Mechanical or Nuclear Engineer; R&D Engineer

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

The AOT-OPS Targets and Experimental Support Team enables world class scientific research at the LANSCE proton accelerator. Our team oversees several neutron spallation targets and provides operation, fabrication, and design support to other accelerator teams.

During beam delivery our team works on weekly rotating on-call shifts (with on-call pay). We operate and maintain several radioactive water cooling systems, vacuum systems, and a cryogenic helium/hydrogen refrigeration system.

Our team provides diverse capabilities to LANSCE including:

• Welding
• Machining
• Material handling
• Radiological support
• Cryogenics/vacuum/pressure system fabrication
• Remote handling services utilizing robotic tools
• Engineering design support

We are seeking a hands‑on mechanical or nuclear engineer to be part of a unique team to support design, analysis, maintenance, replacement, and operations of the high‑power accelerator targets and support systems.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot target cooling systems including radioactive water and cryogenic systems.
• Participate in the design, testing, and implementation of mechanical, electromechanical, cryogenic, vacuum or piping systems and system upgrades.
• Assist in activities including facility shielding placement, design and fabrication of mechanical hardware, and heavy lifting operations with overhead cranes and forklifts.
• Operate robotic remote handling equipment.
• Update drawings, operating procedures, maintenance schedules, inventories, and equipment lists.
• Provide on-call support during accelerator operational periods on a rotating basis with other team members and occasionally work after hours.

• Perform R&D Eng 1 duties with less oversight.
• Develop technical solutions to complex problems.
• Independently troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls systems.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• This position requires an aptitude and desire for hands‑on work and troubleshooting of mechanical systems.

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Experience with design and/or operation of mechanical, hydronic, cryogenic, or vacuum systems.
• Additional experience, education, or training in design, fabrication, and/or testing of technical systems.

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Nuclear preferred) from an accredited institution

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

The selected candidate will be expected to obtain their 1L Target Operator qualification within 2 years of hiring. This is an extensive training program to develop competence to independently operate all water, cryogenic, and vacuum systems serving the 1L target.

• Experience working with pressure and/or vacuum systems.
• Experience working with controls systems and low voltage controls devices.
• Experience with machining, welding and/or general fabrication techniques.
• Experience writing work documents and procedures or following formal procedures.

• Work around radiological, chemical, mechanical, and cryogenic hazards
• Wear multiple layers of PPE and respiratory protection during radiological work
• Participate in a 24/7 rotating on-call schedule
• Lift up to 50 lbs and climb stairs and ladders

• 9/80

The work location for this position is onsite and at TA-53 (LANSCE Accelerator) in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Due to federal…