Tonya Bell

Experienced and innovative R&D Engineer and Manager with an active DOE Q-Clearance and 8 years of experience in mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear weapons systems. Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary engineering teams, overseeing complex weapons design initiatives, and driving product realization ahead of schedule. Skilled in CAD modeling, FEA, and systems engineering, with a track record of mentoring staff and interns, resolving technical conflicts, and delivering mission-critical solutions for national security programs.

Seeking a senior engineering or management position in the R&D and Test Engineering field.

R&D Manager/Engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory (2021-01 – Present)

Led Surety, Design, and Integration for the W93/A21 Mk7 program, serving as technical authority across mechanical design, system interfaces, and certification while coordinating international partners to deliver against high-visibility NNSA program milestones. Led and mentored a multidisciplinary engineering team within DS&T and GTS, managing individual assignments, career development, and training across multiple high-impact projects.

• Collaborated with management on training module development, role scoping, policy and procedure updates, conflict resolution, and assisted with budget forecasting, resource allocation, and future programmatic planning

• Designed and developed nuclear weapon components for stockpile stewardship programs, applying advanced CAD and systems engineering methodologies to meet mission requirements

• Collaborated with systems and test engineers on test configuration, instrumentation, and data acquisition for hydrodynamic tests

• Participated in advanced R&D briefings with NNSA, DOE, CIA, MOD, AWE, and other interagency and international partners

• Performed FEA on components with varying geometry and mechanical loads, ensuring quality, safety, and manufacturability considerations

• Q-cleared individual demonstrating leadership through mentorship of Summer Student Interns and onboarding of new technical staff

Mechanical Engineer (Contractor) at Aerotek/Northrop Grumman (2020-05 – 2021-01)

• Designed structural components of target missiles using UG NX for product definition

• Conducted FEA validation of components to support integration into system-level assemblies, ensuring compliance with mechanical performance requirements

• Participated in cross-functional design reviews, contributing to iterative improvements and collaborative engineering decisions

Mechanical Systems Engineer 2 at MD Helicopters, Inc (2018-12 – 2020-03)

• Developed 3D Models and Drawings using UG NX on weaponized and civil helicopters

• Performed structural analysis on components designed to support heavy weaponry, infantry, and in-flight mechanical and thermal loading

• Mentored interns and new staff on common industry practices

MS in Engineering – Arizona State University (2017-08 – 2019-05)

BSE in Mechanical Systems Engineering – Arizona State University (2014-08 – 2018-05)