Electrical Engineer 3/4 (R&D Engineer)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 128,000 - 267,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Onsite gyms

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks an R&D Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join the 805 MHz high-power RF team in the Accelerator Operations and Technology Division. You will operate, troubleshoot, and upgrade RF systems, provide power-electronics expertise, and support physicists on special projects.

Minimum requirements include a master's in engineering with microwave, high-voltage and pulsed-power experience, plus leadership and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Strong foundations in electrical engineering with microwave, high-voltage and pulsed-power systems.
• Experience designing and debugging high-power RF vacuum-tube amplifier systems and HV systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and translate requirements into reliable designs.
• Experience leading RF/high-voltage engineering efforts with hands-on contributions.
• Experience with formal engineering practices and delivering system-level improvements.

Responsibilities

• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain LANL 805 MHz high-power RF systems and associated electronics.
• Plan and implement RF system upgrades (e.g., klystron amplifiers, HV pulsed power).
• Support physicists on special projects and analyze RF data to guide reliability improvements.
• Participate in on-call rotation to support high-power RF systems.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Microwave engineering

High-voltage systems

Pulsed-power systems

RF power amplifiers

Schematic reading

Technical leadership

Clear communication

Education

Master's degree in engineering

PhD preferred

Tools

PSpice

Multisim

LTspice

LabVIEW

LabVIEW/FPGA

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

What You Will Do

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D at either an Engineer Level 3 or Level 4 for their 805 MHz HPRF team.

The AOT division is responsible for maintaining, operating, and upgrading all accelerator systems at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) complex. These systems include two 750-keV Cockcroft-Walton-based injector systems (H+ and H- systems), a 201.25-MHz drift-tube linear accelerator (LINAC) utilizing high-power diacrode tubes, an 805-MHz coupled cavity LINAC utilizing high-power klystrons as the primary power source, a proton storage ring, and approximately a kilometer of beam transport lines that deliver beam to the five independent research programs.

The RFE group oversees all radio frequency (RF) systems and consists of three teams, : Low-Level RF (LLRF) focused on real-time phase and amplitude controls; High-Power RF (HPRF) systems at 201 MHz; and High-Power RF systems at 805 MHz The group provides expertise, support, technical, leadership and engineering support in RF system design, including gridded tube amplifiers, klystrons, RF control systems, and accelerator cavities. While the group's primary focus is the design, and implementation of RF systems for the LANSCE User Facility, it also supports a wide range of internal and external collaborations, sharing expertise with national security projects and international accelerator research communities. RFE team members frequently participate in global partnerships, workshops, and conferences to advance RF technology.

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 3 or R&D Engineer 4 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 3 $128,000 - $215,900

As a member of the AOT-RFE 805 MHz high power RF Engineering team, the successful candidate will work closely with other engineers and technicians and will be responsible for the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the LANSCE 805 MHz high power RF systems. This includes associated electronics and high-voltage power supplies and modulators, as well as providing power electronics expertise across the group, particularly in areas related to vacuum tube amplifiers and their supporting equipment.

The position also includes planning and implementing future RF system upgrades, such as klystron amplifiers and associated high-voltage pulsed power systems. The candidate will support LANSCE physicists and scientists on special projects and analyzing RF system data to guide performance and reliability improvements through design enhancements.

The position requires participation in an on-call rotation to support LANSCE's high-power RF systems during off-hours and weekends. This on-call duty typically occurs one week per month during the accelerator's operational period, which spans approximately seven months per year.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Strong foundational training in electrical engineering with demonstrated competency in microwave engineering, high-voltage and pulsed-power systems, RF power amplifiers and transmitters, DC and pulsed-power technologies, and RF/microwave components and transport systems.
• Proven ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, development, testing, installation, and troubleshooting of high-power RF vacuum tube-based amplifier systems and high-voltage systems.
• Experience developing technical concepts and leading efforts in the advancement of RF and high-voltage systems, including hands-on contributions and team collaboration.
• Technical leadership in innovative design of RF vacuum-based amplifier systems, with a strong record of execution aligned with established engineering procedures.
• Proficiency in applying systems engineering principles, including defining requirements and translating them into reliable, high-performance design solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a record of producing clear documentation and effective technical presentations.

R&D Engineer 4 $153,600 - $266,500

In addition to the Job Requirements listed above, qualification at the R&D Engineer level 4 requires:

• Advanced expertise and training in electrical engineering, specifically in microwave engineering, high-voltage and pulsed-power systems, RF power amplifiers and transmitters, DC and pulsed-power systems, and RF/microwave components and transport systems.
• A strong track record of technical leadership and innovation in the design, development, testing, and installation of high-power RF vacuum tube-based amplifier systems and high-voltage systems.
• Proven ability to develop and implement advanced technical concepts in RF and high-voltage engineering, contributing to system-level improvements and innovation.
• Experience applying formal engineering practices and procedures, including adherence to established standards for the conduct of engineering.
• Expertise in systems engineering processes, including requirements definition, design translation, and delivering solutions that meet technical and customer expectations.

Education/Experience at the lower level:

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.

Education/Experience at the higher level:

Position requires a master's degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 12 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:

• Experience with high-voltage DC and pulsed-power systems.
• Experience with computer-based circuit layout simulation (PSpice, Multisim, LTSPice, etc.)
• Experience with NI LabView and LabView/FPGA programming.
• Experience with matrix algebra and block diagram simulation software (Matlab/Simulink, Scilab/Xcos, etc.).
• Operations experience at an accelerator facility.

Essential Job Functions

(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range (20 Hz to about 20 KHz), Sitting, Standing, Walking, Climbing Ladders, Bending, Stooping, Crouching, Kneeling, Twisting the trunk or back, Lifting 30+ pounds, Carrying 30+ pounds, Use of both hands, Use of both arms, Reaching overhead, Reaching horizontally, Reaching down, Applying torque with hands or arms.

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.

Note to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants MUST submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses, bullet by bullet, how the applicant's education and experience relate to the lists of skill requirements above.

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.

No Clearance

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

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.

Internal Applicants

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

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 opt. 3.