Power Systems Electrical Engineer; R&D Engineer

What You Will Do

The Technology Applications Group (A-3) is searching for a technical leader who wants to positively impact national security. The group operates a reconfigurable micro‑grid that is leveraged for a variety of work. We need a power systems engineer to design experiments, manage operations on the micro‑grid, validate experiments designed by other scientists/engineers for safety and relevance, and lead program development efforts.

Ideal candidates will have broad experience and knowledge across power generation, transmission, and distribution. They should possess applied experimentation skills and deep expertise in one or more areas of power systems. Research will be conducted at the Q and SCI levels within a team of approximately 40 full‑time staff from diverse educational backgrounds.

This position requires an experienced engineer capable of independently executing projects or leading a team to advance work associated with the micro‑grid or other relevant areas for the group. Candidates must possess expertise in power generation, transmission, or distribution and have excellent communication skills when interacting across all levels of staff. They must also be interested in program development.

In addition to level‑3 requirements, this role requires independently developing and directing projects, building teams across the group or laboratory, providing technical guidance to other engineers and technicians, and communicating at the highest levels with sponsor organizations and internal stakeholders. Candidates must have demonstrated experience securing funding through a proposal process.

• Familiarity with utility and facility power infrastructure
• Knowledge of medium and high voltage distribution and monitoring equipment (SCADA, networking, load balancing)
• Ability to design experimental setups for real‑world application of theoretical ideas
• Experience working in a lab environment (hands‑on familiarity with equipment)

• Extensive knowledge of utility and facility power infrastructure
• Independent planning and execution of experimental goals
• Broad knowledge of power electronics including solid‑state inverters, battery backup arrays, solar conversion systems, and power monitoring equipment
• Advanced leadership experience, demonstrated through proposal development, progress tracking, and frequent interactions with sponsors

Position requires a Master’s Degree in Engineering (or equivalent). Six years of related experience is required; a Ph.D. may be preferred.

Position requires a Master’s Degree in Engineering (or equivalent). Twelve years of related experience is required; a Ph.D. may be preferred.

• Experience designing, simulating, testing, and documenting digital circuits and communication systems
• Debugging and troubleshooting prototypes, including fault analysis
• Complex network interfacing and design
• Field collection, signal processing, and data analysis for RF measurements from kHz to GHz
• High‑voltage AC and DC practical application
• Advanced algorithms for real‑time analysis and sensor input response
• Thorough understanding of utility and facility level power infrastructure
• Knowledge and application of safety protocols, hazard identification, and IWD development
• Active Q and SCI clearances (or willingness to obtain them)

Work is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Position commitment is a one‑year continuous service period. Employees must meet the Library's continuous service requirement or obtain approval from their Division Leader to be eligible for this posting.

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and paid time off
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50‑mile radius)

Position requires a Q clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens; other eligibility is limited to exceptional circumstances. Additional access authorization may be required depending on the position.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. 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, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or citizenship within federal limits. The Laboratory is committed to making the workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and providing reasonable accommodations upon request.