High-Power Radio Frequency Engineer (R&D Engineer 2 or 3)

About the role

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 levels, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D Engineer 2 or 3 for the 201.25 MHz High-Power Radio-Frequency (201 HPRF) team.

Responsibilities

• Design, construction, testing and installation of high-frequency high-power amplifiers dedicated to produce the RF power to achieve optimal acceleration and bunching of the beam.
• Work on tetrode and Diacrode vacuum tubes and their kilowatt to multi-megawatt amplifier structures, solid-state amplifiers, coaxial transmission lines, combining/splitting high-power components, circulators, the high-voltage and high-current power supplies to provide power to the amplifiers, and analog and digital electronics and controls.
• Support the LANSCE Modernization Project (LAMP) that will replace the front-end of the accelerator (injector systems and drift-tube LINAC).
• Conduct hazard analyses and prepare safety documentation to maintain regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Proficiency with laboratory and RF test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, network/spectrum analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters), and experience with high-voltage, high-power electronic components.
• Demonstrated ability in the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of analog and digital electronic systems, including RF circuit analysis and amplifier systems (solid-state and tube-based).
• Experience with schematic design and circuit simulation tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Eagle, PSpice, LTSpice), and programming of PLC and/or FPGA controllers.
• Strong documentation skills, including the creation of specifications, schematics, and test plans, along with the ability to present technical content to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects.

Qualifications

• R&D Engineer 2: 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: 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. A Ph.D. is preferred.

Skills

• Proficiency with laboratory and RF test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, network/spectrum analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters).
• Experience with high-voltage, high-power electronic components.
• Experience with schematic design and circuit simulation tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Eagle, PSpice, LTSpice).
• Programming of PLC and/or FPGA controllers.
• Documentation skills, including the creation of specifications, schematics, and test plans.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid maternity 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.

Pay

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

Schedule

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