Inductive Voltage Adder (IVA) Technician

Inductive Voltage Adder (IVA)

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer – Inductive Voltage Adder (IVA) to support the Scorpius accelerator project in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

This position will provide mechanical engineering support for the design, development, integration, assembly, testing, and operation of IVA hardware and associated pulsed-power systems. The engineer will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with a strong electrical engineering focus, providing mechanical expertise to support high-voltage equipment, structural assemblies, component interfaces, and overall system integration.

The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering background with experience supporting complex electromechanical systems, preferably in accelerator, pulsed-power, research, or other highly technical environments.

Responsibilities:

• Provide mechanical engineering support for Inductive Voltage Adder (IVA) systems and associated pulsed-power hardware.

• Design, analyze, and evaluate mechanical components, assemblies, mounting structures, enclosures, and support systems used in high-voltage equipment.

• Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, scientists, and technicians to integrate mechanical hardware with electrical and pulsed-power subsystems.

• Develop and review mechanical engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, specifications, calculations, and technical documentation.

• Perform mechanical design and analysis related to structural integrity, material selection, tolerances, thermal considerations, and component interfaces.

• Support hardware fabrication, assembly, installation, alignment, testing, and commissioning activities.

• Identify and resolve mechanical design, fitment, assembly, and integration challenges affecting system performance and reliability.

• Support mechanical interfaces involving electrical components, vacuum systems, cooling systems, diagnostics, and accelerator equipment.

• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, configuration management, and system readiness activities.

• Work with multidisciplinary project teams to troubleshoot hardware issues, develop corrective actions, and support project milestones.

• Support safe execution of work involving high-voltage and pulsed-power equipment in laboratory and experimental environments. 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

• 5 years of mechanical engineering experience supporting complex mechanical or electromechanical systems.

• Experience with mechanical design, engineering analysis, hardware integration, fabrication, and assembly.

• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, AutoCAD, or comparable engineering design tools.

• Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles including structural analysis, materials, tolerancing, fastening methods, and thermal considerations.

• Experience developing and reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, calculations, procedures, and technical documentation.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with electrical engineers and other technical disciplines on integrated hardware systems.

• Experience troubleshooting mechanical hardware and resolving design or installation issues.

• Strong technical communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work onsite in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supporting pulsed-power, high-voltage, accelerator, or other complex electrical hardware systems in a mechanical engineering capacity.

• Familiarity with Inductive Voltage Adders (IVA), linear induction accelerators, or related accelerator technologies.

• Experience designing mechanical components or structural assemblies for high-voltage electrical equipment.

• Experience with mechanical integration of electrical components, insulating materials, vacuum systems, cooling systems, or precision assemblies.

• Experience performing structural, thermal, or finite element analysis (FEA).

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, machining, welding, fabrication, and mechanical assembly techniques.

• Experience supporting hardware installation, testing, commissioning, or maintenance at large-scale experimental facilities.

• Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams within research, defense, energy, or national laboratory environments.

• Experience supporting DOE, NNSA, national laboratory, or other highly regulated technical programs.

Travel: Minimal travel may be required. This position is primarily onsite in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $135,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.

Salary : $100,000 - $135,000