Instrumentation and Controls Hardware R&D Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2)

About the Role

The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division provides leadership in the Laboratory's core capability of Accelerators and Electrodynamics. Accelerators and Electrodynamics enables charged particle acceleration through controlled utilization of electromagnetic fields, supporting National Security missions involving radiographic imaging, remote measurements of electromagnetic signatures, and development of new capabilities. In particular, AOT operates the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton accelerator complex, and conducts applied research and development in accelerator-focused technologies as they apply to Free Electron Lasers, National Security Science programs, and future accelerator missions. The Instrumentation and Controls Group (AOT-IC) within AOT performs a number of technical functions in support of AOT Division goals.

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job requirements outlined below will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

As a member of AOT-IC, the successful applicant for this position will work as a member of the Controls and Timing Team whose primary responsibility is to support the operation of the LANSCE Facility. The team's core capabilities include control system integration, instrumentation engineering, PCB design, ECAD/MCAD, and network and timing signal distribution. Additionally, the position will involve working under the direction of senior engineers to support the planning, design, and implementation of control system upgrades as part of the LANSCE Modernization Project. This includes assisting with evaluating existing legacy control systems, identifying areas for improvement, and contributing to the development of updated architectures that enhance reliability, maintainability, and performance. Responsibilities may include supporting system integration efforts, preparing technical documentation, participating in design reviews, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and helping oversee installation, testing, and commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

R&D Engineer 1

• Design, prototype, install, test, and maintain new LANSCE control and timing systems
• Modify, upgrade, and maintain existing systems
• Expand the capabilities of the group, such as by developing test stands for production I&C systems or interfacing with other AOT organizations and outside customers for small non-LANSCE control systems

R&D Engineer 2

• In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, independently apply systems engineering principles through the project lifecycle
• Lead the development of projects from conceptual design to closeout

Requirements

• Ability to assist with planning and successful completion of multiple projects with conflicting and often changing priorities and deadlines
• Record of academic achievement (provide examples) and/or technical accomplishments (provide examples) in the team's technical focus areas, which are control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support
• Basic understanding of electrical schematics - ability to create and interpret schematics and to effectively troubleshoot electronics systems to the component level
• Willingness to assume 24 hour, on-call support of AOT-IC accelerator hardware on a rotating basis
• Proactive approach to safe work practices and the ability to manage work safely with demanding customers and hard deadlines
• Experience with programming and maintaining Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and HMI Screens
• Promote and foster a work environment free from harassment and discrimination

Qualifications

R&D Engineer 1

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation

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
• A strong record of technical accomplishments (provide examples) and experience (3 to 5 years minimum) in the team's technical focus areas; which are control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support
• Demonstrated operations and maintenance experience at an accelerator or similar large scientific facility
• Background in system design, including electrical modeling of analog or digital signals (e.g. PSpice)

Desired Skills

• Formal training in RSLogix/Studio 5000 and/or FactoryTalk View Studio
• Experience in FPGA and/or DSP programming
• Experience with taking a project through the entire design lifecycle to include: requirements gathering, system design, implementation, and verification
• Experience with the utilization of software to support the deployment of designed systems and assigned projects (e.g. SCPI, I2C, SPI, or LabVIEW)
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship

Pay

• R&D Engineer 1: $96,600 - $158,000
• R&D Engineer 2: $106,400 - $176,000

Schedule

• Work Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
• Position commitment: 1 year of continuous service in current position required before eligibility to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays) available

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
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Work Environment

• 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
• Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (applies to U.S. citizens); foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A
• 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)
• Position does not require a security clearance; selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks