What You Will Do
The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D Engineer Level 3 or Level 4 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. The 201 MHz High-Power RF (HPRF) team at LANSCE is seeking an experienced Engineer to support and lead operations of high-performance RF systems. This role involves both hands-on and technical leadership in the operation, troubleshooting, and upgrade of RF amplifiers and power modulator systems-spanning vacuum tube and solid-state technologies.
As a senior member of the RF Engineering group, you will contribute to the design, development, and commissioning of key systems, including RFQ and DTL cavities and solid-state amplifiers for UHF and 1-10 MHz applications. Responsibilities include performing calculations, generating specifications, estimating budgets, managing procurements, and overseeing system integration and testing.
You'll work closely with engineers and technicians on complex, multi-disciplinary projects as part of the LANSCE Modernization Project. The role also involves working with high-voltage (up to 30 kV), high-current (35 A) power systems, protection circuits, and power electronics.
Participation in an on-call support rotation (typically one week every 4-6 weeks during accelerator operations) is required.
This position will be filled at the R&D Engineer 3 or R&D Engineer 4 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 3 $128,000 - $215,900
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.
R&D Engineer 4 $153,600 - $266,500
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, this position entails leading the end-to-end design, development, implementation, and testing of advanced amplifier systems. You will be responsible for generating comprehensive technical documentation to support long-term maintenance and operational reliability. In addition, you will mentor junior engineers, providing guidance in engineering best practices and system-level thinking. This role also involves authoring complex procurement specifications and developing detailed safety documentation, including thorough assessments of electrical hazards to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
R&D Engineer 3:
The successful candidate must have experience in:
- Extensive experience with RF amplifier systems (solid-state and tube-based) and high-power electrical systems, including transformers, rectifiers, and high-voltage DC or pulsed power supplies.
- Proficiency with laboratory and RF test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters) and hands-on troubleshooting of high-voltage electronics.
- Strong ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot analog, digital, and RF systems using schematic capture and simulation tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Eagle, PSpice, LTSpice); experience with PLC and/or FPGA programming.
- Demonstrated capability to develop specifications, schematics, and test documentation, and to clearly communicate technical concepts to varied audiences.
- Proven track record of independently contributing to and occasionally leading complex, multi-disciplinary projects; skilled in translating technical requirements into effective, high-performance designs.
Additional requirements for R&D Engineer 4:
- Expert knowledge and hands-on experience with vacuum tube based high-power microwave and radio-frequency amplifiers.
- Proven leadership in managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects involving cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee project budgets and schedules, proactively adjusting plans to align with customer requirements and organizational goals.
- Skilled in conducting comprehensive hazard analyses and developing safety documentation to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of high-voltage equipment.
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.
Education/Experience at R&D Engineer 4 level: Position requires a master's degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 12 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:
- Experience with NI LabView and LabView/FPGA programming.
- Experience with PLC and/or process control programming.
- Experience with matrix algebra and block diagram simulation software (Matlab/Simulink, Scilab/Xcos, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to perform AC power design calculations, such as in-rush current, voltage drop, sequence currents, THD (total harmonic distortion).
- Demonstrated ability to perform DC power supply calculations, such as ripple-voltage, leakage current, stored-energy.
- Demonstrated experience draft software to generate P&IDs, electrical drawings, red lines, etc.
- Operations experience at an accelerator facility.
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.
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.
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)
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.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
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
[email protected] or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
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