Power Systems Electrical Engineer (R&D Engineer 3/4)

About the Role

The Technology Applications Group (A-3) is searching for a technical leader to positively impact national security. The group operates a reconfigurable micro-grid used for various projects and needs a power systems engineer to design experiments, manage microgrid operations, validate experiments for safety and relevance, and lead program development efforts. The ideal candidate will have broad experience across power generation, transmission, and distribution, along with applied experimentation expertise in one or more power systems areas.

Research will be conducted up to the Q and SCI levels within a team of approximately 40 full-time staff, including electrical and mechanical engineers, designers, technicians, physicists, and students. This role requires collaboration across Laboratory resources and expertise to execute mission objectives effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments and manage operations on a reconfigurable micro-grid.
• Validate experiments designed by other scientists/engineers for safety and relevance.
• Lead program development efforts in power systems.
• Work across Laboratory resources to execute mission objectives.

Requirements

R&D Engineer 3

• Familiarity with utility and facility power infrastructure.
• Knowledge of medium and high voltage distribution and monitoring equipment (SCADA, networking, load balancing).
• Ability to design experimental setups for real-world application of theoretical ideas.
• Hands-on experience in a lab environment (e.g., using tools like screwdrivers, not just CAD).

R&D Engineer 4

• All requirements for R&D Engineer 3.
• Extensive knowledge of utility and facility power infrastructure.
• Independent planning and execution of experimental goals.
• Broad knowledge of power electronics, including solid-state inverters, battery backup arrays, solar conversion systems, and power monitoring equipment.
• Advanced leadership experience, demonstrated through proposal development, cross-functional project management, and sponsor interactions.
• Proven ability to secure funding through a proposal process.

Qualifications

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. A Ph.D. may be preferred.

R&D Engineer 4

Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 12 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Ph.D. may be preferred.

Skills

• Design, synthesis, routing, simulation, testing, and technical documentation of digital circuits and digital communication systems/digital signal processing.
• Debugging and troubleshooting circuits/prototypes, including fault analysis.
• Complex network interfacing and design.
• Field collection, signal processing, and data analysis for RF measurements from kHz to GHz.
• High voltage AC and DC practical application.
• Development and implementation of advanced algorithms for real-time data/sensor analysis and response.
• Thorough understanding of utility and facility-level power infrastructure, devices, and distribution.
• Knowledge of safety protocols, hazard identification, analysis, IWD development, and/or serving as an organizational ESO.
• Active Q and SCI clearances (preferred).

Pay

• R&D Engineer 3: $128,000 - $215,900
• R&D Engineer 4: $153,600 - $266,500

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award-winning 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (for candidates outside a 50-mile radius).

Location

This position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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 supporting national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

This position requires a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation. Additional access authorization may be required for classified information, though this is rare for dual citizens.