Robotics and Automation Computer Scientist 2/3 (Scientist 2/3)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated computer scientist to advance autonomous systems for robotic and automation applications. You will develop software in Python and C++, support perception and navigation, and integrate with robots, sensors, and radiation-detection instruments in a multidisciplinary team.

You will work on a range of platforms from mobile robots to autonomous vehicles and industrial automation, contributing to safety and mission-critical objectives at

Qualifications

• Full-Stack Software Development experience in Python and C++.
• Collaborative software development in a team environment using Git.
• Experience developing in Linux environments and deploying Docker containers.

Responsibilities

• Develop full-stack software using Python and C++.
• Support perception, navigation, and autonomous behaviors for robotic systems.
• Create GUIs and integrate software with robots, sensors, and industrial equipment.
• Lead or contribute to testing, simulation, and documentation as capabilities mature.

Skills

Full-Stack Dev

Collaborative Dev

Linux & Docker

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

Git

Docker

OpenCV

Open3D

NVIDIA Isaac Sim

Job description

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated computer scientist to join the Automation, Robotics, and Controls group. This multidisciplinary engineering team develops innovative robotic and automation solutions for nuclear and non‑nuclear applications across the Laboratory. You will help create and deploy cutting‑edge autonomous systems that improve worker safety, optimize mission‑critical processes, reduce human exposure to hazardous environments, and directly support the nation's nuclear deterrence mission. This position offers the opportunity to work with mobile robots, robotic manipulators, uncrewed aerial systems, autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, remote‑handling systems, and advanced simulation environments.

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2/3 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.

Robotics and Automation Computer Scientist 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)

At this level, you will work under the direction of a supervisor and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of computer scientists, engineers, technicians, and mission partners. You will develop full‑stack software using Python and C++ to develop autonomous behaviors, support perception and navigation capabilities, create graphical user interfaces, and integrate software with robots, sensors, cameras, radiation‑detection instruments, and industrial equipment. You will also support simulation, laboratory and field testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical documentation as robotic and automation capabilities progress from initial concepts to operational systems.

Robotics and Automation Computer Scientist 3 ($128,000 - $215,900)

In addition to the responsibilities outlined at Level 2, you will provide technical leadership for complex robotics, autonomy, and automation efforts. You will define software architectures, establish technical strategies, lead system integration and deployment activities, and guide multidisciplinary teams in advancing new capabilities from concept to operational use. You will also mentor junior staff, develop technical proposals, evaluate emerging technologies, and publish or present technical results that strengthen the Laboratory's robotics capabilities and support its national security mission.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Full‑Stack Software Development

Demonstrated experience developing, testing, debugging, and maintaining full‑stack software using Python and C++, as evidenced through prior projects, operational systems, or other technical deliverables.

Collaborative Software Development

Experience using Git or another distributed version‑control system within a collaborative team environment, including contributing to shared repositories, managing code changes, and supporting established software‑development practices.

Linux and Containerized Environments

Experience developing, configuring, troubleshooting, and deploying software in Linux environments using Docker containers.

Additional Job Requirements for Robotics and Automation Computer Scientist 3

• Technical Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading complex robotics, automation, or software‑development efforts and guiding multidisciplinary teams toward successful technical outcomes, including the guiding the work of more junior staff through technical review, knowledge sharing and skill development.
• Software Architecture: Experience defining modular, scalable, reliable, and maintainable software architectures for robotic, autonomous, or hardware‑integrated systems.
• System Integration and Deployment: Experience leading the integration, testing, validation, and operational deployment of complex software‑enabled hardware systems.
• Proposal Development & Technical Communication: Experience developing technical proposals, defining project approaches, and estimating scope for new mission‑focused work, coupled with a proven ability to author technical publications, reports, and presentations that effectively communicate results to customers, stakeholders, leadership, and the broader technical community.

Education/Experience at lower level

Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post‑doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level

Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing, programming, integrating, or deploying industrial robotic systems, including the integration of sensors, cameras, instruments, or other sensing technologies
• Experience processing image or point‑cloud data using OpenCV, Open3D, or comparable tools, including the application of machine learning or artificial intelligence to data analysis, computer vision, or robotic action
• Experience developing web‑based or embedded graphical user interfaces and programming embedded systems using C or C++
• Experience using NVIDIA Isaac Sim to develop, simulate, test, or validate robotic and autonomous‑system capabilities

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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 1 year.

Note to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must submit a resume and comprehensive cover letter addressing each key requirement of this position.

Where You Will Work

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 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)

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.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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.

Eligibility Restrictions

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 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.

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 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 [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.