Electrical Engineer ; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division is seeking an Engineer to join the Accelerator Operations Group at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), a premier high‑energy accelerator facility supporting national security, scientific research, and isotope production.

The selected candidate will join the Protective Systems Team and play a key role in the design, implementation, and sustainment of safety‑critical interlock and protection systems that safeguard personnel and accelerator equipment. This position involves developing and supporting PLC‑based controls, analog and digital circuitry, and FPGA‑based systems to ensure robust, fail‑safe operation in a high‑reliability environment.

This is a hands‑on engineering role that spans the full system lifecycle, including hardware design, in‑house repair and upgrades, system integration, and operational support. Responsibilities include troubleshooting complex systems using diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, supporting field installation and commissioning, and maintaining high system availability.

The position also contributes directly to next‑generation protective systems associated with the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP). This work requires close collaboration across engineering, operations, and safety organizations to ensure designs meet functional and safety requirements, integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, and are delivered on schedule.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, the candidate will help develop and deploy robust, high‑performance protection systems that enable safe and continuous accelerator operations in a mission‑critical environment.

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Maintain and support critical personnel and equipment protection systems at the LANSCE Accelerator Facility.
• Design, test, implement, and document new and upgraded protective systems, including schematics and drawings.
• Troubleshoot and develop digital, analog, and mixed‑signal electronics, including PLCs, FPGAs, microcontrollers, and PCB design.
• Complete formal training and participate in an on‑call rotation, including occasional nights and weekends.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams and support system installations, including outdoor work, ladder use, and entry into controlled radiation areas when needed.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Proven experience in designing both analog and digital electronic circuits.
• Skilled in troubleshooting complex systems using tools such as oscilloscopes, DVMs, and function generators.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of multiple programming languages, including embedded C, Verilog/VHDL, and ladder logic.
• Familiar with low‑level FPGA and microcontroller development.
• Experienced with CAD/ECAD software such as AutoCAD, Mentor Graphics, or Altium Designer.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance (U.S. citizenship typically required).

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited institution plus 2 years of related technical experience, or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation.

• Strong PLC background, including Allen‑Bradley networks, ladder logic, and Panel View configuration.
• Experience designing relay‑based interlock systems.
• Proficient in PCB layout, sourcing, fabrication, and troubleshooting.
• Skilled in translating designs into technical drawings and documentation.
• Full lifecycle experience with electronic devices, from requirements and prototyping to installation, testing, and documentation.

Vision and motor skills. Ability to climb ladders and stairs.

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted…