Space Data Processing Post-Bacc Student

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (PPO or HDHP)

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Parental leave

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and PTO

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Post Baccalaureate Student to join the Space Data & Software Systems Group (ISR-3) and contribute to space and ground-based programs. You will participate in software development, data processing pipelines, and deployment infrastructure within a secure, collaborative environment.

The position emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and the ability to operate in a classified setting while building experience across software engineering and data

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with C/C++ and/or Python.
• Familiarity with Unix/Linux operating systems.
• Working knowledge of SVN, Git, or Mercurial.
• Ability to work closely with scientific teams and build effective relationships.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related field; eligibility within the past 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Participate in software development and systems engineering for space mission operations.
• Develop and maintain data processing software, pipelines, and deployment infrastructure.
• Work in a classified environment with emphasis on security.
• Collaborate with ISR-3 and the Data Processing Tools & Management team to support ground-based processing of telemetry.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Unix/Linux

SVN/Git/Mercurial

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Physics/Mathematics or related field

Tools

SVN

Git

Mercurial

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

What You Will Do

The Space Data & Software Systems Group (ISR-3) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a qualified Post Baccalaureate Student to participate in the execution of our portfolio of space and ground-based programs. ISR-3 is an integral part of the Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division with core capabilities in software development, mission operations, data exploitation, data systems development, and integration. The successful candidate will become a member of ISR-3 and be assigned to the Data Processing Tools & Management team. This team provides support for ground‑based processing of spacecraft and instrument telemetry by developing and maintaining data processing software, pipelines, and deployment infrastructure. Work involves both software development and systems engineering in support of space mission operations. The successful candidate will work regularly in a classified setting and must demonstrate a strong commitment towards security. The successful candidate will be self‑motivated, with good communication, documentation, and teamwork skills. The Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory has been designing, building, and operating highly innovative ground, air and space‑based measurement and detection systems for nearly 60 years. Our interdisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, and scientists work, learn, and succeed through a highly creative and dynamic R&D environment. We build, fly, operate and analyze data from measurement systems deployed to space for verification of international nuclear treaties, and develop innovative sensors, ground, airborne, and space hardware/software systems for basic scientific missions, nuclear nonproliferation, space situational awareness and remote sensing. We also lead experiments on NASA missions, including the Curiosity Rover, Van Allen Probes, and IBEX as well as the Mars 2020 Rover, IMAP Mission, NACHOS hyperspectral cubesat, and BEAMPIE rocket experiment.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Programming Experience: 2+ years of experience with C/C++ and/or Python.
• Operating System Experience: Familiarity with Unix/Linux Operating systems.
• Version Control System Experience: Working knowledge with one of the following version control systems: SVN, git, or mercurial.
• Collaboration/Teaming: Demonstrated ability to work closely with scientific teams. Must be able to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal and presentation skills.
• Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, equivalent science degree or B.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent engineering degree. Eligibility limited to students who have completed a bachelor's degree within the past 3 years but have not been accepted and enrolled in a graduate program. The bachelor's degree should have been completed with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent.

Desired Qualifications

Preferred

• Strong Linux system administration and scripting skills
• Experience developing formalized unit and/or integration test software
• Familiarity with data processing pipelines and common data engineering and scientific packages
• Experience developing, testing, deploying, and iterating scientific algorithms

Additional

• Experience with workflow orchestration tools (e.g., Apache Airflow)
• Familiarity with container technologies (Podman, Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes, OpenShift)
• Experience with satellite sensors and programs
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Familiarity with debugging tools such as the GNU Debugger (GDB)
• Familiarity with Hierarchical Data Format 5 (HDF5) or other similar file formats

Clearance: Q Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter.

• 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.

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.

Note to Applicants

Applicants must include a cover letter detailing how they meet the minimum requirements of the position.

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.

Where You Will Work

• 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.

No Clearance

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

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.

Internal Applicants

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

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.