Electrical Engineer ; R&D Engineer

Job Overview

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.

• Design, develop, and sustain safety‑critical interlock and protection systems that safeguard personnel and accelerator equipment.
• Develop and support PLC‑based controls, analog and digital circuits, and FPGA‑based systems to ensure reliable, fail‑safe operation.
• Participate in the full system lifecycle: hardware design, in‑house repair and upgrades, system integration, and operational support.
• Troubleshoot complex systems using diagnostic tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.).
• Support field installation, commissioning, and maintain high system availability.
• Contribute to next‑generation protective systems for the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP) in collaboration with engineering, operations, and safety teams.
• Assist in planning and executing cross‑disciplinary projects, including scheduling, cost estimates, status reporting, and mentoring when hired at the R&D Engineer 3 level.

R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 – $176,000) – In addition to the core duties:

• Maintain and support critical personnel and equipment protection systems.
• Design, test, implement, and document new and upgraded protective systems (schematics and drawings).
• Troubleshoot and develop digital, analog, and mixed‑signal electronics (PLCs, FPGAs, microcontrollers, 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.

R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 – $215,900) – In addition to the duties above:

• Lead design, testing, fabrication, and installation of R&D projects, including scheduling, cost estimates, and status reporting.
• Collaborate on designs across teams, divisions, and external partners.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor team members.
• Develop technical reports, schematics, and presentation materials.

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

Additional qualifications for R&D Engineer 3:

• Experience providing technical direction and mentoring technologists, technicians, and junior engineers.
• Experience writing and reviewing technical documents (system operating/testing procedures, engineering design changes).
• Demonstrated advanced mixed‑signal design, custom PCB development with bare‑metal FPGAs/microcontrollers.

R&D Engineer 2:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 4 years of related experience or equivalent combination.

R&D Engineer 3:
Master’s degree in Engineering and 6 years of related experience or equivalent;
Ph.D. may be preferred.

On‑site location in Los Alamos, NM. Must be willing to climb ladders, work in controlled radiation areas, and occasionally work nights and weekends.

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution.
• Tuition assistance and learning opportunities.
• Flexible schedules and PTO/holidays.
• On‑site gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages for moves outside a 50‑mile radius.

Q clearance required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens (except under extremely rare circumstances).

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. Employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within federal, state, and local law limits.

The Laboratory is committed to making its workplace accessible and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.