Shock and Vibration Test Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)Triad National Security
Job Summary
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 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.
We are seeking a highly motivated engineer with a strong interest in applied structural dynamics and a passion for hands-on experimental work to join our Shock and Vibration Team. Our mission is to plan, execute, and analyze dynamic tests on weapons assemblies. This position will focus on experimental modal analysis, while also supporting large-scale single-axis shock and vibration testing and the development of six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) testing capabilities.
Our team includes engineers and technologists with experience in test execution, fixture design, instrumentation, data processing, and structural dynamics. We use electrodynamic shakers and modal testing to characterize structural behavior and evaluate responses to dynamic loads. We are actively developing 6-DOF vibration testing methods to better represent the dynamic environments experienced by weapons systems. In this role, you will apply structural dynamics and experimental testing skills to help develop these methods and interpret multi-axis responses.
The successful candidate will enjoy working directly with hardware, learning new test methods, and solving problems in the laboratory. You will work with experienced staff to strengthen our modal testing capability and develop practical methods for acquiring, analyzing, and reporting test data.
R&D Engineer 2 ($106,4000-$176,000)
As an R&D Engineer 2, you will independently plan and execute defined experimental modal testing tasks, with occasional oversight and technical support for unfamiliar methods or complex problems. Your work will include selecting excitation and measurement locations, setting up instrumentation and data acquisition systems, acquiring frequency response functions, and estimating natural frequencies, damping, and mode shapes. You will assess data quality, troubleshoot test setups, and document results in technical reports and presentations.
You will also support large-scale single-axis shock and vibration tests, including test planning, fixture development, instrumentation, controller setup, and data analysis. Working with engineers and technologists, you will contribute to 6-DOF capability development through testbed integration, instrumentation, test execution, and analysis of coupled structural responses.
You will work with programmatic customers to define assigned test objectives and communicate results. You will scope technical tasks, define deliverables, and coordinate work with engineers and technologists to meet scope, schedule, and budget. You will develop improvements to test methods, analysis tools, and reporting practices, and provide technical guidance to junior staff as needed. All work will be performed within applicable safety and quality requirements.
R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000-$215,900)
In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, you will serve as a technical leader for experimental modal analysis and lead the development of the team's modal testing capability. You will plan and lead complex testing efforts, work directly with customers to define objectives and interpret results, and make technical decisions that support programmatic needs. You will develop approaches for complex or ambiguous test and analysis problems, and mentor and train staff in modal testing and data interpretation.
You will establish and improve modal testing and reporting practices, lead assigned single-axis testing efforts, and lead major technical tasks supporting 6DOF capability development. You will define scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables for these efforts and coordinate the staff needed to complete them. You will use test results and customer needs to identify capability gaps and recommend priorities for further development.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Structural Dynamics
Knowledge of structural dynamics fundamentals, including natural frequencies, damping, mode shapes, and frequency response functions. Ability to apply engineering fundamentals to experimental problems and develop new technical skills.
Experimental Testing
Experience conducting mechanical tests or structural dynamics experiments, including laboratory, research, or industry work. Familiarity with instrumentation, data acquisition, assessing measurement quality, and electrodynamic shakers.
Data Analysis
Experience processing and interpreting engineering test data using MATLAB, Python, or comparable tools. Understanding of basic signal processing concepts relevant to dynamic measurements.
Technical Task Ownership
Demonstrated experience planning and completing defined engineering tasks, selecting appropriate technical methods, and coordinating work to meet deliverables. Ability to work independently with occasional oversight and seek technical support when needed.
Communication and Teamwork
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with engineers and technologists, manage assigned tasks as priorities change, and communicate technical information through written reports and presentations.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Experimental Modal Analysis
Demonstrated experience independently planning, executing, and analyzing experimental modal tests. Experience selecting excitation methods and measurement locations, estimating modal parameters, evaluating data quality, and resolving test or analysis problems.
Technical Leadership and Capability Development
Demonstrated experience leading engineering test efforts or major technical tasks, including defining scope, schedule, and deliverables and coordinating technical work. Experience developing or improving test and analysis methods, resolving complex technical problems, and working directly with customers or other stakeholders to define objectives and deliver results.
