Electrical Engineer 2/3 (R&D Engineer 2/3)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 106,400 - 215,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high-deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Paid parental leave

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Extensive relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking an Engineer at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. This hands-on role involves designing safety-critical interlock systems, troubleshooting complex electronic systems, and collaborating in a multidisciplinary team environment. The position is available at R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 3 levels, with salaries ranging from $106,400 to $215,900. Candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering and experience in analog/digital circuit design and systems troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in designing both analog and digital electronic circuits.
• Skilled in troubleshooting complex systems using tools such as oscilloscopes and DVMs.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting schematics and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of multiple programming languages including embedded C, Verilog/VHDL.
• Familiar with low-level FPGA and microcontroller development.
• Experienced with CAD/ECAD software such as AutoCAD or Altium Designer.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and support critical protection systems at LANSCE.
• Design and document new protective systems.
• Troubleshoot and develop electronics including PLCs and FPGAs.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams during installations.

Skills

Designing analog and digital electronic circuits

Troubleshooting complex systems

Reading and interpreting schematics

Programming in embedded C and Verilog/VHDL

FPGA and microcontroller development

Using CAD/ECAD software

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

CAD software

Job description

What You Will Do

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division is seeking an Engineer to join the Accelerator Operations Group at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), a premier high‑energy accelerator facility supporting national security, scientific research, and isotope production.

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 position 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.

This is a hands‑on engineering role that spans the full system lifecycle, including hardware design, in‑house repair and upgrades, system integration, and operational support. Responsibilities include troubleshooting complex systems using diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, supporting field installation and commissioning, and maintaining high system availability.

The position also contributes directly to next‑generation protective systems associated with the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP). This work requires close collaboration across engineering, operations, and safety organizations to ensure designs meet functional and safety requirements, integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, and are delivered on schedule.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, the candidate will help develop and deploy robust, high‑performance protection systems that enable safe and continuous accelerator operations in a mission‑critical environment.

This Electrical Engineering position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

R&D Engineer 2

($106,400 - $176,000)

As part of this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• 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 outdoor work, ladder use, and entry into controlled radiation areas when needed.

R&D Engineer 3

($128,000 - $215,900)

In addition to the duties outlined above, the higher level title will have the opportunity to:

• Lead design, testing, fabrication, and installation of R&D projects, including scheduling, cost estimates, and status reporting.
• Collaborate on designs across teams, divisions, and external partners.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor team members.
• Develop technical reports, schematics, and presentation materials.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Proven experience in designing both analog and digital electronic circuits.
• Skilled in troubleshooting complex systems using tools such as 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).

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3

• Experience providing technical direction to and mentoring technologists, technicians, and junior engineers.
• Experience in writing and reviewing technical documents such as system operating/testing procedures and engineering design changes.
• Demonstrated advanced experience in mixed‑signal design, including hands‑on development of custom PCBs integrating bare‑metal FPGAs and/or microcontrollers, with supporting project examples.

Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 2

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 3

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

• 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.

Notes to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses each of the key requirements of the position.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation)

Vision, motor skills, and ability to climb ladders and stairs.

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.

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
• 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)

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.