findings will take the form of formal presentations and written reports.
R&D Engineer 3 $125,200 -$211,300
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the selected candidate will demonstrate expertise and leadership as a part of the E-13 analysis teams. In particular, you will provide mentorship to early-career staff, effect positive collaborations within E-13, build strong collaborations with other organization in the weapons program and beyond. You will help to define and execute strategic plans in support of the E-13 team leads and management.
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; ability to perform engineering analysis for complex systems at an appropriate level of fidelity ranging from hand calculations to complex, system-level modeling. Demonstrated ability to model complex systems exposed to a wide range of mechanical and thermal environments. Experience with FEA preprocessors such as Cubit and FEA software such as Abaqus or Ansys. The ability to assess and communicate thermal and structural analysis simulation results.
Computational Skills
Experience with the development and/or application of computational engineering methods and tools, particularly in parallel computing environments; experience with mesh generation, constitutive models and their application, boundary condition definition, contact interactions, and/or post-processing practices; use of open-source programming languages and libraries.
Communication and Teamwork
Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills in technical reports and presentations; experience meeting deliverable deadlines, both independently and as part of a team. Experience proposing relevant analyses and scope required for a requested project. A strong penchant for peer review of others and your own work.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Work Experience
Relevant experience (> 3 years) performing complex engineering analyses or related R&D, preferably at component- and system-levels. Work experience must demonstrate proficiency in FEA techniques and software, as well as the development of complex computational models.
Technical Leadership
Demonstrated experience leading engineering analysis teams, integrating and coordinating interdisciplinary work, and working with customers and other stakeholders to define analysis tasks and plan deliverables. Demonstrated experience using engineering judgment and evidence of peer review of others and your own work.
Communication and Teamwork
Experience establishing and meeting schedule deadlines, both independently and for a team. Experience identifying the relevant analyses and scope required for a requested project and communicating analyses constraints.
Education/Experience at the lower level: 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.
Education/Experience at the higher level: Position requires a master's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 6 years of related experience: or an equivalent combination of engineering education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Ability to obtain a Q Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter.
- 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.
- Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent
- Experience in one or more of the following
- weapons physics
- 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
- parallel computing
- computational workflow automation
- error and uncertainty analysis
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:
For full consideration, applicants must submit a resume and comprehensive cover letter that specifically addresses each of the requirements. Some travel may be required. This is a 100 % on-site position.
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.
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)
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.
Salary : $104,100 - $172,200
