Polymer Scientist / Chemist / Fabrication Engineer

SMSI provides expert management consulting, program and project management, and technical consulting services to government and private sector clients. SMSI has grown and evolved by building an outstanding reputation for client-focused performance and for delivering results that enable clients to meet commitments and milestones.

SMSI is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Job Summary:

SMSI, LLC is seeking a full-time Polymer Scientist to lead a team responsible for developing and realizing polymer components of the W93/Mk7 onsite at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in Los Alamos, NM.

As a Product Realization Team (PRT) Lead, you will work with other PRTs and the W93 Systems Engineering Director to coordinate the efforts of the LANL team designing and developing the polymer components. Candidates will collaborate with colleagues at Production Agencies across the Nuclear Security Enterprise, particularly Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) and will ensure the success of the team responsible for planning, managing requirements and interfaces, executing, testing, reporting status, and ultimately delivering a producible, Mark Quality design and product.

Q-20, W93/Mk7 Systems Development and Realization Group, defines, develops, and fields the warhead system for the newest Navy sub-launched ballistic missile weapon program. They support the DoD/Navy SSP and DoE/NNSA customers in defining the mission need and corresponding technical and programmatic requirements. The W93 collaborates closely with Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and Lockheed Martin Space design agencies, developing the re-entry system, ensuring safe, secure, & reliable warhead performance and a relevant nuclear deterrent. Q-20 also incorporates the production agency teams (KCNSC, Pantex, SRS, Y-12, LANL, and SNL) tightly into the design, qualification, and realization processes. The candidate will interface regularly with internal LANL organizations, external production agencies, and external customers to accomplish these activities

Responsibilities:

• The qualified candidate will provide data support to decision making in fulfillment of developing polymer components.
• The candidate will solve complex problems with multiple variables, using new techniques and unconventional methods when necessary.
• Formulate and present results to technical audiences and readerships.
• Adhere to the requirements to the safe practices for technical work.
• Travel domestically to other agencies within the Nuclear Security Enterprise, ie Sandia National Laboratory, Kansas City, etc quarterly for up to one week at a time.

Requirements:

• 6-8 years of experience is required.
• Significant knowledge and experience in one or more technical research and development disciplines.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles of scientific integrity.
• Significant knowledge and experience in developing and implementing technical research and development projects including the formulation and testing of hypotheses, investigation of alternative solutions, and recommendation of solutions to technical problems.
• Experience with nuclear weapon system design and engineering, particularly US Navy systems.
• Experience with nuclear weapon development, qualification, certification, assembly/production, or surveillance.
• A demonstrated knowledge of chemical sciences and the ability to evaluate scientific data collected from material experiments. Understanding material interactions, particularly polymer aging and compatibility.
• A firm knowledge of GD&T and the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and interfaces.
• A demonstrated understanding of requirements engineering, creating, validating and verifying requirements.
• Familiarity with DPBPS (Defense Programs Business Process System).
• Experience with product realization from conceptual designs through to qualified production.
• This person must be able to work onsite at LANL during regular business hours 4-5 days per week.
• The candidate must be US Citizen.
• The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.
• The candidate must have an active Real ID diver's license for badging and onboarding.

Preferred Skills:

• Candidates with experience working for DOE or DOD, especially the US Navy in weapons are preferred.
• Active or recently inactive Q clearance OR the equivalent DoD clearance preferred.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience is required.
• Research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation is acceptable in lieu of degree.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work onsite at LANL 4-5 days per week
• The position requires background and pre-employment drug screening for drug-free workplace.
• Must be open to traveling to other laboratories as needed quarterly for up to 5 days. Travel is estimated 20% of the time.