Engineered Systems Technician 1/2

About the Role

The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) division's Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group seeks an Engineered Systems Technician (EST) 1 or 2 for the HPRF 805 MHz team. The AOT division is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and modernization of all accelerator systems at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). These systems include a 201.25 MHz drift-tube linear accelerator (LINAC) powered by high-power diacrode tubes, as well as an 805 MHz coupled-cavity LINAC powered by high-power klystrons. The facility also features a proton storage ring and approximately one kilometer of beam transport lines that deliver particle beams to five distinct research programs.

Within AOT, the RFE group oversees all radio frequency (RF) systems, pulsed modulators, and high-power DC supplies used to operate beamline magnets. The group is organized into two specialized teams:

• Low-Level RF (LLRF): Focuses on real-time control of RF phase and amplitude
• High Power RF (HPRF): Focuses on high-power RF generation and associated support systems

The HPRF team is responsible for supporting the multi-megawatt RF systems that power both the 201.25 MHz and 805 MHz LINACs. This includes RF generation equipment such as klystrons and diacrodes, along with the high-voltage systems required for their operation. The team also operates the Electronics Test Laboratory (ETL), which supports the development, assembly, and testing of 805 MHz klystrons and high-voltage modulators.

This position will be filled at either the EST 1 or EST 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Responsibilities

Engineered Systems Technician 1 ($49,600 - $76,700)

• Work with engineers, technologists, and technicians to support the operation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of LANSCE high-power RF systems, including high-voltage power supplies and related electronics.
• Assist with RF system testing, equipment setup, prototype testing, data collection, and routine maintenance activities.
• Support RF and High Voltage engineers with system upgrades, installation of new equipment, and testing of RF components such as klystrons and modulators.
• Help maintain RF test stands, document maintenance and test results, and assist with efforts to improve system reliability and performance.

Engineered Systems Technician 2 ($54,900 - $84,300)

• In addition to the responsibilities outlined for EST 1, coordinate maintenance activities and lead small projects or work packages.
• Develop maintenance procedures and maintain spare parts and test equipment inventories.
• Provide technical recommendations for equipment repairs and upgrades.

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Using basic bench top electronic test equipment, hand tools, and measuring devices to conduct testing in a development mode and determine methods or actions to correct malfunctions or design problems.
• Performing installation, maintenance, commissioning, and repairs on electrical/electronic equipment and/or systems.
• Ability to complete forklift and incidental crane training/certification.
• Provide after-hours primary on-call support rotation (approximately one week per month during the operating season, which is usually 7 months out of the year).

Additional Job Requirements for Engineered Systems Technician 2:

• Using basic electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters.
• Experience and ability to read and understand basic electrical wiring diagrams or schematics, work from documentation, diagrams, rough sketches, layouts, and verbal instructions.
• Some experience troubleshooting circuits with multiple integrated or discrete components.

Qualifications

Education/Experience for EST 1: Typically requires a high school diploma and a minimum of 1-2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education/Experience for EST 2: Requires a high school diploma and a minimum of three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

Desired Qualifications (EST 1):

• Ability to work independently while closely supervised as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
• Learn installation, testing, repair, and maintenance of equipment or systems.
• Ability to read and understand written or verbal instructions, drawings, layouts, and other related specifications.
• Learn skills in the preparation and presentation of systems/equipment reporting.
• Become familiar with Laboratory's policies, practices, and procedures.
• Become knowledgeable of legal requirements and environmental impacts affecting equipment and systems maintenance and/or engineering.

Desired Qualifications (EST 2):

• Familiarity and/or experience with particle accelerator operations, maintenance, or operations and maintenance at a similar complex facility.
• Familiarity and/or experience with Conduct of Operations and Conduct of Research principles and procedures.
• Experience with two or more of the following:
  • Installation and testing of high-power RF devices and/or systems;
  • Installation and testing of high-voltage and pulsed-power devices and/or systems;
  • Installation and testing of RF power amplifiers, DC and pulsed-power systems;
  • Installation and testing of RF transport systems such as cables, coaxial lines, or waveguides.
• Experience relating to installation of high-power RF vacuum tube-based amplifier systems and high-voltage systems.
• Experience with the maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of high-power RF systems.

Work Environment

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite 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. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

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)

Pay

• Engineered Systems Technician 1: $49,600 - $76,700
• Engineered Systems Technician 2: $54,900 - $84,300

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 ("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.