Engineer 3/4 (R&D Engineer)
Los Alamos National Security LLC
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Qualifications
- Extensive experience with RF amplifier systems and high-power electrical systems.
- Proficiency with lab test equipment and troubleshooting high-voltage electronics.
- Ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot analog, digital, and RF systems.
Responsibilities
- Operate, troubleshoot, and upgrade high-performance RF systems.
- Lead engineering efforts for redesigning complex RF systems.
- Mentor junior engineers and manage project budgets.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D Engineer Level 3 or Level 4 for their 201 MHz HPRF team. The AOT division maintains, operates, and upgrades all accelerator systems used at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) complex. These consist of 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 roughly a kilometer of beam transport lines that deliver beam to the five independent research programs.
The RFE group is principally responsible for all radio frequency (RF) systems. The group consists of three teams: (1) Low‑Level RF (LLRF) focused on real‑time phase and amplitude controls; (2) High‑Power RF (HPRF) systems at 201 MHz; and (3) High‑Power RF systems at 805 MHz. The 201 MHz High‑Power RF (HPRF) team at LANSCE is seeking an experienced Engineer to support and lead operations of high‑performance RF systems. This role involves both hands‑on and technical leadership in the operation, troubleshooting, and upgrade of RF amplifiers and power modulator systems spanning vacuum tube and solid‑state technologies.
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. Responsibilities include performing calculations, generating specifications, estimating budgets, managing procurements, and overseeing system integration and testing.
You’ll work closely with engineers and technicians on complex, multi‑disciplinary projects as part of the LANSCE Modernization Project. The role also involves working with high‑voltage (up to 30 kV), high‑current (35 A) power systems, protection circuits, and power electronics.
Participation in an on‑call support rotation (typically one week every 4–6 weeks during accelerator operations) is required.
R&D Engineer 3 $128,000 – $215,900
At this advanced level, you will lead large‑scale engineering efforts to redesign and upgrade high‑voltage and Diacrode amplifier systems at the front end of the LANSCE linac. This includes collaborating with cross‑functional teams to design and integrate complex RF systems and high‑power components. You will own the full design and procurement process, including defining electrical, thermal, and mechanical interfaces, and developing installation plans that ensure system performance, reliability, and safety. The role also involves conducting hazard analyses and preparing safety documentation to maintain regulatory compliance.
R&D Engineer 4 $153,600 – $266,500
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, this position entails leading the end‑to‑end design, development, implementation, and testing of advanced amplifier systems. You will be responsible for generating comprehensive technical documentation to support long‑term maintenance and operational reliability. In addition, you will mentor junior engineers, providing guidance in engineering best practices and system‑level thinking. This role also involves authoring complex procurement specifications and developing detailed safety documentation, including thorough assessments of electrical hazards to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
- Extensive experience with RF amplifier systems (solid‑state and tube‑based) and high‑power electrical systems, including transformers, rectifiers, and high‑voltage DC or pulsed power supplies.
- Proficiency with laboratory and RF test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters) and hands‑on troubleshooting of high‑voltage electronics.
- Strong ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot analog, digital, and RF systems using schematic capture and simulation tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Eagle, PSpice, LTSpice); experience with PLC and/or FPGA programming.
- Demonstrated capability to develop specifications, schematics, and test documentation, and to clearly communicate technical concepts to varied audiences.
- Proven track record of independently contributing to and occasionally leading complex, multi‑disciplinary projects; skilled in translating technical requirements into effective, high‑performance designs.
- Expert knowledge and hands‑on experience with vacuum tube based high‑power microwave and radio‑frequency amplifiers.
- Proven leadership in managing complex, multi‑disciplinary projects involving cross‑functional teams.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee project budgets and schedules, proactively adjusting plans to align with customer requirements and organizational goals.
- Skilled in conducting comprehensive hazard analyses and developing safety documentation to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of high‑voltage equipment.
R&D Engineer 3 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. A Ph.D. may be preferred.
R&D Engineer 4 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. A Ph.D. may be preferred.
- 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.).
- Demonstrated ability to perform AC power design calculations, such as in‑rush current, voltage drop, sequence currents, THD (total harmonic distortion).
- Demonstrated ability to perform DC power supply calculations, such as ripple‑voltage, leakage current, stored‑energy.
- Demonstrated experience drafting software to generate P&IDs, electrical drawings, red lines, etc.
- Operations experience at an accelerator facility.
Ability to speak, discriminate speech, hear in a normal range (20 Hz to about 20 kHz), sit, stand, walk, climb ladders, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, twist the trunk or back, lift 30+ pounds, carry 30+ pounds, use both hands and arms, reach overhead, horizontally, down, and apply torque with hands or arms.
Work location: onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position for eligibility to apply for posted jobs. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
There is no security clearance required, but selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.
Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
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.
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.
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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
- 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)
For full consideration, please provide a detailed cover letter and resume explaining how you meet the minimum and desired qualifications.
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—and 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.
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