What You Will Do
The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D Engineer Level 1 or Level 2 for their 805 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.
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.
R&D Engineer 1 - $94,500 - $154,600
As a key member of the AOT-RFE 805 MHz high-power RF Engineering team, you will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the LANSCE 805 MHz high-power RF systems, including associated electronics, high-voltage power supplies, and modulators. You will also provide expert power electronics knowledge to support the team's work on vacuum tube amplifiers and the equipment required to operate them. Additionally, you will play a critical role in planning and implementing future RF system upgrades, such as klystron amplifiers and high-voltage pulsed power systems. Your expertise will be invaluable in collaborating with LANSCE physicists and scientists on special projects to ensure successful operation of RF systems. You will also analyze RF system data to inform design enhancements that improve performance and reliability. Furthermore, you will serve as on-call support for the LANSCE high-power RF systems, providing 24/7 coverage for approximately 7 months per year during accelerator operations. This demanding role requires a high level of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
R&D Engineer 2 - $104,100 - $172,200
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the ideal candidate has a fundamental and practical understanding of RF transport, high frequency electronics, and vacuum tubes. The candidate should have a track record of project completion. That is the candidate will be expected to take tasks from initial assignment (at any stage in the process) and following the task towards satisfactory completion under different circumstances, depending on the level complexity, that can be as a team effort or individual contributor, and up to and including leading a project altogether.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Demonstrated undergraduate training in electrical engineering fields that supports competency in microwave engineering, high-voltage and pulsed-power engineering, RF power amplifiers and transmitters, DC and pulsed-power systems, microwave and RF components, and RF transport systems.
Demonstrated ability to read and understand schematics.
Demonstrated experience in effectively producing written documents and successful oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to accomplish technical tasks while working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team with engineers, scientists, and technicians.
Additional job requirements for the R&D Engineer 2:
Demonstrated record of leading the design, development, testing and installation of high-power RF vacuum tube-based amplifier systems and high-voltage systems.
Demonstrated technical leadership in developing advanced concepts for high-power RF vacuum tube-based amplifier systems and high-voltage systems.
Demonstrated record of developing innovating high power RF vacuum tube-based amplifier systems and high-voltage systems.
Demonstrated record of conducting engineering design in accordance with defined procedures for conduct on engineering.
Demonstrated skills in applying the system engineering process to defining requirements and translating those requirements into designs that meet customer expectations.
Demonstrated experience working as part of a team to develop RF amplifier and high-voltage systems.
Demonstrated recent and successful hands-on experience troubleshooting, installation, and testing of high-power RF systems.
Education/Experience at level 1 : Position requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience at level 2: 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. At this level a master's degree may be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience with high-voltage DC and pulsed-power systems.
Experience with computer-based circuit layout simulation (PSpice, Multisim, LTSPice, etc.)
Experience with NI LabView and LabView/FPGA programming.
Experience with matrix algebra and block diagram simulation software (Matlab/Simulink, Scilab/Xcos, etc.).
Operations experience at an accelerator facility.
Essential Job Functions: 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 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, applicants MUST submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses, bullet by bullet, how the applicant's education and experience relate to the lists of skill requirements above.
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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 opt. 3.
