Space Instrument PCB Layout (Designer/Drafter 4/5)
Los Alamos National Laboratory· Research & Development (National Security)· Oct 7, 2026 · 21d ago
Los Alamos, New Mexico
In office
Full-time
Principal
$88K–$143K
10+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at the Designer/Drafter 4 or 5 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.
Come join our passionate team of R&D scientists and engineers supporting national security! The Space Electronics and Signal Processing (ISR-4) Group is seeking R&D electrical designers to assist and lead the design and development of high-quality, innovative measurement systems followed by their deployment on ground, launched on suborbital rockets, or into space for national security applications and NASA missions. This job is the essence of "Cradle to Grave" engineering; once designed, built, and tested, you will often provide subject matter expertise for payload delivery, launch, and operations over the life of the mission whether in earth orbit for 10+ years, Mars, or deep space. ISR's 400+ instruments fly on over 200 satellites, including numerous NASA missions like Voyager, that has left our solar system, and the last two Mars Rovers. Many of the custom instrumentation we produce is utilized to solve significant issues for our nation's security - something we have been doing so since the early 1960's. For more information, see the ISR division webpage: m.lanl.gov/space
If you possess self-initiative and enjoy working in a small team environment of rapid prototype, high quality, low volume, electronics assemblies this is the job for you. ISR-4 is looking for a self-driven PCB Layout designer to assist in the development of custom instrumentation for various detection and measurement systems. These systems can include:
• Satellite-based detectors for space monitoring programs in support of nonproliferation and nuclear event detection missions;
• Payloads for planetary science missions;
• Smallsat and Cubesat systems;
• Sub-orbital payload systems; and
• Ground-based test beds, system integration, radar, and deployed sensing systems.
Designer/Drafter 4 $72,800 - $115,400
As a Space Instrument Designer/Drafter 4, you will work engineers to understand the specifications, create and revise circuit board layout design in CAD, model and analyze the performance, and engage with fabrication facilities to ensure IPC standards are met. You work on defined tasking with guidance and mentorship while growing toward self-sufficiency in execution and documentation. For full consideration, applicants must submit a resume and comprehensive cover letter addressing each minimum requirement of this position, including detailed examples of past PCB layout projects.
Designer/Drafter 5 $87,800 - $143,000
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at level 5 you are able to apply advanced design methodologies and understand the requirements for high-speed and high-complexity electronics. You will continue to build on your strong communication skills as well as grow in responsibility, autonomy, and influence by serving as a go-to resource for design engineers. You seek out opportunities for growth, such as formal education and participation in professional societies.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Design Expertise
• Ability to create and modify printed circuit board designs using Siemens Xpedition or Altium Designer including exporting manufacturing outputs including gerber, OBD+, assembly drawings, fabrication drawings and drill files.
• Capability to create and modify component library parts based on manufacturers specification.
• Must have knowledge of layer stackup requirements and experience routing multi-layer boards.
• Experience applying technical standards, principles, theories, and techniques like Design for Manufacturing and Design for Test (DFM/DFT) standards like IPC to ensure manufacturability and reliability.
Communication & Teaming
• Demonstrated ability to accomplish technical tasks while working independently as well as in a team environment with engineers, scientists, technicians, and fabrication shops.
• Experience seeking feedback on design layouts, to include peer reviews and formal design reviews.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the Designer/Drafter 5 level requires:
• Ability to research, design, and verify board layout solutions.
• Working understanding of signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI/EMC).
• Knowledge and experience with high-density layout including high speed digital, RF, and power supplies.
• Knowledge of controlled impedance traces, RF transmission lines, etched antennas, and grounding techniques.
• Working knowledge of use of different materials and processes for PCB fabrication and assembly.
• Apply engineering design principles to design and fabrication of printed circuit boards and assemblies.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires an Associate's Degree in an Engineering or Technical field and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires an Associate's Degree in an Engineering or Technical field and 7 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
• Demonstrated ability to manage large parts libraries.
• Knowledge of transmission line theory as applied to ground planes.
• IPC and/or PCEA certification preferred (CID/CID+).
• Ability to make decisions regarding board material selection for design packages.
• Proven capability to understand the broader technical system, beyond the electrical design.
• Experience collaborating with mechanical, thermal, and hardware engineers to fit size, power, and cooling constraints considerations for each design and floor plan layout accordingly.
• Q clearance.
Physical Requirements:
• Physical movement between buildings located primarily within a half-mile radius, which may include movement across uneven and/or inclined ground.
• Physical movement within large interior facility spaces and corridors, which may require travel up and down stairs.
• Direct interaction with hardware, equipment, and instruments in office and laboratory environments.
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.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*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.
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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