Metrology R&D Engineer (R&D Engineer 3/4)

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 3/4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Prototype Fabrication Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory provides technical experience and proficiency in machining, fabrication and precision dimensional inspection of critical hardware needed to support the nation's nuclear stockpile stewardship efforts. The selected candidate will be joining a dedicated staff of engineers, machinists, and quality control professionals to ensure manufactured components meet drawing standards and requirements. The successful applicant will join the Prototype Fabrication Applied Metrology Group. This capability spans across three environmentally controlled laboratories, supporting dimensional inspections of conventional materials, depleted uranium, and beryllium components.

R&D Engineer 3 ($128,200 - $215,900)

The selected candidate will participate in design for manufacturability reviews to ensure dimensional inspection requirements are understood and achievable. They will validate, interpret, statistically analyze, and communicate high fidelity inspection data to customers. They will facilitate or achieve the design of holding fixtures, development of inspection processes, writing of Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) programs, and research new inspection techniques and platforms applicable to meet customer needs. In this role, the selected candidate will work with people across the entire manufacturing enterprise, including research and development, production staff, quality assurance, management and customers.

R&D Engineer 4 ($153,600 - $266,500)

In addition to what was outlined at level 3, the candidate shall have advanced experience in the field of applied metrology, in particular in the maintainability, operability and capability of ultra‑high precision Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs). They will lead maintenance of the CMM capability, adhering to the established Prototype Fabrication Engineering User Performed Calibration Plan. They will also be responsible to develop and lead strategic initiatives for the division.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Technical Expertise

• Expert level knowledge and experience supporting the inspection of products that meet the technical and quality standards set forth on the product definition through the application of engineering practices and principles.
• Advanced knowledge applying engineering practices and principles supporting capability development within a manufacturing and dimensional inspection environment.
• Advanced level knowledge of CAD software (e.g. Creo, SolidWorks, NX, Catia, Inventor)
• Advanced level knowledge of CMM programming software (e.g. Quindos, Calypso, PC-DMIS, or Polyworks)
• Advanced knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), sufficient to provide consultation on manufacturability and dimensional inspection capabilities for a product in the design phase, as well as conceptual prototypes.

Project Management

• Advanced knowledge of and experience in project management for technical or operational work, including the development of project plans, managing scope, schedule, and budget; and identifying and managing risks for projects of advanced scope and complexity.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across multiple projects and meeting deadlines.

Communication and Teamwork

• Expert writing ability and verbal communication skills required to independently prepare and present data and reports to peers, senior colleagues, management, and customers.
• Advanced demonstrated experience with mentoring and training of engineers and inspectors.
• Demonstrated record of dependability, reliability, and commitment to the long‑term needs of the job duties and programmatic goals of the organization.

Additional Job Requirements for R&D level 4

• Demonstrated experience developing strategic plans and successfully leading the implementation of major initiatives in metrology.
• Expert level knowledge of CMM programming software (e.g. Quindos, Calypso, PC-DMIS, or Polyworks)
• Expert level knowledge with GD&T.
• Expert level experience with ultra‑high precision CMMs.

Education/Experience at Level 3: Position 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.

Education/Experience at Level 4: Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 12 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Existing knowledge of Weapons Production and familiarity with NAP 401.1, Weapon Quality Policy.
• Working knowledge of collecting ISO 10360 calibration data, observing trends required for equipment monitoring and preventative maintenance.
• Knowledge or ASQ certifications in Quality Engineering, SPC, or Lean/Six Sigma manufacturing methodologies.
• Knowledge of creating and correcting CMM error maps.
• A contributor to professional societies, publications and external collaborations.

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.

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)

Additional Details

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.

New-Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.