Pulsed Power Graduate Student

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated graduate student to support experimental operations and engineering activities at the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) Facility. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of a premier high-energy radiographic facility supporting the Laboratory's national security mission.

About the role

The selected candidate will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of engineers, physicists, and technicians responsible for the operation and sustainment of DARHT's pulsed power and accelerator systems. Research and engineering activities may include:

• Pulsed power systems
• High-voltage engineering
• Power distribution
• Electrical diagnostics
• Instrumentation and controls
• System performance analysis
• Reliability improvements
• Experimental support for facility operations

Under the guidance of experienced technical staff, the graduate student will assist with electrical engineering analyses, support testing and commissioning activities, evaluate system performance, analyze experimental and operational data, develop engineering models and documentation, and contribute to projects that improve the reliability, safety, and performance of DARHT's accelerator and pulsed power systems. The position may begin at any time during the year based on programmatic needs.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Completion of at least 28 graduate semester credit hours toward a graduate degree.
• Enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent).
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals, including circuit analysis, power systems, electromagnetics, or pulsed power.
• Experience with engineering analysis and modeling tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, LTspice, ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment while supporting complex experimental operations.

Qualifications

Candidates will be most competitive when they possess the following knowledge and skills:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering is preferred.
• Coursework or research experience in pulsed power, high-voltage engineering, power electronics, accelerator systems, or electrical power systems.
• Experience supporting laboratory research, experimental facilities, or large-scale engineering systems.
• Familiarity with electrical diagnostics, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or control systems.
• Experience programming in MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, C/C++, or similar engineering software.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices in laboratory or industrial environments.
• Experience interpreting electrical drawings, schematics, and engineering documentation.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter.

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) (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)