Software Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a software engineer for the Accelerator Operations Technology group. The role involves developing software solutions, enhancing performance, and providing support across various projects.

The position offers opportunities at both the R&D Engineer 1 and 2 levels, depending on skills. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and experience with programming languages like C, C++, and Python.

Competitive benefits include medical insurance, a 401(k) with matching, and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Ability to develop and maintain technical documentation.
• Experience working as part of a project team.
• Willingness to learn and adapt quickly in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Understanding of compiled languages such as C, C++, and/or Java.

Responsibilities

• Develop new software solutions for multiple projects.
• Engage in programming, scripting, troubleshooting, and system configuration.
• Provide ongoing support to accelerator teams with a high level of service quality.

Skills

Problem-solving

Programming experience with compiled languages (C/C++/Java)

Scripting languages (Bash/Python/Tcl/Tk/Perl)

Communication skills

Familiarity with Linux systems

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

gdb

valgrind

SQL databases

Job description

What You Will Do

Accelerator Operations Technology – Instrumentation and Controls Group (AOT‑IC) is seeking a software engineer to develop new software solutions, enhance software performance, support program functionality, and champion system reliability across LANSCE projects.

As a full‑time engineer you will collaborate in a highly dynamic environment, contributing to multiple simultaneous projects and ensuring high‑quality, integrated software solutions.

This position will be filled at either the Software R&D Engineer 1 or 2 level, depending on the candidate’s skills. Additional responsibilities may be assigned for the higher level.

R&D Engineer 1 Responsibilities

• Analyze and solve problems across software, hardware, applications, operating systems, and overall production controls environments.
• Engage in programming, scripting, troubleshooting, and system configuration.
• Provide ongoing support to accelerator teams with a high level of service quality.

R&D Engineer 2 Responsibilities

• Perform advanced software engineering tasks, including system interoperability, architecture analysis, and deep troubleshooting with advanced tools.
• Mentor and coach team members, documenting and presenting results.

Qualifications

• Ability to develop and maintain technical documentation.
• Experience working as part of a project team.
• Willingness to learn and adapt quickly in a dynamic environment.
• Availability for rotating on‑call support and after‑hours work when required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with the software engineering lifecycle.
• Understanding of compiled languages such as C, C++, and/or Java.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Bash, Python, Tcl/Tk, and/or Perl.
• Familiarity with Linux systems and tools.
• Familiarity with software troubleshooting techniques.

Additional Requirements for R&D Engineer 2

• Programming experience with C, C++, and/or Java.
• High comfort with Bash, Python, Tcl/Tk, and/or Perl.
• Experience developing and using software on Linux systems.
• Experience with CI/CD processes using Git.
• Understanding of build processes, Makefiles, and revision control.
• Knowledge of software troubleshooting and debugging tools.

Education and Experience

Lower Level (R&D Engineer 1): Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution related to the occupation and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience.

Higher Level (R&D Engineer 2): Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and 4 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with debugging tools such as gdb or valgrind.
• Experience with SQL relational database schemas, queries, and optimization.
• Skills in web‑based application and REST API development.
• Understanding of instrumentation and control systems.
• Experience developing embedded‑systems software.
• Experience with virtualization, hypervisors, or containerization.
• Linux system and network administration experience.
• Network management and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with machine learning or adaptive algorithms (AI).
• Programming experience with VxWorks or RTEMS.
• Programming experience with LabVIEW.
• Experience with EPICS (Experimental Physics Industrial Control System).
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Work Environment and Location

Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: 1 year for regular appointment employees, with a requirement to serve a period of continuous service in the current position. Non‑exempt employees must have documented approval of their Division Leader.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a broad nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award‑winning 401(k) with 6% matching + 3.5% annual increase.
• 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 Requirements

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 any other characteristic protected by law. The Laboratory is committed to making its workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.