Instrumentation and Controls Hardware R&D Engineer; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

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.

The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division provides leadership in the Laboratory's core capability of accelerators and electrodynamics. This includes operating the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton accelerator complex and conducting applied research in accelerator-focused technologies. As a member of the Controls and Timing Team within the Instrumentation and Controls Group (AOT‑IC), the successful applicant will support the operation of the LANSCE Facility.

Core responsibilities include control system integration, instrumentation engineering, PCB design, ECAD/MCAD, and network and timing signal distribution. The position also involves planning, designing, and implementing control system upgrades as part of the LANSCE Modernization Project, evaluating legacy systems, and contributing to updated architectures that enhance reliability, maintainability, and performance. Additional duties may include supporting system integration efforts, preparing technical documentation, participating in design reviews, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and helping oversee installation, testing, and commissioning activities.

At this level, you will design, prototype, install, test, and maintain new LANSCE control and timing systems, as well as modify, upgrade, and support existing systems. You will expand the group’s capabilities, such as developing test stands for production I&C systems and interfacing with other AOT organizations and external customers for small non‑LANSCE control systems.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the R&D Engineer 2 level offers the opportunity to take on a more senior role. You will independently apply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle and lead the development of projects from conceptual design to closeout.

• Ability to assist with planning and successful completion of multiple projects with conflicting and often changing priorities and deadlines.
• Record of academic achievement (provide examples) and/or technical accomplishments (provide examples) in control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support.
• Basic understanding of electrical schematics – ability to create, interpret, and troubleshoot electronics systems to the component level.
• Willingness to assume 24‑hour, on‑call support of AOT‑IC accelerator hardware on a rotating basis.
• Proactive approach to safe work practices and ability to manage work safely with demanding customers and hard deadlines.
• Experience with programming and maintaining programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and HMI screens.
• Commitment to a harassment‑free work environment.

• Strong record of technical accomplishments (provide examples) and at least 3‑5 years of experience in the technical focus areas of the team.
• Demonstrated operations and maintenance experience at an accelerator or similar large scientific facility.
• Background in system design, including electrical modeling of analog or digital signals (e.g., PSpice).

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution related to the occupation plus at least 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation.

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and at least 4 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Formal training in RSLogix/Studio 5000 and/or Factory Talk View Studio.
• Experience in FPGA and/or DSP programming.
• Experience with taking a project through the entire design lifecycle, including requirements gathering, system design,…