Engineer ; R&D Engineer

Position: Engineer 3/4 (R&D Engineer)
** What You Will Do*
* The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D Engineer Level 3 or Level 4 for their 201 MHz HPRF team.

The AOT division maintains, operates, and upgrades all accelerator systems used at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) complex. These consist of two 750-keV Cockcroft-Walton-based injector systems (H+ and H- systems), a 201.25-MHz drift-tube linear accelerator (LINAC) utilizing high-power diacrode tubes, an 805-MHz coupled cavity LINAC utilizing high-power klystrons as the primary power source, a proton storage ring, and roughly a kilometer of beam transport lines that deliver beam to the five independent research programs.

The RFE group is principally responsible for all radio frequency (RF) systems. The group consists of three teams: (1) Low-Level RF (LLRF) focused on real-time phase and amplitude controls; (2) High-Power RF (HPRF) systems at 201 MHz; and (3) High-Power RF systems at 805 MHz. The 201 MHz High-Power RF (HPRF) team at LANSCE is seeking an experienced Engineer to support and lead operations of high-performance RF systems.

This role involves both hands-on and technical leadership in the operation, troubleshooting, and upgrade of RF amplifiers and power modulator systems-spanning vacuum tube and solid-state technologies.

As a senior member of the RF Engineering group, you will contribute to the design, development, and commissioning of key systems, including RFQ and DTL cavities and solid-state amplifiers for UHF and 1-10 MHz applications. Responsibilities include performing calculations, generating specifications, estimating budgets, managing procurements, and overseeing system integration and testing.

You'll work closely with engineers and technicians on complex, multi-disciplinary projects as part of the LANSCE Modernization Project. The role also involves working with high-voltage (up to 30 kV), high-current (35

A) power systems, protection circuits, and power electronics.

Participation in an on-call support rotation (typically one week every 4-6 weeks during accelerator operations) is required.

** This position will be filled at the R&D Engineer 3 or R&D Engineer 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate.  Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.*
* ** R&D Engineer 3 $ 128,000 - $215,900*
* At this advanced level, you will lead large-scale engineering efforts to redesign and upgrade high-voltage and Diacrode amplifier systems at the front end of the LANSCE linac. This includes collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and integrate complex RF systems and high-power components.

You will own the full design and procurement process, including defining electrical, thermal, and mechanical interfaces, and developing installation plans that ensure system performance, reliability, and safety. The role also involves conducting hazard analyses and preparing safety documentation to maintain regulatory compliance.

** R&D Engineer 4 $ 153,600 - $266,500*
* In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, this position entails leading the end-to-end design, development, implementation, and testing of advanced amplifier systems. You will be responsible for generating comprehensive technical documentation to support long-term maintenance and operational reliability. In addition, you will mentor junior engineers, providing guidance in engineering best practices and system-level thinking. This role also involves authoring complex procurement specifications and developing detailed safety documentation, including thorough assessments of electrical hazards to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* ** R&D Engineer 3:*
* ** The successful candidate must have experience in:*
* +  Extensive experience with RF amplifier systems (solid-state and tube-based) and high-power electrical systems, including transformers, rectifiers, and high-voltage DC or pulsed power supplies.

+ Proficiency with laboratory and RF test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters) and hands-on troubleshooting of high-voltage electronics.

+ Strong ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot analog, digital, and RF systems using schematic capture and simulation tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Eagle, PSpice, LTSpice); experience with PLC and/or FPGA programming.

+ Demonstrated capability to develop specifications, schematics, and test documentation, and to clearly communicate technical concepts to varied audiences.

+ Proven track record of independently contributing to and occasionally leading complex, multi-disciplinary projects; skilled in translating technical requirements into effective, high-performance designs.

** Additional requirements for R&D Engineer 4:*
* +  Expert knowledge and hands-on experience with vacuum tube based high-power…