The engineering issue

Welcome to the summer 2025 issue of National Security Science magazine. This issue features weapons engineering Los Alamos National Laboratory. A primary focus is the safety, security, performance, and reliability of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. Los Alamos engineers rigorously assess the aging stockpile, predict its long-term performance, and address emerging challenges to ensure its effectiveness. Simultaneously, Lab engineers look to the future—developing advanced weapon designs, improved components, and modernized delivery systems. ★

June 5, 2025
The engineering issue
From the Manhattan Project to current efforts in maintaining and modernizing the U.S. nuclear arsenal, Los Alamos engineers play a vital role.
June 5, 2025
Engineering at Los Alamos National Laboratory
At Los Alamos National Laboratory, engineering plays a pivotal role in several areas.
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A new chief engineer
John Hill brings more than 40 years of experience to the job.
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Elevating engineering
A leadership group strengthens and supports engineering across the Lab.
June 5, 2025
Peanut butter, potting soil, and prototype engineering
Los Alamos innovation sprints train engineers to solve critical challenges through hands-on creativity.
June 5, 2025
Full ahead for the W93
Los Alamos engineers help design a new warhead for submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
June 5, 2025
A smarter, faster inspection
A new tool enhances speed and accuracy in national security manufacturing.
June 5, 2025
Built to blast
Los Alamos engineers put explosives to the test.
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Engineering in the national interest
Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories collaborate to support the nuclear security enterprise.
June 5, 2025
Uncommon knowledge
Nuclear facilities engineers prepare the Plutonium Facility for its national security mission.
June 5, 2025
Mining with amino acids
Los Alamos scientists aim to boost rare earth element supply through protein engineering.
June 5, 2025
Mapping knowledge for machines
Ontology development at Los Alamos supports weapons research, artificial intelligence, and more.
June 5, 2025
Streamlining supercomputers
A Los Alamos–developed technology makes supercomputing faster and more efficient.
June 5, 2025
Good vibrations
Los Alamos innovation delivers low-cost, cyber-resilient monitoring for industrial infrastructure.
June 5, 2025
Demonstrating Deimos
Los Alamos engineers advance next-generation reactor fuel.
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Engineering against the clock
Photos from Los Alamos National Laboratory’s National Security Research Center shed light on the monumental effort behind the Trinity test—the world’s first nuclear detonation.
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Engineers behind the Manhattan Project
Special and Provisional Engineer Detachments played a critical role in the war effort.
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Engineers making a difference
Meet 23 Laboratory engineers who support national security.
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The Weapons Engineering Tritium Facility
At the nation’s primary tritium research institution, Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers study the gas that powers nuclear weapons and the stars.
June 5, 2025
Till the cows come home
Brad Meyer works tirelessly in support of national security.
June 5, 2025
Shake, rattle, and roll
Engineers put nuclear weapons and their components to the test.
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Up, up, and away
Flight tests offer real-life weapons performance insight.
June 5, 2025
Engineering partnerships
Evelyn Mullen helps build bridges between Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Texas A&M University System.
June 5, 2025
Fired up
Chemist Levi Lystrom has a passion for pottery.