What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineer 2/3 (R&D Engineer) position at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
What You Will Do
The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D Engineer Level 2 or Level 3 for their 201 MHz HPRF team.
The AOT division maintains, operates, and upgrades all accelerator systems used at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) complex. These consist of two 750-keV Cockcroft-Walton-based injector systems (H and H- systems), a 201.25-MHz drift-tube linear accelerator (LINAC) utilizing high-power diacrode tubes, an 805-MHz coupled cavity LINAC utilizing high-power klystrons as the primary power source, a proton storage ring, and roughly a kilometer of beam transport lines that deliver beam to the five independent research programs.
The RFE group is principally responsible for all radio frequency (RF) systems. The group consists of three teams: (1) Low-Level RF (LLRF) focused on real-time phase and amplitude controls; (2) High-Power RF (HPRF) systems at 201 MHz; and (3) High-Power RF systems at 805 MHz.
We are seeking an accomplished and highly experienced Electrical Engineer to join the 201 MHz High-Power RF (HPRF) team at the LANSCE Linac Advanced Research and Science Experiments (LANSCE) facility. In this advanced technical role, you will lead efforts supporting the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of high-performance RF systems critical to accelerator operations. As a senior member of the RF Engineering group, you will independently troubleshoot complex programmatic equipment issues, develop and execute upgrade plans, and drive the engineering design process-from conceptual analysis and initial calculations to detailed technical specifications and budget development. Your responsibilities will include spearheading the design, fabrication, and testing of advanced RF systems, such as radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) and drift tube linac (DTL) cavities, as well as architecting solid-state amplifier systems for UHF and low-frequency (1-10 MHz) applications. These efforts will directly support LANSCE's ongoing Modernization Project and other mission-critical initiatives.
This position will be filled at the R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 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.
R&D Engineer 2 $104,100 - $172,200
As a key member of the AOT-RFE high-power RF Engineering team, this role involves collaborating with a larger team to design and implement large-scale changes to the existing high-voltage and Diacrode amplifiers for the initial portion of the LANSCE linac. You'll work closely with engineers, technologists, and technicians to develop and implement system designs, ensuring seamless interconnections and successful integration of components. This position also requires design and procurement of high-power components, necessitating coordination with multiple teams to determine power, water cooling, and mechanical requirements, ultimately leading to a comprehensive and safe installation plan. Furthermore, you'll be responsible for evaluating potential hazards and writing safety documents to ensure a secure and compliant working environment.
R&D Engineer 3 $125,200 - $211,300
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this advanced level, you will lead large-scale engineering efforts to redesign and upgrade high-voltage and Diacrode amplifier systems at the front end of the LANSCE linac. This includes collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and integrate complex RF systems and high-power components. You will own the full design and procurement process, including defining electrical, thermal, and mechanical interfaces, and developing installation plans that ensure system performance, reliability, and safety. The role also involves conducting hazard analyses and preparing safety documentation to maintain regulatory compliance.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
R&D Engineer 2:
Education/Experience at R&D Engineer 3 level: 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. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
The successful candidate should have experience in:
Work Environment:
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, please provide a detailed cover letter and resume explaining how you meet the minimum and desired qualifications. Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range (20 Hz to about 20 KHz), Sitting, Standing, Walking, Climbing Ladders, Bending, Stooping, Crouching, Kneeling, Twisting the trunk or back, Lifting 30 pounds, Carrying 30 pounds, Use of both hands, Use of both arms, Reaching overhead, Reaching horizontally, Reaching down, Applying torque with hands or arms.
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
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:
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.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D Engineer Level 2 or Level 3 for their 201 MHz HPRF team.
The AOT division maintains, operates, and upgrades all accelerator systems used at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) complex. These consist of two 750-keV Cockcroft-Walton-based injector systems (H and H- systems), a 201.25-MHz drift-tube linear accelerator (LINAC) utilizing high-power diacrode tubes, an 805-MHz coupled cavity LINAC utilizing high-power klystrons as the primary power source, a proton storage ring, and roughly a kilometer of beam transport lines that deliver beam to the five independent research programs.
The RFE group is principally responsible for all radio frequency (RF) systems. The group consists of three teams: (1) Low-Level RF (LLRF) focused on real-time phase and amplitude controls; (2) High-Power RF (HPRF) systems at 201 MHz; and (3) High-Power RF systems at 805 MHz.
