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

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.

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.

R&D Engineer 3 Additional Responsibilities

• 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.

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 Requirements for R&D Engineer 3

• 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.

Qualifications

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.

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.

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

• R&D Engineer 2: $106,400 - $176,000
• R&D Engineer 3: $128,000 - $215,900

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)

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.

Essential Job Functions: Vision, motor skills, and ability to climb ladders and stairs.

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. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.