Accelerator Mechanical Diagnostics Systems Engineer (R&D Engineer 3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Dental & Vision

Life insurance

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM seeks a highly qualified R&D Engineer 3 to design and analyze complex accelerator diagnostics systems. The role focuses on beam position monitors, harps, foil insertion, wire scanners, current monitors, and related control hardware, with emphasis on reliable operation and documentation.

You will lead maintenance and improvement projects, collaborate with scientists and engineers, and contribute to structural, thermohydraulic analyses when needed.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Engineering with 6 years of related experience; PhD may be preferred.
• Experience with CAD/ CAM and SolidWorks for design and analysis.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings (ASME Y14.5).
• Ability to work independently and in teams with scientists and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze accelerator diagnostics systems (beam position monitors, harps, wire scanners, etc.).
• Lead maintenance and improvement projects for LANSCE diagnostics.
• Support other AOT-MDE projects including thermohydraulic and structural work.
• Document designs, fabricate prototypes, and ensure safe operational practices.

Skills

Diagnostics systems knowledge

Mechanical systems understanding

Electrical drive systems

Engineering drawings interpretation

CAD/CAM experience

Teamwork and communication

Education

Master's Degree in Engineering

6 years related experience or equivalent

PhD preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

What You Will Do

Seeking a strongly self‑motivated Research and Development Engineer (R&D Engineer 3) to be a member of the AOT‑MDE Engineering Team. This team is responsible for a wide variety of accelerator components and system designs such as cooling water, vacuum systems and magnets. For this position, we are seeking a highly qualified diagnostics systems engineer. The selected candidates will be supporting the diagnostics systems along the LANSCE accelerator. These include beam position monitors, harps, stripper foil insertion system design, wire scanners, current monitors, emittance actuators, deflectors, diffusers, and beam plugs. The successful candidate must demonstrate ability and experience sufficient to perform design and analysis of these systems, as well as direct the maintenance and improvement projects of the LANSCE accelerator diagnostics systems.

As an R&D Engineer you will also be called upon to support other ongoing work within AOT‑MDE. This may include the design and analysis of structural or thermohydraulic projects, often leading to experimental validation. Knowledge and experience with CAD tools for design and analysis are critical to the work.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Knowledge and experience with all types of diagnostics devices listed above.
• Most diagnostic devices are translated into positions. Knowledge and experience with detailed mechanical systems and components is essential.
• Knowledge and experience with electrical drive systems and wired sensor devices.
• Proven track record of contributing to high‑impact R&D projects through design, analysis, prototyping, fabrication and documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings drafted utilizing ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Experience with CAD and CAM software, specifically SolidWorks.
• Work successfully in a team environment and exhibit collaborative behavior.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic with ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and a commitment to doing work safely and securely.

Education/Experience: Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of linear particle accelerator operation, configuration and maintenance.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability and willingness to provide engineering support to other teams in the group supporting the accelerator: Water, Vacuum and Mechanical systems.
• Knowledgeable of all types of machining and welding techniques, equipment and practices.
• Possess or able to obtain a Q level clearance.

Work Environment

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment

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.

Work restrictions for certain citizenships

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China- including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau- as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• 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)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New‑Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Regular position

Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular‑status positions are converted to regular status.

Equal Opportunity

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 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. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.