Software Scientist; Scientist

What You Will Do

Accelerator Operations Technology – Instrumentation and Controls Group (AOT‑IC) is actively seeking a bright, curious, and creative software developer to help develop new software solutions, enhance software performance, support program functionality, and champion the reliability of our systems. As a full‑time software developer you will work in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment and will be evaluated on both the quality of your work and how well it integrates into the success of simultaneous projects around LANSCE.

LANL and AOT‑IC offer flexible schedules and numerous career development opportunities. Our collegial work environment includes active mentorship, opportunities to learn new technologies, and the chance to lead projects.

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 1 or Scientist 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate.

Scientist 1: $96,600 – $158,000

Your responsibilities will include analyzing and solving problems associated with the software, hardware, applications, operating systems, and all other aspects of a modern production controls system environment. Assignments range between programming, scripting, troubleshooting, and system configuration, as well as providing ongoing support to other accelerator teams with a high level of service quality.

Scientist 2: $106,400 – $176,000

In addition to responsibilities at the lower level, at this level you will perform more advanced software development tasks such as system interoperability, architecture analysis, deeper levels of troubleshooting with advanced software development tools, mentoring and coaching others, and documenting and presenting results.

• Ability to develop and maintain technical documentation.
• Experience working as a member of a project team.
• Willingness to learn and adapt quickly in a dynamic environment.
• Availability for rotating on‑call support and after‑hours work when required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with the software development lifecycle.
• Understanding of compiled languages such as C, C++, and/or Java.
• Experience with scripting languages such as bash, Python, Tcl, Tk, and/or Perl.
• Familiarity with Linux systems and tools.
• Familiarity with software troubleshooting techniques.

• Programming experience with compiled languages such as C, C++, and/or Java.
• High comfort level with scripting languages such as bash, Python, Tcl/Tk, and/or Perl.
• Experience using and developing software with Linux systems.
• Experience developing within a CI/CD‑based software development process using git.
• Understanding of software build processes, makefiles, and software revision control.
• Knowledge of troubleshooting and debugging software tools and techniques.

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post‑doctoral research experience at a university or national laboratory or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

• Experience with software debugging tools such as gdb or valgrind.
• Experience with SQL relational database schemas, queries, and optimization.
• Skills associated with web‑based application and REST API development.
• Understanding of instrumentation and control systems.
• Experience developing software for embedded systems.
• Experience with virtualization, hypervisors, and/or containerization.
• Linux system and network administration experience.
• Network management and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with machine learning or adaptive algorithms (AI).
• Programming experience with VxWorks or RTEMS.
• Programming experience with LabVIEW.
• Experience with EPICS (the Experimental Physics Industrial Control System).
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance,…