R&D Engineer 1/2 - 201 MHz HPRF & LLRF team

Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D Engineer (Level 1 or Level 2) for the 201 MHz High-Power RF (HPRF) team. The AOT division maintains, operates, and upgrades all accelerator systems at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), including two 750-keV Cockcroft-Walton injectors, a 201.25-MHz drift-tube linear accelerator (LINAC) with high-power diacrode tubes, an 805-MHz coupled-cavity LINAC powered by klystrons, a proton storage ring, and approximately one kilometer of beam transport lines serving five independent research programs. The RFE group oversees all radio-frequency systems, organized into three teams: Low-Level RF (LLRF), 201 MHz High-Power RF (HPRF), and 805 MHz High-Power RF.

About the Role

This position supports the 201 MHz HPRF team with dynamic engineering and supervisory responsibilities. Key functions include performing initial calculations, providing budget estimates, writing specifications, coordinating procurement, testing, delivery, installation, and system upgrades. The role involves collaboration with senior engineers on RF system upgrades for the LANSCE Modernization Project, including building tube and solid-state amplifier systems for radio-frequency quadrupole and drift-tube linac cavities. Additionally, the position contributes to solid-state amplifier development for UHF and 1–10 MHz applications. While the role primarily supports electrical and RF systems, mechanical engineering input is critical for addressing heating, cooling, equipment footprint, and structural support requirements.

This position may be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in planning and implementing RF system upgrades as part of a larger team.
• Build high-power RF test stands and implement large-scale changes to high-voltage and diacrode amplifiers for the LANSCE linac.
• Design system components and interconnections, working with engineers, technologists, and technicians for implementation, installation, and testing.
• Design and procure high-power components, coordinating with other teams to determine power, water cooling, and mechanical requirements.
• Lead mechanical design of systems and interconnections (R&D Engineer 2 level).
• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from client constraints to stress simulations, procurement, and installation (R&D Engineer 2 level).
• Design water and air cooling systems (R&D Engineer 2 level).
• Work in radiation environments while adhering to ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles.

Requirements

• Experience with individual and team assignments.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
• Ability to model existing components from measurements or drawings, create assemblies, and produce drawing packages per ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Analytical and computational analysis for structural component design in accordance with engineering standards.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques for manual and CNC machines to aid design and fabrication.
• Experience interacting with manufacturers to determine optimal engineering solutions.
• Ability to produce written documentation and present results to an audience.

Additional Requirements for R&D Engineer 2

• Experience with thermal analysis of components and design of air or water cooling systems.
• Designing support structures for complex geometries subject to thermal gradients.
• Producing component specifications and design documentation.
• Leading procurement, testing, and installation of high-cost items.
• Mentoring and professional development of junior staff or students.

Qualifications

R&D Engineer 1

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

R&D Engineer 2

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Water cooling designs, including manifolds, flow, temperature, and pressure measurement devices.
• Coordination of multidisciplinary teams in complex projects.
• Providing budget estimates for materials and effort in high-consequence jobs.
• Following development of individual pieces and complex assemblies from design to installation.
• Realignment of efforts to meet project deliverables in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of electrical and/or electronic systems.
• Multi-physics simulations.
• Operations experience at an accelerator facility.

Pay

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

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).

Work Environment

• Work Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM.
• Essential physical functions (with or without reasonable accommodation):
  • Speaking, discriminating speech, and hearing in a normal range (20 Hz to 20 KHz).
  • Sitting, standing, walking, climbing ladders, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, twisting the trunk or back.
  • Lifting and carrying 30+ pounds.
  • Use of both hands and arms, reaching overhead, horizontally, and downward.
  • Applying torque with hands or arms.
• Position commitment: 1 year of continuous service in the current role.
• No security clearance required; selected candidates will undergo drug testing and background checks.
• 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 are prohibited from accessing LANL facilities.