R&D Engineer - MHz HPRF & LLRF team

Overview

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group seeks an R&D Engineer Level 1 or Level 2 for the 201 MHz High‑Power RF (HPRF) team at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The role is a support position guiding engineering projects, including RF system upgrades, mechanical design, and solid‑state amplifier development.

• Collaborate in planning and implementing RF system upgrades with a larger team.
• Build high‑power RF test stands and support large‑scale changes to high‑voltage and Diacrode amplifiers.
• Design portions of the system and interconnections with other engineers, technologists, and technicians.
• Procure high‑power components, coordinate with other teams to determine power, water cooling and mechanical requirements, and deliver coordinated solutions.

• Lead mechanical design and interconnections of the RF system.
• Manage the entire design lifecycle from client constraints through design, simulation and calculation of stresses, coordination with manufacturers, procurement and installation.
• Design water and air cooling systems for high‑power RF components.

• Experience with individual and team assignments.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD (AutoCAD or Solid Works).
• Ability to model existing components from measurements or drawings and create assemblies and drawing packages in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Analytical and computational analysis for structural component design in accordance with applicable engineering standards.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques for manual and CNC machines to aid design and fabrication.
• Experience interacting with manufacturers to determine best engineering solutions.
• Strong written communication and presentation skills.
• Capacity to work safely in radiation environments while adhering to ALARA principles.

• Thermal analysis and design of air or water cooling systems.
• Design of support structures for complex geometries subject to thermal gradients.
• Production of component specifications and design documentation.
• Leadership of procurement, testing and installation of high‑priced items.
• Mentoring and professional development of junior staff or students.

• R&D Engineer 1: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related) and 2 years of related experience, or equivalent combination.
• R&D Engineer 2: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related) and 4 years of related experience, or equivalent combination.

• Experience producing water‑cooling designs (manifolds, flow, temperature, pressure measurement).
• Coordination of multidisciplinary teams on complex projects.
• Budget estimation for materials and effort in high‑consequence jobs.
• Follow‑through on design to installation of complex assemblies.
• Ability to realign efforts to meet project deliverables.
• Electrical and/or electronic systems knowledge.
• Multi‑physics simulations.
• Operations experience at an accelerator facility.

Ability to speak; discriminate speech; hear in normal range; sit, stand, walk, climb ladders, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, twist trunk or back; lift and carry over 30 lb; use both hands and arms; reach overhead, horizontally and down; apply torque with hands or arms.

On‑site in Los Alamos, NM. Work environment includes accelerator facilities and radiation protection requirements.

Regular appointment employees required to have served one year of continuous service in their current position before applying for posted jobs.

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. The Laboratory is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual increase
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside 50 mile radius)