Development Engineer (17797)

What You'll Do

As an Electrical Engineer in the Technology Development, you will not just write code, analyze circuits, or develop prototypes; you will be directly contributing to the strength and viability of the United States' nuclear deterrent. Your daily efforts in meeting the needs of both the design agencies and the plant will safeguard the nation. You will bridge the gap between complex hardware and custom software, ensuring the highly specialized instrumentation used in our mission-critical operations performs flawlessly.

In this role, you will lead cutting-edge research and development activities, taking ownership of technical engineering projects from conceptual design through prototype testing and final qualification. You will be the hands-on expert who integrates advanced electro-mechanical systems directly into our manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive Custom Software & Hardware Integration: Design, develop, and maintain our critical, custom-built software systems (utilizing C-Sharp (C#) / C plus plus (C ++) / Java) instead of relying on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software. You will implement stringent software quality assurance methods to ensure absolute reliability in high-stakes environments.
• Design Electro-Mechanical & Analytical Systems: Architect and analyze complex analog/digital hardware, embedded processing systems, and high-speed communication interfaces. You will lead the development of in situ analysis instrumentation for nondestructive evaluation in manufacturing, incorporating vacuum technologies and laser-based systems.
• Serve as a Technical Liaison & Project Leader: Function as the primary on-site liaison with national laboratory design agencies, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) headquarters, vendors, and internal departments. You will conduct formal technical presentations to plant personnel and federal representatives to drive alignment on vital national security projects.
• Manage Program Lifecycles: Translate weapon requirements provided by design agencies into detailed, executable technical specifications for testers and written procedures. You will write and execute rigorous test plans, exercise independent judgment to manage planned costs and schedules, and quickly develop recovery plans when project parameters shift.
• Mentor and Innovate: Act as a leader and technical advisor to other engineers, scientists, and technicians. You will continuously recommend advancements in automation, technology utilization, and procedural efficiency to optimize Pantex's production operations.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering/science discipline
• OR Master's degree in engineering/science discipline
• OR PhD degree in engineering/science discipline

Department of Energy (DOE) Order 426.2A Requirements

Applicants must meet the requirements of DOE O 426.2 (i.e., Baccalaureate in engineering or related science, 2 years job-related and at least 1 year nuclear experience, or a DOE O 426.2 alternative). DOE 426.2 experience requirements can be satisfied following employment. In the interim, newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities. (Ref. DOE O 426.2)

Preferred Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program in the United States or designated equivalents thru ABET Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA).
• There is a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement up to 4 years post-graduation at time of offer and confirmed by transcript. Beyond four years from graduation, engineering experience will supersede GPA as a requirement for hire.
  • 3.0/4.0 minimum cumulative GPA for Bachelor degree
  • 3.3 minimum cumulative GPA for Master degree
  • 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA for PhD

• Technical knowledge in technical principles, theories, and concepts of engineering systems related to design, analysis, testing, qualification, and engineering application of computers
• Experience in software development using C-# or C ++ is desired as well as database design and software Quality assurance methods
• Knowledge of communication over high speed interface and Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) as well as analog/digital hardware design and embedded processing
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate through oral and written word, read and interpret drawings and specifications, and convert the criteria into detailed written procedures
• Ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion under limited supervision; develop, manage, and report planned cost and scheduled work; and develop a plan for recovery in order to successfully achieve overall objectives
• Development of in situ analysis instrumentation for manufacturing applications  
  • This includes electro-mechanical design, understanding of vacuum technology, laser based systems, and integration with manufacturing processes in a nondestructive evaluation