What You Will Do
Shape the Control Systems Behind Critical Infrastructure
Los Alamos National Laboratory's Utilities and Infrastructure Facility Operations Division (UI-FOD) is seeking an ICS Engineer with strong expertise in PLC and RTU programming to support, modernize, and secure mission-critical utility control systems. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on control system development, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support in complex operational environments.
You'll work at the intersection of engineering, operations, and cybersecurity-ensuring safe, reliable, and resilient control of essential infrastructure.
As an ICS Engineer with a PLC/RTU focus, you will design, implement, and support industrial control systems that operate critical utilities and facilities.
This position will be filled at either the Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
PLC & RTU Engineering
Develop, program, test, and maintain PLC and RTU logic for utility and facility control systems
Support commissioning, upgrades, and modifications of control systems in live operational environments
Troubleshoot control logic, I/O, communications, and field device integration issues
Control System Design & Integration
Create control system design packages, including architecture diagrams, control narratives, and configuration documentation
Integrate PLCs and RTUs with HMIs, SCADA systems, historians, and OT networks
Apply industry best practices for control system reliability, maintainability, and cybersecurity
Operations & Lifecycle Support
Provide operational support for existing ICS assets, including diagnostics, root cause analysis, and system optimization
Support preventative and predictive maintenance strategies for control systems
Participate in planning, procurement, installation oversight, and quality assurance for control system hardware and software
Collaboration & Compliance
Work closely with operators, engineers, IT, and cybersecurity teams to support secure IT/OT integration
Ensure control systems align with applicable standards and regulatory requirements, including NERC CIP where applicable
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
We're looking for an engineer who combines strong control systems fundamentals with practical, hands-on experience.
PLC & RTU Skills
Hands-on experience programming PLCs and/or RTUs used in utility or industrial environments
Familiarity with industrial protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, Ethernet/IP, and related field communications
Experience with control system testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting
ICS & OT Foundations
Understanding of industrial control system architectures (e.g., Purdue Model)
Experience integrating PLC/RTU systems with SCADA, HMI, and OT networks
OT troubleshooting knowledge using tools like Wireshark Instrumentation Skills
Knowledgeable in the specification, installation, and calibration of field instruments (flow, pressure, temperature, etc.)
Experience with creating ISA loop drawings
Engineering & Professional Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
Clear technical communication skills, both written and verbal
Allen Bradley and Modicon PLC programming experience
Familiarity with HART communications
Additional Job Responsibilities Desired at the Engineer 3 Level
Working knowledge of SCADA (Ignition platform configuration)
Working knowledge of Devices (SEL RTAC, SEL ICON configuration)
Working knowledge of Cellular Base communication to field devices such as Electrical, Gas, Water meters
Education/Experience at Engineer 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 3 years practical work experience to the degree necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Current registration as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is highly desirable.
Education/Experience at Engineer 3: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 6 years practical work experience to the degree necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired. Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable.
Who You Are
An engineer who enjoys building, debugging, and improving control logic that runs real-world systems
Comfortable working in operational environments where reliability and safety matter
Motivated to grow as an ICS and OT subject-matter expert
Committed to professionalism, collaboration, and inclusive teamwork
Why LANL?
At LANL, your work directly supports national security and critical infrastructure resilience. You'll collaborate with highly skilled engineers and operators while gaining exposure to complex, large-scale control systems few organizations can offer. Here you will benefit from:
Challenging, meaningful engineering work
Opportunities for technical growth and specialization
A mission-driven, collaborative environment
Long-term career development at a premier national laboratory
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're passionate about PLC and RTU programming, industrial control systems, and engineering solutions that truly matter, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of critical infrastructure at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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 (https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/articles/nnsa-sd-2062-implementation-personal-identity-verification-uncleared-contractors) . 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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-chg2-pgchg/@@images/file) 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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2.
