Embedded Software Development Engineer; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Embedded Software Development Engineer R&D 2 or 3 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.

The Automation, Robotics, and Control Group (E-3) is seeking an experienced FPGA/Embedded Software Development Engineer (Research and Development Engineer 2/3) to join our Embedded Systems for Weapons Analysis (ESWA) team here at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

ESWA is a multidisciplinary team that specializes in high-speed data acquisition systems. Our team’s expertise includes systems engineering, embedded systems for data acquisition, and the mechanical design of complex miniaturized systems for harsh conditions. The ESWA team provides support, expertise, and solutions to LANL’s flight programs for verification, reliability surveillance, and system development. As part of the ESWA team, you will contribute to informing joint-scope objectives for LANL systems by providing critical data and performance metrics for flight-tested assets.

In E-3, we are committed to innovation by valuing employees with diverse skills and experience. Our group solves complex challenges with multidisciplinary teams who have a unique set of experiences, ideas, and skills. As part of E-3, you will have an opportunity to work across different programs where you can continue to develop and expand your skills and specific interests.

R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)

At the R&D Engineer 2 level, you will work to identify and apply digital design methodologies at a quality necessary for deployment in harsh flight environments. You will work closely with other engineers and scientists to develop, deploy, and test firmware and software for on-board data processing and analysis.

R&D Engineer 3 ($122,300 - $206,300)

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, as an R&D Engineer 3 you participate as a technical leader with recognized, advanced skills in digital hardware design. Project leadership will look to you for in-depth evaluation of design variables and technical decision making. You will continue to build on your strong communication skills through leadership opportunities, collaborations, and mentoring early career staff.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

Technical Knowledge

• FPGA Development: Hands-on experience with FPGA design, development, and testing, including familiarity with major platforms like Xilinx, Altera/Intel, or Lattice. Ability to translate system-level requirements to FPGA requirements, perform initial design, modeling, simulation, and implementation. Working experience with FPGA tools like Xilinx Vivado, XSIM, Intel Quartus, Model Sim, or other synthesis and simulation software. Ability to debug, simulate, and validate FPGA implementations using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, or integrated debugging tools like Xilinx ILA/Chip Scope/Signal Tap.
• Hardware Description Languages (HDL): Solid knowledge and experience in VHDL and/or Verilog for FPGA design and simulation. Experience using HDL to design and simulate digital circuits, creating Technical Knowledge.
• FPGA Development (continued): Hands-on experience with FPGA design, development, and testing, including familiarity with major platforms like Xilinx, Altera/Intel, or Lattice. Ability to translate system-level requirements to FPGA requirements, perform initial design, modeling, simulation, and implementation. Working experience with FPGA tools like Xilinx Vivado, XSIM, Intel Quartus, Model Sim, or other synthesis and simulation software. Ability to debug, simulate, and validate FPGA implementations using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, or integrated debugging tools like Xilinx ILA/Chip Scope/Signal Tap.
• Hardware Description Languages (HDL): Solid knowledge and experience in VHDL and/or Verilog for FPGA design and simulation. Experience using HDL to design and simulate digital circuits, creating placement and timing constraints, performing synthesis, place and route, and on-board device configuration.
• Digital Logic Design: Proficiency in designing combinational and sequential logic, state machines, and data path architectures.
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP): Familiarity with common DSP algorithms and techniques.
• Communication Protocols
  :
  Proficiency in designing and implementing interfaces for high-speed communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, SpW, etc.

Problem-Solving:
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail for troubleshooting and optimizing FPGA designs. Experience debugging and troubleshooting circuits and prototypes.

• Demonstrated ability to be an effective member of a multidisciplinary team. Experience providing technical direction and/or guidance to junior staff and peers, as needed
• Demonstrated ability to utilize strong organization skills to accomplish technical tasks while working independently. Receives occasional…