Instrumentation and Controls Hardware R&D 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
Senior
$106K–$176K
3+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional; job requirements outlined below will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division provides leadership in the Laboratory's core capability of Accelerators and Electrodynamics. Accelerators and Electrodynamics enables charged particle acceleration through controlled utilization of electromagnetic fields, supporting National Security missions involving radiographic imaging, remote measurements of electromagnetic signatures, and development of new capabilities. In particular, AOT operates the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton accelerator complex, and conducts applied research and development in accelerator-focused technologies as they apply to Free Electron Lasers, National Security Science programs, and future accelerator missions. The Instrumentation and Controls Group (AOT-IC) within AOT performs a number of technical functions in support of AOT Division goals. As a member of AOT-IC, the successful applicant for this position will work as a member of the Controls and Timing Team whose primary responsibility is to support the operation of the LANSCE Facility. The teams's core capabilities include control system integration, instrumentation engineering, PCB design, ECAD/MCAD, and network and timing signal distribution. Additionally, the position will involve working under the direction of senior engineers to support the planning, design, and implementation of control system upgrades as part of the LANSCE Modernization Project. This includes assisting with evaluating existing legacy control systems, identifying areas for improvement, and contributing to the development of updated architectures that enhance reliability, maintainability, and performance. Responsibilities may include supporting system integration efforts, preparing technical documentation, participating in design reviews, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and helping oversee installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
R&D Engineer 1 $96,600 - $158,000
As an R&D Engineer 1 you will play a crucial role in supporting the operation of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) facility. In this role, you will design, prototype, install, test, and maintain new LANSCE control, and timing systems, as well as modify, upgrade, and maintain existing systems. You will also be responsible for expanding the capabilities of the group, such as by developing test stands for production I&C systems or interfacing with other AOT organizations and outside customers for small non-LANSCE control systems.
R&D Engineer 2 $106,400 - $ 176,000
In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the R&D Engineer 2 level position offers the opportunity to take on a more senior role in supporting the critical operations and development work of the AOT Division. In this role, you will be required to independently apply systems engineering principles through the project lifecycle and lead the development of projects from conceptual design to closeout.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
• Ability to assist with planning and successful completion of multiple projects with conflicting and often changing priorities and deadlines.
• Record of academic achievement (provide examples) and/or technical accomplishments (provide examples) in the team's technical focus areas, which are control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support.
• Basic understanding of electrical schematics - ability to create and interpret schematics and to effectively troubleshoot electronics systems to the component level.
• Willingness to assume 24 hour, on-call support of AOT-IC accelerator hardware on a rotating basis.
• Proactive approach to safe work practices and the ability to manage work safely with demanding customers and hard deadlines.
• Experience with programming and maintaining Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and HMI Screens
• Promote and foster a work environment free from harassment and discrimination
Additional Job Requirements for higher level title:
In addition to the Job Requirements outlined above, qualification at the R&D Engineer 2 level requires:
• A strong record of technical accomplishments (provide examples) and experience (3 to 5 years minimum) in the team's technical focus areas; which are control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support.
• Demonstrated operations and maintenance experience at an accelerator or similar large scientific facility.
• Background in system design, including electrical modeling of analog or digital signals (e.g. PSpice).
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:
• Formal training in RSLogix/Studio 5000 and/or FactoryTalk View Studio
• Experience in FPGA and/or DSP programming.
• Experience with taking a project through the entire design lifecycle to include: requirements gathering, system design, implementation, and verification
• Experience with the utilization of software to support the deployment of designed systems and assigned projects (e.g. SCPI, I2C, SPI, or LabVIEW).
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship
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.
*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.
No Clearance : Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
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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