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

Position: Instrumentation and Controls Hardware R&D Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2)
** 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. Accelerators and Electrodynamics enables charged particle acceleration through controlled utilization of electromagnetic fields, supporting National Security missions involving radiographic imaging, remote measurements of electromagnetic signatures, and development of new capabilities. In particular, AOT operates the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton accelerator complex, and conducts applied research and development in accelerator-focused technologies as they apply to Free Electron Lasers, National Security Science programs, and future accelerator missions.  

The Instrumentation and Controls Group (AOT-IC) within AOT performs a number of technical functions in support of AOT Division goals.  As a member of AOT-IC, the successful applicant for this position will work as a member of the Controls and Timing Team whose primary responsibility is to support the operation of the LANSCE Facility. The teams's core capabilities include control system integration, instrumentation engineering, PCB design, ECAD/MCAD, and network and timing signal distribution.

Additionally, the position will involve working under the direction of senior engineers to support the planning, design, and implementation of control system upgrades as part of the LANSCE Modernization Project. This includes assisting with evaluating existing legacy control systems, identifying areas for improvement, and contributing to the development of updated architectures that enhance reliability, maintainability, and performance. Responsibilities 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.

** R&D Engineer 1 $ 96,600 - $158,000*
* As an R&D Engineer 1 you will play a crucial role in supporting the operation of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) facility. In this role, you will design, prototype, install, test, and maintain new LANSCE control, and timing systems, as well as modify, upgrade, and maintain existing systems. You will also be responsible for expanding the capabilities of the group, such as by developing test stands for production I&C systems or interfacing with other AOT organizations and outside customers for small non-LANSCE control systems.

** R&D Engineer 2 $ 106,400 - $ 176,000*
* In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the R&D Engineer 2 level position offers the opportunity to take on a more senior role in supporting the critical operations and development work of the AOT Division. In this role, you will be required to independently apply systems engineering principles through the project lifecycle and lead the development of projects from conceptual design to closeout.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* + 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 the team's technical focus areas, which are control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support.

+ Basic understanding of electrical schematics - ability to create and interpret schematics and to effectively 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 the ability to manage work safely with demanding customers and hard deadlines.

+

Experience with programming and maintaining Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and HMI Screens

+ Promote and foster a work environment free from harassment and discrimination

** Additional

Job Requirements for higher level title:*
* In addition to the

Job Requirements outlined above, qualification at the R&D Engineer 2 level requires:

+ A strong record of technical accomplishments (provide examples) and experience (3 to 5 years minimum) in the team's technical focus areas; which are control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support.

+ 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).

** Education/Experience at lower level:
** Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution related to…