Pulsed Power Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)
Los Alamos National Security LLC
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge in safety issues related to pulsed-power systems.
- Proficiency in circuit design and understanding of complex electrical schematics.
- Experience in pulsed-power hardware, diagnostics, and systems.
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot and maintain the DARHT pulsed-power systems.
- Design and develop new pulsed-power sources for accelerator applications.
- Collaborate with staff to ensure performance of pulsed-power systems.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 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.
The Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division, Dual‑Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) Engineering, Operations, and Physics (J‑6) Group is seeking a Pulsed Power Engineer to join our Pulsed Power Team. J‑6 delivers state‑of‑the‑art accelerator, pulsed‑power, beam‑target, and radiographic physics capabilities in support of the Laboratory’s hydrodynamic test mission.
- Troubleshooting, maintaining, and upgrading the Dual‑Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) accelerator pulsed‑power systems.
- Designing, modeling, developing, and implementing new pulsed‑power sources and systems for accelerator applications.
The selected candidate will:
- Design, model, and develop new or improved pulsed‑power sources, loads, diagnostics, and systems for DARHT and other accelerators.
- Operate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain pulsed‑power systems, including Marx generators, Pulse Forming Networks (PFNs), Pulse Forming Lines (PFLs), Inductive Voltage Adders (IVAs), and solid‑state pulsed‑power systems.
- Provide technical input and analysis on pulsed‑power systems for DARHT and other accelerator applications.
- Guide technicians in fabrication and troubleshooting activities.
- Produce technical reports, documentation, and presentations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary staff to ensure reliable performance of DARHT systems.
In addition to the duties outlined above, the selected candidate will:
- Lead design upgrades to existing pulsed‑power systems and diagnostics to enhance capability and reliability.
- Direct troubleshooting, fabrication, and upgrade activities for DARHT and other accelerator systems.
- Simulate and test pulsed‑power systems for electrical performance and long‑term reliability.
- Serve as a subject‑matter expert (SME) on DARHT accelerator pulsed‑power systems.
- Demonstrated knowledge of safety issues and hazards associated pulsed‑power systems and devices.
- Demonstrated knowledge in the use of interlocks and design features to mitigate risks and hazards.
- Experience with pulsed‑power hardware, diagnostics, and systems.
- Ability to read and understand complex electrical schematics.
- Proficiency in circuit design and modeling, including use of circuit simulation tools such as SPICE.
- Experience with data acquisition and analysis.
- Knowledge of and experience with engineering/scientific computational tools such as Python, MATLAB, or IDL.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.
- Proven decision‑making and creative problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance (usually requires U.S. citizenship).
- Extensive experience in pulsed‑power design, implementation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Expertise in electromagnetic finite‑element modeling and analysis using tools such as ANSYS Maxwell, HFSS, COMSOL, CST, or Flux.
- Experience leading and mentoring technical staff and successfully managing technical projects or teams.
- 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.
- 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.
- Active DOE Q Clearance.
- Advanced Pulsed‑Power Systems experience.
- Experience designing pulse‑forming networks, Blumleins, transmission lines, and switched capacitor banks.
- Experience with high‑power switches such as spark gaps, solid‑state devices, and thyratrons.
- Experience with linear induction accelerators and related components.
- Knowledge of linear induction accelerator cells, including magnetic circuits and properties.
Ability to speak, discriminate speech, and hear within normal range (500‑3000 Hz). Sit, stand, walk, type or use a keyboard, lift 5‑10 lbs, and carry 5‑10 lbs.
- Outdoors
- Confined space, heights, underground
- Working alone, overtime or irregular schedule
- Domestic/foreign travel, operation of motor vehicles
- Work with weapons or explosives, vibrating equipment/machinery
- Work near machinery with moving parts, toxic or irritant chemicals, dusts, sprays, mists, or vapors
- Hazardous chemicals, carcinogens, and fumes
- Require hearing protection, gloves, safety shoes, headgear, safety glasses or eye protection, face shield, mask or respirator.
Hybrid, located in Los Alamos, NM. Hybrid defined as working partially onsite and partially offsite within 2 hours ground commute of the location.
Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position to be eligible for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution. Our generous benefits package includes:
- PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
- Dental and vision insurance.
- Free basic life and disability insurance.
- Paid maternity and parental leave.
- Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually).
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
- Flexible schedules and time off (PTO).
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
- Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50‑mile radius).
Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal‑opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request.
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