Job Description

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting a Scientist 2/3 in Los Alamos, NM.

Navarro Research & Engineering is an award-winning federal contractor dedicated to partnering with clients to advance clean energy and deliver effective solutions for complex challenges in the nuclear and environmental fields. Joining Navarro means being a part of an exceptional team committed to quality and safety while also looking for innovative strategies to create value for the client’s success. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Navarro has active programs in place across the nation for DOE/NNSA, NASA, and the Department of Defense.

The W93 Systems Development and Realization Group (Q-20) is seeking a Scientist 2/3 to lead a team responsible for developing and realizing polymer components of the W93/Mk7. 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. You will collaborate with colleagues at Production Agencies across the Nuclear Security Enterprise, particularly Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC). You 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.

This is an opportunity to be part of the first new weapon system program in over 30 years. 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. We 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.

At the Scientist 2 level, you will lead the planning, execution, and status reporting for product realization of the polymer components. You will interface regularly with internal LANL organizations, external production agencies, and external customers to accomplish these activities.

In addition to Scientist 2 activities, a Scientist 3 may perform cross-cutting work across the several polymer PRTs, coordination with QTE (Qualification, Test, and Evaluation) and requirements evaluation and revision. Additionally, a Scientist 3 will provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior staff supporting these efforts.

Requirements

Scientist 2:

• 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.
• Significant knowledge and experience in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences and readerships. Significant knowledge and experience of appropriate safe practices for technical work.
• Solves complex problems with multiple variables. Uses new techniques and unconventional methods when necessary.

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 3:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to work, influence, and lead in an R&D team environment consisting of diverse and multi-talented scientists, engineers, technicians, and operations personnel, including demonstrated ability to successfully mentor early career staff.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated record of developing and leading successful cross-organizational teams to solve complex problems.
• Engineering Design: Thorough knowledge of and demonstrated experience in developing and implementing technical requirements, specifications, plans, reports, and procedures related to product realization.
• Networking and Communication: Demonstrated experience in interacting and integrating effectively with external and internal interfaces (to include DoD, NNSA, and other agencies); building trust, gaining consensus, and resolving conflicts while nurturing relationships. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing solutions in a collaborative, team environment. Effective communication with the Program Level PRT Lead, Systems Engineers, Program Office, Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Project Controls, and Test Technicians on development progress and issues.
• Program Management: Excellent project management skills, as demonstrated by experience overseeing and completing highly complex/high-profile projects on schedule and within allocated budget.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in one or more technical research and disciplines.
• Adherence to and advocacy for principles of scientific integrity.
• Thorough 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.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences and readerships.
• Thorough knowledge and experience of appropriate safe practices for technical work.

Education/Experience at lower level: Positions requires a Bachelor’ degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Master’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with nuclear weapon system design and engineering, particularly US Navy systems.
• Experience with nuclear weapon development, qualification, certification, assembly/production, or surveillance.
• A science or engineering degree in a chemical, polymer or material-based field, for example, chemistry or material science and engineering.
• A demonstrated knowledge of chemical sciences and the ability to evaluate scientific data collected from material experiments. Understanding of 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.
• Active Q Clearance, equivalent DoD clearance, or the ability to obtain an Active Q Clearance.

Note to Applicants:

• For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume reflective of your experience relevant to the job requirements and desired skills stated above, and a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications. Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed.
• Domestic travel will be required.

Location:

The position is physically located in Los Alamos, NM. The work location for this position is onsite. All work locations are at the discretion of management. Domestic travel will be expected to DOE sites at a variable rate around 20%, which may require unusual work hours to fulfil.

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any classification protected by applicable state or local law.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability