R&D Engineer 1/2

This position is open for external candidates only and will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

About the Role

The Detonation Science and Technology Group (Q-6) serves the Laboratory and the Nation by providing the knowledge base and component design responsibilities for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other critical national security areas. The Group's capabilities include:

• Design engineering for nuclear weapon detonators and detonator cable assemblies
• Design, fabrication, qualification, and installation of test fire control systems
• Pulse power engineering and advanced detonator design and testing
• Applied problem-solving in detonation science and physics of detonator energetic materials
• Cradle-to-grave care of detonators and detonator cable assemblies
• Engineering, fabricating, or acquiring precision high explosives detonators for diverse R&D customers

Q-6 is offering an opportunity to join as an early-level R&D Engineer. You will work closely with a diverse team of engineers, technologists, and technicians on timing and firing control systems, facility infrastructure integration with high-voltage and laser operations supporting critical high-consequence experiments. We seek a thoughtful, collaborative engineer who enjoys solving real problems, learning quickly, and contributing to a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Design timing and firing system architectures, including hardware, software, electrical interfaces, PCB layouts, schematic development, and mechanical definitions for boards, chassis, and connectors
• Develop embedded and system-level software, including scripts, modules, simulations, HDL logic, and hardware-control interfaces
• Integrate hardware and software subsystems, validating compatibility across electrical, firmware, and mechanical components
• Build and assemble system hardware, including PCB fabrication/assembly oversight, wiring installation, component selection, and in-house inspections for continuity, signal integrity, and workmanship
• Troubleshoot complex mixed-signal systems using oscilloscopes, TDRs, high-voltage test equipment, digital/analog diagnostics, and data-driven isolation methods
• Document engineering work clearly, including test results, user documentation, lessons learned, version control notes, and integration guides

Additional responsibilities for R&D Engineer 2:

• Independently lead subsystem-level design, including architectural decisions, PCB design ownership, and advanced HDL/embedded development
• Solve complex mixed-signal issues using advanced diagnostics (TDRs, network analyzers, high-bandwidth scopes) and data-driven root-cause analysis
• Oversee hardware build and integration, including fabrication reviews, DFM considerations, and validation of signal/power integrity
• Contribute to or lead verification, validation, environmental qualification, and engineering review processes
• Produce technical documentation, integration guides, test reports, design notes, and engineering artifacts for multi-disciplinary teams

Requirements

R&D Engineer 1:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution related to the occupation, combined with 2 years of related experience
• Experience in design timing and firing system architectures, embedded/system-level software development, hardware/software integration, system assembly, troubleshooting, and documentation

Candidates meeting the degree requirement but lacking the 2-year experience may apply and be considered for hire through an exception process.

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

Qualifications

• Experience with FPGA/HDL development, embedded systems, and real-time hardware-control firmware
• Strong background in mixed-signal circuit design, signal/power integrity, and PCB manufacturing or DFM practices
• Proficiency with advanced diagnostics such as high-bandwidth scopes, Time Domain Reflectometers (TDRs), network analyzers, or precision LCR equipment
• Familiarity with high-voltage, pulse-power, or safety-critical electrical environments and related engineering standards
• Experience with system-level integration involving sensors, data acquisition (DAQ) hardware, and communication interfaces (SPI, I²C, Ethernet, etc.)
• Competence with version control, technical documentation, and engineering review processes, including V&V or environmental qualification testing

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a 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
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius)

Pay

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

Schedule

This is a regular, onsite position located in Los Alamos, NM. The position commitment is 1 year of continuous service before eligibility to apply for other Laboratory jobs without documented approval from the Division Leader.

Essential Job Functions

• Reading vision (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation)

Additional Information

For full consideration, a comprehensive cover letter addressing qualifications against the minimum and desired skills is required. 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 are prohibited from accessing facilities supporting national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities.

This position requires a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation. A new-employment drug test is required, and the Laboratory maintains a substance abuse policy including random drug testing. Marijuana use remains illegal under federal law, and a positive test will result in termination.