Technical Guidance
Ability to guide other staff in test setup, data analysis, and interpretation of structural dynamic behavior.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Education/Experience at higher level: 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 related experience. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
Modal Testing Methods
Experience with impact hammer or shaker excitation, multiple-input multiple-output modal testing, modal parameter estimation, and evaluation of mode shapes.
Shock and Vibration Testing
Experience with electrodynamic shaker testing, random vibration, shock testing, vibration controllers, or test fixture design.
Multi Axis Testing
Experience with multi-axis or 6-DOF testing, MIMO control, or MIMO analysis.
Instrumentation and Test Software
Experience selecting and using accelerometers, force transducers, and data acquisition systems. Familiarity with commercial modal analysis or vibration control software.
Programming and Analysis Tools
Experience developing reusable MATLAB or Python tools for data processing, visualization, or reporting. Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.
Modeling and Test Correlation
Experience comparing experimental modal results with finite element predictions or using test data to support model validation.
Engineering Drawings
Experience reading engineering drawings and supporting the design of test fixtures or other laboratory hardware.
U.S. Nuclear Stockpile
Working knowledge of nuclear weapons and the U.S. stockpile is desired.
Active Q Clearance
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: 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:
The Weapons Engineering Verification and Validation Division (V) verifies that weapon designs meet requirements and validates that they function as intended through investigations, qualification tests, and evaluations. The Division collaborates closely with sister divisions in ALDW through assembly, non-destructive evaluation, test planning, and test execution. It also works with production facilities across the nuclear security complex, the U.S. Navy and Air Force, and NNSA. Its work supports current weapon systems and the development of capabilities needed for future modernizations, including collaborations with the Weapons Systems Engineering Division (W) and Stockpile Modernization Division (Q).
The Test Engineering Group (V-14) plans and conducts tests ranging from individual components to full-scale integrated systems. Its responsibilities include project initiation, experimental design and analysis, hardware design and fabrication, and test execution. The group supports W- and Q-Divisions, hydrodynamic and dynamic materials experimental programs, joint testing with Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, and experiments at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Within V-14, the Shock and Vibration Team conducts dynamic testing and develops experimental methods to characterize structural behavior and support weapon qualification.
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.
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.
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 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.
We are seeking a highly motivated engineer with a strong interest in applied structural dynamics and a passion for hands-on experimental work to join our Shock and Vibration Team. Our mission is to plan, execute, and analyze dynamic tests on weapons assemblies. This position will focus on experimental modal analysis, while also supporting large-scale single-axis shock and vibration testing and the development of six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) testing capabilities.
Our team includes engineers and technologists with experience in test execution, fixture design, instrumentation, data processing, and structural dynamics. We use electrodynamic shakers and modal testing to characterize structural behavior and evaluate responses to dynamic loads. We are actively developing 6-DOF vibration testing methods to better represent the dynamic environments experienced by weapons systems. In this role, you will apply structural dynamics and experimental testing skills to help develop these methods and interpret multi-axis responses.
The successful candidate will enjoy working directly with hardware, learning new test methods, and solving problems in the laboratory. You will work with experienced staff to strengthen our modal testing capability and develop practical methods for acquiring, analyzing, and reporting test data.
R&D Engineer 2 ($106,4000-$176,000)
As an R&D Engineer 2, you will independently plan and execute defined experimental modal testing tasks, with occasional oversight and technical support for unfamiliar methods or complex problems. Your work will include selecting excitation and measurement locations, setting up instrumentation and data acquisition systems, acquiring frequency response functions, and estimating natural frequencies, damping, and mode shapes. You will assess data quality, troubleshoot test setups, and document results in technical reports and presentations.
You will also support large-scale single-axis shock and vibration tests, including test planning, fixture development, instrumentation, controller setup, and data analysis. Working with engineers and technologists, you will contribute to 6-DOF capability development through testbed integration, instrumentation, test execution, and analysis of coupled structural responses.
You will work with programmatic customers to define assigned test objectives and communicate results. You will scope technical tasks, define deliverables, and coordinate work with engineers and technologists to meet scope, schedule, and budget. You will develop improvements to test methods, analysis tools, and reporting practices, and provide technical guidance to junior staff as needed. All work will be performed within applicable safety and quality requirements.
