Electrical Engineer ; R&D Engineer

Overview

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group seeks an R&D Engineer at level 3 or level 4 for the 805 MHz High-Power RF (HPRF) team within the 805 MHz HPRF program. The AOT division maintains, operates, and upgrades accelerator systems at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). These systems include two 750-keV injector units (H+ and H−), a 201.25-MHz drift-tube LINAC with high-power diacrode tubes, an 805-MHz coupled-cavity LINAC with high-power klystrons, a proton storage ring, and roughly a kilometer of beam transport lines supporting five independent research programs.

The RFE group manages all RF systems and comprises three focus areas:
Low-Level RF (LLRF) for real-time phase and amplitude control;
High-Power RF (HPRF) at 201 MHz; and High-Power RF at 805 MHz. The group provides RF system design and engineering support for gridded tube amplifiers, klystrons, RF control systems, and accelerator cavities. In addition to supporting the LANSCE User Facility, the team collaborates with internal/external teams and participates in global RF technology efforts, workshops, and conferences.

Position levels and responsibilities

This position will be filled at either R&D Engineer 3 or R&D Engineer 4 level. Additional responsibilities may be assigned if hired at the higher level.

R&D Engineer 3 — $125,200 to $211,300

As a member of the AOT-RFE 805 MHz high-power RF engineering team, the successful candidate will work with engineers and technicians to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the LANSCE 805 MHz high-power RF systems, including associated electronics, high-voltage power supplies, and modulators. The role includes providing power electronics expertise across the group, with emphasis on vacuum-tube amplifiers and related equipment. The position also involves planning and implementing future RF system upgrades (e.g., klystron amplifiers and high-voltage pulsed power systems), supporting LANSCE physicists on special projects, and analyzing RF system data to improve performance and reliability through design enhancements.

The on-call rotation for off-hours and weekend support is required, typically about one week per month during the accelerator operational period (approximately seven months per year).

R&D Engineer 4 — $150,300 to $260,800

In addition to the R&D Engineer 3 requirements, qualification at the R&D Engineer 4 level requires advanced expertise in electrical engineering, specifically microwave engineering, high-voltage and pulsed-power systems, RF power amplifiers and transmitters, DC and pulsed-power systems, and RF/microwave components and transport systems. It also requires a strong track record of technical leadership and innovation in high-power RF vacuum-tube amplifier systems and high-voltage systems, the ability to develop and implement advanced RF/high-voltage concepts, and experience applying formal engineering practices and procedures, including standards compliance.

Expertise in systems engineering processes—including requirements definition, design translation, and delivering solutions that meet technical and customer expectations—is expected at this level.

Education/Experience

Lower level: A master’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination. A Ph.D. may be preferred. Higher level: A master’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 12 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination. A Ph.D. may be preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with high-voltage DC and pulsed-power systems.
• Experience with circuit-layout simulation tools (PSpice, Multisim, LTSPice, etc.).
• Experience with NI LabVIEW and LabVIEW/FPGA programming.
• Experience with matrix algebra and block diagram simulation software (Matlab/Simulink, Scilab/Xcos, etc.).
• Operations experience at an accelerator facility.

Essential Job Functions

(Can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation): ability to speak and hear; sit, stand, walk; climb ladders; bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, twist; lift/carry 30+ pounds; use hands and arms; reach overhead,…