Industrial Control Systems; ICS) Engineer

Los Alamos National Laboratory's Utilities and Infrastructure Facility Operations Division (UI-FOD) is seeking an IC Engineer with strong expertise in PLC and RTU programming to support, modernize, and secure mission‑critical utility control systems. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands‑on control system development, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support in complex operational environments.

You’ll work at the intersection of engineering, operations, and cybersecurity‑ensuring safe, reliable, and resilient control of essential infrastructure.

As an ICS Engineer with a PLC/RTU focus, you will design, implement, and support industrial control systems that operate critical utilities and facilities.

This position will be filled at either the Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

• Develop, program, test, and maintain PLC and RTU logic for utility and facility control systems
• Support commissioning, upgrades, and modifications of control systems in live operational environments
• Troubleshoot control logic, I/O, communications, and field device integration issues

• Create control system design packages, including architecture diagrams, control narratives, and configuration documentation
• Integrate PLCs and RTUs with HMIs, SCADA systems, historians, and OT networks
• Apply industry best practices for control system reliability, maintainability, and cybersecurity

• Provide operational support for existing ICS assets, including diagnostics, root cause analysis, and system optimization
• Support preventative and predictive maintenance strategies for control systems
• Participate in planning, procurement, installation oversight, and quality assurance for control system hardware and software

• Work closely with operators, engineers, IT, and cybersecurity teams to support secure IT/OT integration
• Ensure control systems align with applicable standards and regulatory requirements, including NERC CIP where applicable

We’re looking for an engineer who combines strong control systems fundamentals with practical, hands‑on experience.

• Hands‑on experience programming PLCs and/or RTUs used in utility or industrial environments
• Familiarity with industrial protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, Ethernet/IP, and related field communications
• Experience with control system testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting

• Understanding of industrial control system architectures (e.g., Purdue Model)
• Experience integrating PLC/RTU systems with SCADA, HMI, and OT networks
• OT troubleshooting knowledge using tools like Wireshark Instrumentation Skills
• Knowledgeable in the specification, installation, and calibration of field instruments (flow, pressure, temperature, etc.)
• Experience with creating ISA loop drawings

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
• Clear technical communication skills, both written and verbal
• Allen Bradley and Modicon PLC programming experience
• Familiarity with HART communications

• Working knowledge of SCADA (Ignition platform configuration)
• Working knowledge of Devices (SEL RTAC, SEL ICON configuration)
• Working knowledge of Cellular Base communication to field devices such as Electrical, Gas, Water meters

Position…