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Electrical Engineer 2/3 (R&D Engineer 2/3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$106,400–$176,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Allen-Bradley, AutoCAD, C Programming Language, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software, Commissioning, Cost Estimates, Cross-Functional, Dental Insurance, Digital Circuits, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Wiring, Electronic Circuit, Electronics, Embedded Programming Languages, Engineering Change Management, FPGA, Hardware Design, High Availability, High Reliability, Identify Issues, LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL PHP/Perl/Python), Laboratory, Ladder Logic, Logic Analyzer, Mentor Graphics, Mentoring, Microcontroller, Mixed Signal IC Design, On Call, Operational Support, Operations Security (OPSEC), Oscilloscope, Printed Circuit Board (PCB), Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Layout, Printed Circuit Board Design, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Project Schedule, Reporting Skills, Research & Development (R&D), Safety Training, Schematics, Scientific Research, System Integration (SI), System Lifecycle, System Operations, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Maintenance, Technical Drawing, Technical Leadership, Technical Operations, Technical Writing, Technical/Engineering Design, Test Design, Testing, Time Management, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, VHDL Hardware Description Language, Verilog Hardware Description Language, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
30+ days ago
What You Will Do

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division is seeking an Engineer to join the Accelerator Operations Group at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), a premier high-energy accelerator facility supporting national security, scientific research, and isotope production.

The selected candidate will join the Protective Systems Team and play a key role in the design, implementation, and sustainment of safety-critical interlock and protection systems that safeguard personnel and accelerator equipment. This position involves developing and supporting PLC-based controls, analog and digital circuitry, and FPGA-based systems to ensure robust, fail-safe operation in a high-reliability environment.

This is a hands-on engineering role that spans the full system lifecycle, including hardware design, in-house repair and upgrades, system integration, and operational support. Responsibilities include troubleshooting complex systems using diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, supporting field installation and commissioning, and maintaining high system availability.

The position also contributes directly to next-generation protective systems associated with the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP). This work requires close collaboration across engineering, operations, and safety organizations to ensure designs meet functional and safety requirements, integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, and are delivered on schedule.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, the candidate will help develop and deploy robust, high-performance protection systems that enable safe and continuous accelerator operations in a mission-critical environment.

This Electrical Engineering position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)
As part of this role, you'll have the opportunity to:
  • Maintain and support critical personnel and equipment protection systems at the LANSCE Accelerator Facility.
  • Design, test, implement, and document new and upgraded protective systems, including schematics and drawings.
  • Troubleshoot and develop digital, analog, and mixed-signal electronics, including PLCs, FPGAs, microcontrollers, and PCB design.
  • Complete formal training and participate in an on-call rotation, including occasional nights and weekends.
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and support system installations, including outdoor work, ladder use, and entry into controlled radiation areas when needed.
R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 - $215,900)
In addition to the duties outlined above, the (higher level title) will have the opportunity to:
  • Lead design, testing, fabrication, and installation of R&D projects, including scheduling, cost estimates, and status reporting.
  • Collaborate on designs across teams, divisions, and external partners.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentor team members.
  • Develop technical reports, schematics, and presentation materials.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Proven experience in designing both analog and digital electronic circuits.
  • Skilled in troubleshooting complex systems using tools such as oscilloscopes, DVMs, and function generators.
  • Proficient in reading and interpreting schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
  • Knowledge of multiple programming languages, including embedded C, Verilog/VHDL, and ladder logic.
  • Familiar with low-level FPGA and microcontroller development.
  • Experienced with CAD/ECAD software such as AutoCAD, Mentor Graphics, or Altium Designer.
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance (U.S. citizenship typically required).

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3:
In addition to the Minimum Job Requirements outlined above, qualification at the R&D Engineer 3 level requires:

  • Experience providing technical direction to and mentoring technologists, technicians, and junior engineers.
  • Experience in writing and reviewing technical documents such as system operating/testing procedures and engineering design changes.
  • Demonstrated advanced experience in mixed-signal design, including hands-on development of custom PCBs integrating bare-metal FPGAs and/or microcontrollers, with supporting project examples.

Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 3: Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Strong PLC background, including Allen-Bradley networks, ladder logic, and PanelView configuration.
  • Experience designing relay-based interlock systems.
  • Proficient in PCB layout, sourcing, fabrication, and troubleshooting.
  • Skilled in translating designs into technical drawings and documentation.
  • Full lifecycle experience with electronic devices, from requirements and prototyping to installation, testing, and documentation.

Notes to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses each of the key requirements of the position.

Essential Job Functions(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

Vision, motor skills, and ability to climb ladders and stairs.

Work Environment:

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.

About the Company

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Los Alamos National Laboratory

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