Analog Space Instrument Electrical Engineer; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

Come join our passionate team of R&D engineers and scientists supporting national security! The Space Electronics and Signal Processing (ISR-4) Group is seeking R&D Electrical Engineers to assist and lead the design and development of high-quality, innovative measurement systems followed by their deployment to space for national security applications and NASA missions. This job is the essence of “Cradle to Grave” engineering;

once designed, built, and tested, you will often provide subject matter expertise for payload delivery, launch, and operations over the life of the mission whether in earth orbit for 10+ years, Mars, or deep space. ISR Division designs, builds, delivers, and exploits innovative ground‑and space‑based measurement systems and provides unique analysis and interpretation of data from these systems. We succeed through our cohesive, interdisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, and scientists working within a highly creative and dynamic R&D environment.

Our projects range from cutting edge scientific explorations expanding our knowledge of the universe, to ensuring national and global security. ISR's 400+ instruments fly on over 200 satellites, including numerous NASA missions like Voyager and the last two Mars Rovers. For more information go to lanl.gov/space.

If you possess self‑initiative and enjoy working in a small team environment of rapid prototype, high quality, low volume, electrical assemblies this is the job for you. ISR-4 is looking for a few highly motivated mid‑career electrical engineers to assist in the development of custom instrumentation for various space-based detection systems. These systems can include:

• Satellite-based detectors for space monitoring programs in support of nonproliferation and nuclear event detection missions;
• Payloads for planetary science missions;
• Smallsat and Cubesat Systems.

As an Analog Space Instrument Design Engineer (R&D Engineer
3), you will collaborate across science and engineering disciplines to define instrument requirements and lead the design, modeling, fabrication, and testing of spaceflight hardware, with a primary focus on analog electronics. You are a recognized technical contributor with advanced expertise, capable of independently driving complex designs and ensuring performance in demanding space environments.

In this role, you serve as a technical leader within ISR, providing in-depth evaluation of design tradeoffs and guiding key engineering decisions. You apply advanced electrical engineering methodologies with a strong commitment to safety, security, and quality. You also contribute to team growth through mentorship, collaboration, and clear technical communication, while continuing to expand your own expertise and impact.

• Demonstrated advanced experience in analog electronic design for instrumentation or similar high‑performance systems, including:
• Low‑noise design principles and precision signal conditioning;
• Design and analysis of analog front‑end circuits for high sensitivity detectors;
• High‑speed and/or high‑resolution data conversion (ADC/DAC integration);
• Circuit modeling, simulation, and validation across environmental conditions;
• Power integrity and grounding strategies in mixed‑signal systems.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and execute technical work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team environment with engineers, scientists, and technicians. Applies advanced expertise in one or more areas of engineering to guide the research, design, verification, and validation of electrical engineering solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts, support sound decision‑making, and collaborate effectively across disciplines. Proven capability to understand the broader system context and integrate electrical design decisions with inputs from other subject matter experts.
• Recognized for strong organizational skills, sound technical judgment, and the ability to evaluate design tradeoffs at the task and subsystem level. Demonstrates…