Instrumentation and Controls Hardware Engineer ; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

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. 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. The team s core capabilities include control system integration, instrumentation engineering, developing beam diagnostics electronics, PCB design, ECAD/MCAD, and network and timing signal distribution. As a member of AOT-IC, the successful applicant for this position will work as a member of the Hardware Team whose primary responsibility is to support the operation of the LANSCE Facility.

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.

R&D Engineer 1 $94,500 - $154,600

As an R&D Engineer 1 you will play a crucial role in supporting the operation of the LANSCE facility. In this role, you will design, prototype, install, test, and maintain new LANSCE beam diagnostic instrumentation, control, and timing systems, as well as modify, upgrade, and maintain existing systems. You will also be responsible for expanding the capabilities of the group, such as 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 $104,100 - $172,200

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the R&D Engineer 2 level offers the opportunity to take on a more senior role in supporting the critical operations and development work of the AOT Division. In this role, you will be required to independently apply systems engineering principles through the project lifecycle and lead the development of projects from conceptual design to closeout.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Project Management: Proven ability to coordinate and execute multiple projects with dynamic priorities, deadlines, and conflicting requirements.
• Technical Expertise: Strong academic or technical background in control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support.
• Electrical Schematic Analysis: Basic understanding of electrical schematics, including the ability to create, interpret, and troubleshoot electronics systems at the component level.
• 24/7 Support: Willingness to provide on-call support for AOT-IC accelerator hardware, including availability for emergency situations.
• Safety Culture: Proactive approach to maintaining a safe working environment, adhering to established safe work practices, and prioritizing worker safety.

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 2:

• Technical
  
  Experience:
  
  3 to 5 years of experience in the team s technical focus areas, including control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support.
• Accelerator Operations: Demonstrated experience in operations and maintenance of accelerator or similar large scientific facilities.
• Software Development: Formal training in software development, including experience with Allen Bradley PLCs and/or National Instruments  LabVIEW.
• System Design: Background in system design, including electrical modeling of analog or digital signals using tools like PSpice.
• Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a 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.
• Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a 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.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Experience in FPGA and/or DSP programming.
• Experience in design, fabrication, procurement, and testing of electronic systems related to beam instrumentation or low-level RF systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with component level design of RF filters, mixers, and low power amplifier circuits as well as general analog circuits.
• Proficiency with standard RF test instrumentation.
• Experience with the utilization of software to support the deployment of designed systems…