Pulsed Power Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits (PPO/HDHP)

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Maternity and parental leave

401(k) with match

Tuition assistance

PTO

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Pulsed Power Engineer to join the DARHT/J-6 team in Los Alamos, NM. The role involves designing and upgrading pulsed-power sources, diagnosing complex systems, and producing detailed reports.

Candidates should have strong electrical knowledge, data analysis skills, and capability to obtain a DOE Q clearance. Positions are available at R&D Engineer 2 or 3 levels, with responsibilities expanding at the higher level to lead design upgrades and supervise

Qualifications

• Pulsed-Power Systems knowledge and hazards awareness.
• Ability to read and understand complex electrical schematics and to model circuits (SPICE).
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis; proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or IDL.

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and develop pulsed-power sources, loads, diagnostics, and systems for DARHT and other accelerators.
• Operate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain pulsed-power systems (Marx generators, PFNs, PFLs, IVAs, solid-state systems).
• Provide technical input and analysis and guide technicians in fabrication and troubleshooting.
• Produce technical reports and presentations; collaborate with multidisciplinary staff.

Skills

Pulsed-Power Systems

Electrical schematics

Circuit design

SPICE

Python

MATLAB

IDL

DOE Q Clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Maxwell

HFSS

COMSOL

CST

Flux

Job description

What You Will Do

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.

Our team's core responsibilities include:

• 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.

R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400-$176,000)

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.

R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000-$215,900)

In addition to the duties outlined above, the selected candidate will:

• Leading 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.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

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.

Electrical Engineering Knowledge

• Ability to read and understand complex electrical schematics
• Proficiency in circuit design and modeling, including use of circuit simulation tools such as SPICE.

Laboratory & Computational Skills

• Experience with data acquisition and analysis
• Knowledge of and experience with engineering/scientific computational tools such as Python, MATLAB, or IDL

Communication Skills

• 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.

Additional Job Requirements for the R&D Engineer 3 level:

• 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.

Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 2:

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.

Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 3:

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.

Desired Qualifications:

• 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
• Knowledge of linear induction accelerator cells, including magnetic circuits and properties

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz), Sitting, Standing, Walking, Typing or keyboarding, lifting 5-10 pounds, Carrying 5-10 pounds.

Work Environment:

Outdoors, In confined space, heights, Underground, Working alone, Working overtime or irregular schedule, Domestic/foreign travel, operation of motor vehicles, Work with weapons or explosives, Work with vibrating equipment/machinery, Work near machinery with moving parts, toxic chemicals, irritant chemicals, dusts or powders, sprays, mists, or vapors, fumes, carcinogens, Hearing protection, Gloves or hand protection, Safety shoes or protective foot-gear, Headgear or head protection, safety glasses or eye protection, face shield or facial protection, Mask or respirator.

Work Location:

The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos, NM. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.

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 2 years.

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 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 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)

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.

Clearance: Q

Position will be cleared to this level. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

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.

Equal Opportunity:

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, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.