Controls Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with 6% matching

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Research Technologist to support and maintain the dual-axis electron beam accelerator’s control systems. This full-time position requires on-site work in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

The successful candidate will troubleshoot hardware components, document control systems, and design control components. A Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls systems are mandatory.

Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) matching, tuition assistance, and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• 2 years of related experience for Research Technologist 1.
• 5 years of related experience for Research Technologist 2.
• Extensive experience with electronic tools and test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Support, troubleshoot, and maintain dual-axis electron beam accelerator’s control systems.
• Design, construct, and operate control system components.
• Document existing and future control hardware systems.

Skills

Electrical, Instrumentation and Controls (EI&C) circuits

Independent troubleshooting of EI&C systems

Compliance with configuration management

Ability to read and understand complex schematics

Willingness to acquire new skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Electronic tools and test equipment

PLCs

SCADA software

Job description

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. The selected candidate will be a member of the DARHT Controls and IT Team in the J‑6 Group at the Integrated Weapons Experiments Division, LANL. The role is full‑time and requires on‑site work at Los Alamos.

Key Responsibilities

• Support, troubleshoot, and maintain the dual‑axis electron beam accelerator’s control systems.
• Diagnose failures or malfunctions in the hardware components of the control system, using schematics, diagrams, sketches, manuals, and written instructions.
• Document existing and future control hardware systems and components, and prepare required documentation.
• Design, construct, install, test, document, and operate control system components for various test stands.
• Adhere to Formality of Operations principles including Conduct of Operations, Conduct of Maintenance, Conduct of Engineering, and Conduct of Training.
• (Research Technologist 2) Perform the above duties with minimal supervision and recommend or perform appropriate solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Relevant experience working with Electrical, Instrumentation and Controls (EI&C) circuits.
• Self‑starter ability to complete tasks under minimal supervision.
• Read and understand complex schematics, wiring, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Independent troubleshooting experience of EI&C systems.
• Compliance with configuration management and formalized documentation.
• Willingness to acquire new skills and work on ladders or elevated platforms.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Q clearance.

Additional Qualifications for Research Technologist 2

• Extensive experience with electronic tools and test equipment such as DVMs and oscilloscopes.
• Experience working with PLCs, SCADA software, and industrial communication protocols.
• Teamwork experience on large projects while functioning independently on smaller assignments.

Education & Experience

Research Technologist 1: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience (or equivalent education/experience).

Research Technologist 2: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 5 years of related experience (or equivalent education/experience).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with EMI/RFI wiring and shielding theory.
• Experience generating electrical schematics.
• Prior experience with control systems of linear accelerators or other large‑scale facilities.
• Proficiency with complex multi‑channel PLC/computer‑based control systems.
• Familiarity with Schneider PLC, HMI, SCADA, and distributed control hardware such as Quantum remote I/O.
• Experience designing and upgrading controls for gas/pressure controllers, power supplies, and vacuum systems.
• Experience developing, implementing, and following maintenance and QA plans.

Benefits

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• 401(k) with 6% matching and 3.5% annual increase.
• Tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off.
• On‑site gyms and wellness programs.
• Relocation packages for moves outside a 50‑mile radius.

EEO Statement

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal‑opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit without regard to protected classes as described in federal, state and local law. The Laboratory is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities upon request.