Electrical Engineer 1 (R&D Engineer 1)

This position is open for external candidates only.

About the Role

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 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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Troubleshoot complex systems using diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Support field installation and commissioning, and maintain high system availability.

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).

Qualifications

Position requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an accredited institution plus 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Skills

• 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.

Pay

$96,400 - $158,000

Benefits

• 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)

Essential Job Functions

• Vision and motor skills
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Note to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses each of the key requirements of the position. Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not Lawful Permanent Residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.