Inductive Voltage Adder (IVA)

Salas O'Brien; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Salas O’Brien seeks an Inductive Voltage Adder (IVA) Engineer to support the Scorpius accelerator project in Los Alamos, New Mexico. You will assist with design, integration, testing, operation, and troubleshooting of IVA and related pulsed-power systems.

The role requires a strong background in pulsed-power and high-voltage engineering, with collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and onsite work in Los Alamos. The position emphasizes safety and thorough documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of puls ed-power, high-voltage, accelerator, or related systems.
• Knowledge of high-voltage circuit design, electromagnetic principles, energy storage, switching, and pulse-forming technologies.
• Ability to work onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, analysis, integration, and testing of Inductive Voltage Adder systems and associated pulsed-power components.
• Perform engineering analysis of high-voltage, high-current, and fast-pulse electrical systems.
• Support IVA commissioning, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and performance improvement activities.
• Develop and review engineering calculations, specifications, drawings, test plans, procedures, and technical documentation.
• Analyze test and diagnostic data to identify system performance issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Support integration of IVA hardware with power, controls, diagnostics, mechanical, vacuum, and accelerator subsystems.
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, system readiness activities, and configuration changes.
• Work with engineers, scientists, technicians, and other project teams to resolve technical issues and support project milestones.
• Support safe execution of work involving high-voltage and pulsed-power equipment.

Skills

Pulsed-power systems

High-voltage design

Electrical analysis

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Technical communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Pulse-forming networks

High-voltage switches

Job description

Inductive Voltage Adder (IVA)

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges. We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more. Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

We are seeking an Inductive Voltage Adder (IVA) Engineer to support the Scorpius accelerator project in Los Alamos, New Mexico. This position will provide engineering support for the design, integration, testing, operation, and troubleshooting of IVA and related pulsed-power systems. The engineer will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering and technical teams to support system performance, reliability, and successful integration with the broader accelerator.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, analysis, integration, and testing of Inductive Voltage Adder systems and associated pulsed-power components.


• Perform engineering analysis of high-voltage, high-current, and fast-pulse electrical systems.


• Support IVA commissioning, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and performance improvement activities.


• Develop and review engineering calculations, specifications, drawings, test plans, procedures, and technical documentation.


• Analyze test and diagnostic data to identify system performance issues and recommend corrective actions.


• Support integration of IVA hardware with power, controls, diagnostics, mechanical, vacuum, and accelerator subsystems.


• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, system readiness activities, and configuration changes.


• Work with engineers, scientists, technicians, and other project teams to resolve technical issues and support project milestones.


• Support safe execution of work involving high-voltage and pulsed-power equipment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a related technical discipline.


• 5+ years of experience with pulsed-power, high-voltage, accelerator, power electronics, or comparable complex electrical systems.


• Knowledge of high-voltage circuit design, electromagnetic principles, energy storage, switching, and pulse-forming technologies.


• Experience performing electrical analysis, troubleshooting, testing, and interpreting diagnostic data.


• Ability to develop and review engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, procedures, and other technical documentation.


• Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering or research environments.


• Strong technical communication and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to work onsite in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Desired Qualifications

• Direct experience with Inductive Voltage Adders or linear induction accelerator technology.


• Experience with Marx generators, pulse-forming networks, transmission lines, magnetic cores, high-voltage switches, or related pulsed-power technologies.


• Experience with accelerator systems, particle beam systems, or large-scale experimental facilities.


• Experience with high-voltage diagnostics, oscilloscopes, current monitors, voltage monitors, and other pulsed-power instrumentation.


• Experience supporting DOE, NNSA, national laboratory, or other highly regulated technical programs.


• Active DOE Q clearance or ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance.

Travel

Minimal travel may be required. This position is primarily onsite in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $135,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• 401(k) with company match


• Paid time off and company holidays


• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources


• Professional development support

Benefits

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.