Embedded Software Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2)
Los Alamos National Laboratory· Research & Development (National Security)· Oct 7, 2026 · 21d ago
Los Alamos, New Mexico
In office
Full-time
Mid
$106K–$176K
4+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 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.
Accelerator Operations Technology - Instrumentation and Controls Group -AOT-IC is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to support the development, integration, and testing of embedded software for hardware platforms.
We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer with broad interest in embedded software, FPGA-based platforms, and hands-on hardware debugging. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across disciplines, writing software close to the hardware, supporting hardware/software integration, debugging real systems in the lab, and helping integrate complex embedded platforms from prototype through delivery.
As a full-time embedded software engineer, you will work near the boundary between software, firmware, FPGA logic, and hardware in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment. This position will work within a multidisciplinary group of physicists, electrical, RF, mechanical, FPGA, and software engineers.
R&D Engineer 1 ($96,600 - $158,000)
Develop and test embedded software in C/C++ for processors, SoCs, microcontrollers, and FPGA-based platforms. Support hardware/software integration, board bring-up, troubleshooting, validation, automation, documentation, and full lifecycle system support.
R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)
In addition to the above, perform more advanced software engineering tasks including system interoperability, architecture analysis, advanced troubleshooting, mentoring junior engineers, documenting and presenting results, and providing technical leadership on embedded system integration efforts.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
• Experience developing software in C or C++.
• Familiarity with embedded systems concepts such as memory-mapped I/O, interrupts, timers, bootloaders, peripheral drivers, real-time constraints, or bare-metal development.
• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python, Bash, Tcl, or MATLAB for automation, testing, or data analysis.
• Experience or familiarity with FPGA-based systems, digital logic, or HDL development using Verilog, VHDL, or SystemVerilog.
• Ability to debug embedded hardware/software issues using laboratory equipment and software tools.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, datasheets, register maps, timing diagrams, interface control documents, and technical specifications.
• Experience using version control tools such as Git.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, documentation, and teamwork skills.
• Experience working in a small team environment.
• Availability for rotating on-call support and after-hours work when required.
• Willingness to learn new tools, platforms, and development flows.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 2:
• Experience developing software on and for Linux systems.
• Advanced experience developing software in C/C++.
• Strong proficiency with scripting languages such as Bash, Python, Tcl/Tk, and/or Perl.
• Familiarity with software and network debugging tools such as GDB, Valgrind, Wireshark, tcpdump, or similar.
• Understanding of instrumentation and control systems.
• Understanding of software build processes, Makefiles, software revision control, and system integration activities.
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute technical work and mentor less-experienced engineers.
Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and technical experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
• Experience with FPGA vendor tools such as Vivado, Vitis, Quartus, Libero, ModelSim/Questa, or similar.
• Experience with embedded Linux, RTOS environments, device drivers, bootloaders, or board support packages.
• Experience with MicroBlaze, Nios, Zynq, MPSoC/RFSoC, UltraScale+, or similar embedded processor/FPGA platforms.
• Experience with issue tracking, CI/testing workflows, automated testing, or formal software/firmware development processes.
• Exposure to DSP, high-speed digital design, data acquisition, sensor interfaces, control systems, communications systems, or hardware acceleration.
• Basic knowledge of accelerator physics or experience working with scientific instrumentation.
• Experience creating test plans, verification procedures, design documentation, technical reports, and technical presentations.
• Experience with EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System).
• Active DOE Q Clearance.
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:
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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
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