Diagnostics Systems Engineer; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

The Thermonuclear Plasma Physics group (P-4) seeks an R&D Engineer to provide engineering support for the development, design, fabrication, and commissioning of advanced scientific instrumentation and diagnostics, such as neutron imaging systems, gamma‑ray detector systems, and gated x‑ray detectors used at facilities including the National Ignition Facility, the Omega laser facility, the Z‑Machine at Sandia National Laboratories, and the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center.

• Perform research, design, testing and analysis to develop state‑of‑the‑art scientific diagnostics.
• Interact with customers to communicate project status and review engineering designs.
• Oversee fabrication and assembly of diagnostic systems, performing some hands‑on work.
• Document results in engineering drawings, calculations, reports, technical journals and presentations.

• Lead project tasks from concept through to completion.
• Oversee installation of diagnostic systems.
• Provide guidance to technologists, students, machinists and other engineers.
• Interact with customers to develop project requirements.

• Experience in the design, fabrication and assembly of electrical and mechanical devices.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Experience using 3D parametric CAD software such as Solid Works or Creo.
• Experience using finite element analysis software such as Solid Works Simulation or ANSYS.
• Ability to document project progress and/or completion in written reports, engineering drawings and formal calculations.
• Ability to work productively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to perform hands‑on work with hand, power and machine tools while complying with ES&H requirements and using appropriate controls and personal protective equipment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

• Experience with proper application and interpretation of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Ability to scope tasks within a project and define deliverables at task level.
• Ability to lead specific project tasks to meet scope, schedule and budget.
• Ability to contribute to the completion of milestones on multiple projects.

For R&D Engineer 1:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering related to the occupation plus 2 years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and technical experience. Variances may be considered for those with the degree but insufficient experience.

For R&D Engineer 2:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering related to the occupation plus 4 years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with precision fabrication techniques.
• Experience with precision measuring tools.
• Experience with LANL’s Inertial Confinement Fusion/High Energy Density Physics program mission.
• Experience conducting scientific work while complying with ES&H requirements.
• Experience with principles of electrical safety and knowledge of pressure systems.
• Active Q clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• Award‑winning 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annually.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50‑mile radius).

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is committed to making its workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations.

Q clearance required. U.S. citizenship required except in very limited circumstances.