CEIS | Clover Leaf Solutions is seeking an R&D Engineer 2 or 3 to support high-consequence manufacturing operations in support of plutonium pit production at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The selected candidate will join the PT-2 Machining Group within the Pit Technologies Division and contribute to the development, integration, and optimization of mechanical systems and CNC machining processes used in the fabrication of nuclear weapon components.

This is a hands-on, mission-critical role where you’ll combine mechanical design with direct support to precision machining operations. You will work in glovebox and radiological environments and collaborate with machinists, technologists, project leaders, and quality assurance professionals to deliver cutting-edge manufacturing solutions that uphold the highest safety, compliance, and performance standards.

Key Responsibilities For R&D Engineer 2:

Design mechanical components, tooling, and fixtures for CNC milling, turning, EDM, and complex manufacturing tasks.

Support glovebox operations and safe material handling of plutonium, uranium, and other actinides.

Interface directly with machinists to translate conceptual designs into manufacturable, high-precision parts.

Conduct tolerance stack-ups, geometric dimensioning, and inspection planning.

Troubleshoot and maintain critical manufacturing equipment and process integrity.

Collaborate on hazard analysis, readiness assessments, and configuration control of manufacturing processes.

Contribute to the continuous improvement of yield, throughput, and cycle time for pit-related component fabrication.

For R&D Engineer 3:

In addition to the responsibilities above:

Lead mechanical design and manufacturing integration efforts across projects.

Serve as a technical expert in stress analysis, design for manufacturability, and mechanical systems integration.

Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and machinists.

Represent LANL in interdepartmental reviews, design readiness assessments, and technical collaborations.

Develop and implement advanced process monitoring and control systems to optimize performance.

Contribute to strategic planning and long-term technology implementation for pit production machining.

Minimum Qualifications R&D Engineer 2:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline and 4 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Proficiency in CAD software (Creo, SolidWorks), and experience creating CAM or G&M code.

Hands-on familiarity with machining technologies (milling, turning, EDM).

Knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5), blueprint reading, and design documentation.

Experience working with hazardous or radiological materials, or in glovebox environments.

Ability to troubleshoot machinery and interpret inspection and metrology results.

U.S. citizenship and eligibility for DOE Q clearance and Human Reliability Program (HRP).

R&D Engineer 3 (in addition to above):

Master’s degree in engineering and 6 years of relevant experience; or equivalent. Ph.D. preferred.

Extensive experience in mechanical design, tolerance analysis, and high-precision manufacturing.

Demonstrated leadership in executing large or complex manufacturing projects.

Experience leading hazard reviews, readiness assessments, and integration of new technologies.

Strong track record of mentoring junior staff and contributing to cross-functional teams.

DOE O 426.2 Requirement: Bachelor’s in Engineering or related science, 2 years of job-related experience, and 1 year of nuclear experience.

Desired Qualifications

Active DOE Q clearance and/or HRP enrollment.

Experience with LANL operations, especially in pit production, glovebox machining, or NQA-1-compliant environments.

Familiarity with simulation tools such as ANSYS or COMSOL for stress/thermal analysis.

Background in additive manufacturing, CNC programming, or custom tool development.

Certification in GD&T and demonstrated excellence in documentation and technical communication.



CEIS | Clover Leaf Solutions is a small business headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with key offices in San Francisco, CA and Pittsburgh, PA, and we are growing. You can be a key part of our team and help us continue to build our capabilities long-term. Our government clients include Department of Energy facilities like Sandia National Laboratories, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, while our commercial clients have included globally recognized firms. We specialize in Industrial Hygiene, Safety, Construction Management, and Project Management. We have open, transparent communication without layers of bureaucracy, while also having a strong team to provide backup. We offer health, dental, vacation/sick, and a 401k with a generous match.

Learn more about us at cloversolutions.us

CEIS | Clover Leaf is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or protected Veteran status. Because eligibility for DOE clearance is required for this position, we ask the question about citizenship.