Computer Engineer Post-Bachelor

What You Will Do

As a part of the Safeguards and Technology Group within the Nuclear Engineering and Nonproliferation (NEN) Division, you will play a crucial role in supporting nuclear engineering projects aimed at promoting safety and nonproliferation. This role is focused on implementing microprocessors and developing low‑level firmware that interfaces directly with custom hardware.

• Develop, test, and debug firmware for microprocessors and microcontrollers, primarily using C and/or C++.
• Implement low‑level drivers and firmware to control on‑board peripherals such as GPIO, timers, UART, SPI, and I2C.
• Support processor bring‑up activities, including boot configuration, memory mapping, interrupt handling, and basic peripheral initialization.
• Debug firmware‑hardware interactions using standard laboratory equipment (e.g., JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters).
• Read and interpret schematics and hardware documentation to ensure correct firmware implementation.
• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers on hardware design, providing firmware‑driven input on processor selection, pin assignments, interfaces, and system‑level tradeoffs.
• Assist in testing experiments and diagnostic equipment involving embedded systems.
• Support prototype development and system integration efforts, including troubleshooting and iterative refinement.
• Read, interpret, and implement engineering instructions, schematics, layouts, and other technical specifications.
• Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training, assures safety and security compliance, and makes safety and security an integral part of every task, including stopping work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Hands‑on experience developing firmware for microprocessors or microcontrollers.
• Proficiency in C and/or C++ for low‑level or embedded software development.
• Understanding of microprocessor concepts such as memory maps, registers, interrupts, and boot behavior.
• Experience debugging embedded systems using hardware debuggers (e.g., JTAG or SWD).
• Ability to read and understand hardware schematics and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with common digital communication interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART).
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with technical writing or documentation.
• Contribute to a healthy and inclusive work environment. This includes resolving conflict in a positive way, giving and receiving feedback effectively, and always showing kindness and respect toward others.

Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution completed within the past 3 years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in one of the following fields:

• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering with an embedded systems emphasis

• Experience supporting processor bring‑up on custom hardware.
• Exposure to embedded system testing, validation, or prototype development.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex firmware‑hardware interactions.
• Experience working with FPGA‑based systems, such as configuring, integrating, or interfacing embedded processors with FPGA logic.

Work location:

onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Work schedule:

5‑40 or 9‑80 during normal working hours.

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• 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 time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

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 within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process.

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.