We are seeking an accomplished and highly experienced Electrical Engineer to join the 201 MHz High-Power RF (HPRF) team at the LANSCE Linac Advanced Research and Science Experiments (LANSCE) facility. In this advanced technical role, you will lead efforts supporting the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of high-performance RF systems critical to accelerator operations. As a senior member of the RF Engineering group, you will independently troubleshoot complex programmatic equipment issues, develop and execute upgrade plans, and drive the engineering design process-from conceptual analysis and initial calculations to detailed technical specifications and budget development. Your responsibilities will include spearheading the design, fabrication, and testing of advanced RF systems, such as radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) and drift tube linac (DTL) cavities, as well as architecting solid-state amplifier systems for UHF and low-frequency (1-10 MHz) applications. These efforts will directly support LANSCE's ongoing Modernization Project and other mission-critical initiatives.
This position will be filled at the R&D Engineer 2 or R&D Engineer 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.
R&D Engineer 2 $104,100 - $172,200
As a key member of the AOT-RFE high-power RF Engineering team, this role involves collaborating with a larger team to design and implement large-scale changes to the existing high-voltage and Diacrode amplifiers for the initial portion of the LANSCE linac. You'll work closely with engineers, technologists, and technicians to develop and implement system designs, ensuring seamless interconnections and successful integration of components. This position also requires design and procurement of high-power components, necessitating coordination with multiple teams to determine power, water cooling, and mechanical requirements, ultimately leading to a comprehensive and safe installation plan. Furthermore, you'll be responsible for evaluating potential hazards and writing safety documents to ensure a secure and compliant working environment.
R&D Engineer 3 $125,200 - $211,300
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this advanced level, you will lead large-scale engineering efforts to redesign and upgrade high-voltage and Diacrode amplifier systems at the front end of the LANSCE linac. This includes collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and integrate complex RF systems and high-power components. You will own the full design and procurement process, including defining electrical, thermal, and mechanical interfaces, and developing installation plans that ensure system performance, reliability, and safety. The role also involves conducting hazard analyses and preparing safety documentation to maintain regulatory compliance.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
R&D Engineer 2:
- Proficiency with laboratory and RF test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, network/spectrum analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters), and experience with high-voltage, high-power electronic components.
- Demonstrated ability in the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of analog and digital electronic systems, including RF circuit analysis and amplifier systems (solid-state and tube-based).
- Experience with schematic design and circuit simulation tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Eagle, PSpice, LTSpice), and programming of PLC and/or FPGA controllers.
- Strong documentation skills, including the creation of specifications, schematics, and test plans, along with the ability to present technical content to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
- Extensive experience in the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of RF amplifier systems, including both solid-state and vacuum tube technologies.
- Proficiency in developing and supporting high-power electrical systems such as transformers, rectifiers, and DC or pulsed high-voltage power supplies.
- Proven ability to collaborate on and occasionally lead complex, multi-disciplinary, and multi-team engineering projects.
- Demonstrated skill in translating technical requirements into practical, high-performance system designs that meet customer expectations.
- Strong background in diagnosing and resolving issues in high-power RF and electrical systems throughout the full development lifecycle.
Education/Experience at R&D Engineer 3 level: 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. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
The successful candidate should have experience in:
- Proficiency with matrix algebra and block diagram simulation software such as Matlab/Simulink, Scilab/Xcos, or equivalent.
- Experience working with electromagnetic simulations of RF structures.
- Knowledge of High-voltage DC and pulsed-power systems.
- Demonstrative experience with high-power transistor-based and tube-based amplifier systems.
- Hazard analysis and safety document creation.
- Hands-on operational experience at an accelerator facility.
Work Environment:
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, please provide a detailed cover letter and resume explaining how you meet the minimum and desired qualifications. Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range (20 Hz to about 20 KHz), Sitting, Standing, Walking, Climbing Ladders, Bending, Stooping, Crouching, Kneeling, Twisting the trunk or back, Lifting 30 pounds, Carrying 30 pounds, Use of both hands, Use of both arms, Reaching overhead, Reaching horizontally, Reaching down, Applying torque with hands or arms.
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
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 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)
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.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
Salary : $104,100 - $172,200