R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000-$215,900)
In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, you will serve as a technical leader for experimental modal analysis and lead the development of the team's modal testing capability. You will plan and lead complex testing efforts, work directly with customers to define objectives and interpret results, and make technical decisions that support programmatic needs. You will develop approaches for complex or ambiguous test and analysis problems, and mentor and train staff in modal testing and data interpretation.
You will establish and improve modal testing and reporting practices, lead assigned single-axis testing efforts, and lead major technical tasks supporting 6DOF capability development. You will define scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables for these efforts and coordinate the staff needed to complete them. You will use test results and customer needs to identify capability gaps and recommend priorities for further development.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Structural Dynamics
Knowledge of structural dynamics fundamentals, including natural frequencies, damping, mode shapes, and frequency response functions. Ability to apply engineering fundamentals to experimental problems and develop new technical skills.
Experimental Testing
Experience conducting mechanical tests or structural dynamics experiments, including laboratory, research, or industry work. Familiarity with instrumentation, data acquisition, assessing measurement quality, and electrodynamic shakers.
Data Analysis
Experience processing and interpreting engineering test data using MATLAB, Python, or comparable tools. Understanding of basic signal processing concepts relevant to dynamic measurements.
Technical Task Ownership
Demonstrated experience planning and completing defined engineering tasks, selecting appropriate technical methods, and coordinating work to meet deliverables. Ability to work independently with occasional oversight and seek technical support when needed.
Communication and Teamwork
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with engineers and technologists, manage assigned tasks as priorities change, and communicate technical information through written reports and presentations.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Experimental Modal Analysis
Demonstrated experience independently planning, executing, and analyzing experimental modal tests. Experience selecting excitation methods and measurement locations, estimating modal parameters, evaluating data quality, and resolving test or analysis problems.
Technical Leadership and Capability Development
Demonstrated experience leading engineering test efforts or major technical tasks, including defining scope, schedule, and deliverables and coordinating technical work. Experience developing or improving test and analysis methods, resolving complex technical problems, and working directly with customers or other stakeholders to define objectives and deliver results.
Technical Guidance
Ability to guide other staff in test setup, data analysis, and interpretation of structural dynamic behavior.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Education/Experience at higher level: 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 related experience. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
Modal Testing Methods
Experience with impact hammer or shaker excitation, multiple-input multiple-output modal testing, modal parameter estimation, and evaluation of mode shapes.
Shock and Vibration Testing
Experience with electrodynamic shaker testing, random vibration, shock testing, vibration controllers, or test fixture design.
Multi Axis Testing
Experience with multi-axis or 6-DOF testing, MIMO control, or MIMO analysis.
Instrumentation and Test Software
Experience selecting and using accelerometers, force transducers, and data acquisition systems. Familiarity with commercial modal analysis or vibration control software.
Programming and Analysis Tools
Experience developing reusable MATLAB or Python tools for data processing, visualization, or reporting. Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.
Modeling and Test Correlation
Experience comparing experimental modal results with finite element predictions or using test data to support model validation.
Engineering Drawings
Experience reading engineering drawings and supporting the design of test fixtures or other laboratory hardware.
U.S. Nuclear Stockpile
Working knowledge of nuclear weapons and the U.S. stockpile is desired.
Active Q Clearance
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: 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)
The Weapons Engineering Verification and Validation Division (V) verifies that weapon designs meet requirements and validates that they function as intended through investigations, qualification tests, and evaluations. The Division collaborates closely with sister divisions in ALDW through assembly, non-destructive evaluation, test planning, and test execution. It also works with production facilities across the nuclear security complex, the U.S. Navy and Air Force, and NNSA. Its work supports current weapon systems and the development of capabilities needed for future modernizations, including collaborations with the Weapons Systems Engineering Division (W) and Stockpile Modernization Division (Q).
The Test Engineering Group (V-14) plans and conducts tests ranging from individual components to full-scale integrated systems. Its responsibilities include project initiation, experimental design and analysis, hardware design and fabrication, and test execution. The group supports W- and Q-Divisions, hydrodynamic and dynamic materials experimental programs, joint testing with Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, and experiments at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Within V-14, the Shock and Vibration Team conducts dynamic testing and develops experimental methods to characterize structural behavior and support weapon qualification.
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.
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.
