Engineer 3/4 (R&D Engineer)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 128,000 - 266,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching contributions

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedule

On-site gym

Job summary

A premier research facility in New Mexico is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to operate and upgrade high-performance RF systems. You will lead redesign efforts of high-voltage systems and mentor junior engineers. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with RF amplifier systems and a Master's degree in engineering. A competitive salary range is offered, with additional benefits such as medical insurance, a 401(k) match, and educational assistance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with RF amplifier systems (solid‑state and tube‑based) and high‑power electrical systems.
• Proficiency with laboratory and RF test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, etc.).
• Strong ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot analog, digital, and RF systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the redesign and upgrade of high-voltage systems.
• Define electrical, thermal, and mechanical interfaces.
• Develop installation plans for system performance and reliability.

Skills

RF amplifier systems

High‑power electrical systems

Laboratory RF test equipment

Analog and digital systems design

Hazard analyses

Leadership in multi‑disciplinary projects

Education

Master’s degree in engineering

Ph.D. (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

Eagle

PSpice

LTSpice

NI LabView

Job description

Position Overview

This position will be filled at the R&D Engineer 3 or R&D Engineer 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate.
Such candidates will be responsible for operating, troubleshooting, and upgrading high‑performance RF systems at 201 MHz as part of the 201 MHz High‑Power RF (HPRF) team at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE).
Salary ranges: R&D Engineer 3 – $128,000 – $215,900; R&D Engineer 4 – $153,600 – $266,500.

What You Will Do

As a senior member of the RF Engineering group you will contribute to the design, development, and commissioning of key systems, including RFQ and DTL cavities and solid‑state amplifiers for UHF and 1‑10 MHz applications. Your day‑to‑day work will involve:

• Operating and maintaining 201 MHz HPRF systems, including vacuum tube and solid‑state amplifiers, vac‑components, and power modulators.
• Performing design calculations, generating specifications, and producing technical documentation.
• Estimating budgets, managing procurements, and overseeing system integration and testing.
• Co‑operating with cross‑functional teams on the LANSCE Modernization Project and other large‑scale engineering efforts.
• Providing on‑call support (typically one week every 4‑6 weeks) during accelerator operations.
• Conducting hazard analyses and preparing safety documentation for high‑voltage, high‑current power systems (up to 30 kV, 35 A).

Responsibilities

Lead the redesign and upgrade of high‑voltage and Diacrode amplifier systems at the front end of the LANSCE linac, including:

• Defining electrical, thermal, and mechanical interfaces.
• Developing installation plans that ensure system performance, reliability, and safety.
• Authoring comprehensive technical documentation to support long‑term maintenance.
• Mentoring junior engineers and coordinating cross‑team efforts in end‑to‑end design and testing.

Requirements

R&D Engineer 3

• Extensive experience with RF amplifier systems (solid‑state and tube‑based) and high‑power electrical systems.
• Proficiency with laboratory and RF test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters).
• Strong ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot analog, digital, and RF systems using schematic capture and simulation tools such as AutoCAD, Eagle, PSpice, LTSpice; experience with PLC and/or FPGA programming.
• Demonstrated capability to develop specifications, schematics, and test documentation; communicate technical concepts to varied audiences.
• Track record of independently contributing to and occasionally leading complex, multi‑disciplinary projects.

R&D Engineer 4

• Expert knowledge of vacuum‑tube based high‑power microwave and RF amplifiers.
• Proven leadership in managing complex, multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Ability to oversee project budgets and schedules, adjusting plans proactively.
• Skilled in conducting comprehensive hazard analyses and developing safety documentation for high‑voltage equipment.

Education / Experience

R&D Engineer 3 – Master’s degree in engineering + 6 years of related experience (or equivalent). Ph.D. may be preferred.
R&D Engineer 4 – Master’s degree in engineering + 12 years of related experience (or equivalent). Ph.D. may be preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with NI LabView and LabView/FPGA programming.
• Experience with PLC and/or process control programming.
• Experience with matrix algebra and block‑diagram simulation software (Matlab/Simulink, Scilab/Xcos, etc.).
• Ability to perform AC and DC power supply calculations (in‑rush current, voltage drop, THD, ripple voltage, leakage current, stored energy).
• Experience drafting software to generate P&IDs, electrical drawings, and red‑lines.
• Operations experience at an accelerator facility.

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% match plus 3.5% yearly match
• Tuition assistance and learning opportunities
• Flexible schedule and paid time off (PTO & holidays)
• On‑site gym and wellness program
• Extensive relocation package (outside 50 mi 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, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, protected veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws. The Laboratory is committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.