Electrical Engineer 1 (R&D Engineer 1)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance with nationwide network

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching plus annual contributions

Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an Engineer for the Accelerator Operations Group. This role involves designing and implementing safety-critical interlock systems and supporting PLC-based controls. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and two years of relevant experience. The position offers medical and dental insurance, 401(k) matching, and relocation packages. Security clearance is required, and U.S. citizenship is necessary.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in designing analog and digital electronic circuits.
• Skilled in troubleshooting complex systems using oscilloscopes, DVMs, and function generators.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance (U.S. citizenship typically required).

Responsibilities

• Maintain and support critical personnel and equipment protection systems.
• Design, test, implement, and document new and upgraded protective systems.
• Troubleshoot and develop digital, analog, and mixed-signal electronics.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams for system installations.

Skills

Designing analog and digital electronic circuits

Troubleshooting complex systems

Reading and interpreting schematics

Programming languages (embedded C, Verilog/VHDL)

FPGA and microcontroller development

CAD/ECAD software (AutoCAD, Mentor Graphics, Altium Designer)

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

DVMs

Function generators

PCB design

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only. The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an Engineer to join the Accelerator Operations Group at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The selected candidate will join the Protective Systems Team and play a key role in the design, implementation, and sustainment of safety‑critical interlock and protection systems that safeguard personnel and accelerator equipment. This hands‑on engineering role spans the full system lifecycle, including hardware design, in‑house repair and upgrades, system integration, and operational support.

The role involves developing and supporting PLC‑based controls, analog and digital circuitry, and FPGA‑based systems to ensure robust, fail‑safe operation in a high‑reliability environment. It also contributes directly to next‑generation protective systems associated with the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP), requiring close collaboration across engineering, operations, and safety organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and support critical personnel and equipment protection systems at the LANSCE Accelerator Facility.
• Design, test, implement, and document new and upgraded protective systems, including schematics and drawings.
• Troubleshoot and develop digital, analog, and mixed‑signal electronics, including PLCs, FPGAs, microcontrollers, and PCB design.
• Complete formal training and participate in an on‑call rotation, including occasional nights and weekends.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams and support system installations, including outdoors work, ladder use, and entry into controlled radiation areas when needed.

What You Need

• Proven experience in designing analog and digital electronic circuits.
• Skilled in troubleshooting complex systems using oscilloscopes, DVMs, and function generators.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of multiple programming languages, including embedded C, Verilog/VHDL, and ladder logic.
• Familiar with low‑level FPGA and microcontroller development.
• Experienced with CAD/ECAD software such as AutoCAD, Mentor Graphics, or Altium Designer.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance (U.S. citizenship typically required).

Education & Experience

The position requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an accredited institution plus two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong PLC background, including Allen‑Bradley networks, ladder logic, and PanelView configuration.
• Experience designing relay‑based interlock systems.
• Proficient in PCB layout, sourcing, fabrication, and troubleshooting.
• Skilled in translating designs into technical drawings and documentation.
• Full lifecycle experience with electronic devices, from requirements and prototyping to installation, testing, and documentation.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• 401(k) with 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 for locations outside a 50 mile radius.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Location & Commitment

Work location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. The position commitment is one year.

Security Requirement

This position requires a Q clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, as per federal regulations. Non‑citizens are subject to different restrictions.