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Controls and Timing R&D Engineer 1/2

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$96,600–$158,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Allen-Bradley, Automation, Commissioning, Communication Skills, Communications Protocols, Control Systems, Cross-Functional, DOE Clearance, DOE-Q (Top Secret Restricted Data), Dental Insurance, Document Management, Documentation, Documentation Design, Electricity, Electronic Design, Electronics, Ethernet, FPGA, Hardware-Software Integration, High Reliability, Human Machine Interface (HMI), I2C, IP (Internet Protocol), Identify Issues, Instrumentation, Integrated Circuits (ICs), LabVIEW Programming Language, Laboratory, Leadership, Mentoring, Multitasking, On Call, Operational Support, Operations Security (OPSEC), Organizational Skills, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Programming Tools, Project Close-Out, Project Execution, Project Lifecycle, Project/Program Coordination, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Radiography, Reliability Engineering, Requirements Management, Research & Development (R&D), Safety/Work Safety, Schematics, Scientific Research, System Architecture, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Engineering, Systems Maintenance, Technical Leadership, Technical Operations, Test Design, Test Plan/Schedule, Testing, Time Management, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
6 days ago
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 responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Overview
At the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), engineers operate and modernize an 800-MeV proton accelerator complex that supports national security, isotope production, proton radiography, materials research, neutron science, future accelerator missions, and more.

The selected candidate will join the Controls and Timing Systems Team within AOT-IC, the Instrumentation and Controls Group in LANL's Accelerator Operations and Technology Division. This team designs, operates, and modernizes the controls, instrumentation, electronics, data acquisition, and timing systems that allow LANSCE to deliver particle beams safely and reliably.

This is a hands-on, results-driven engineering role supporting a large, distributed, timing-critical accelerator facility. The team works close to operations, moves quickly from problem identification to practical solutions, and values engineers who can turn ideas into reliable systems in the field. The selected candidate will help design, test, troubleshoot, install, maintain, and upgrade systems that directly support beam delivery, equipment protection, diagnostics, and experimental performance.

Work may include:
  • Accelerator control system development
  • Timing and synchronization systems
  • PLC and HMI systems
  • EPICS-based distributed controls
  • Sensor and Instrumentation selection
  • Data acquisition and archiving
  • Hands-on troubleshooting
  • Hardware/software integration
  • Test stand development
  • Legacy system modernization
  • Installation, testing, commissioning, and operational support
  • Project leadership and cross team collaboration
This position will also support control system upgrades associated with the LANSCE Modernization Project, giving the selected candidate the opportunity to join at a pivotal time for the facility and help drive a major modernization effort focused on improving reliability, maintainability, performance, and long-term accelerator operations.

R&D Engineer 1 $96,600 - $158,000
At the lower level, the selected candidate will be expected to contribute to controls and timing projects under the direction of more senior engineers. The candidate should have a strong engineering foundation, hands-on technical capability, and experience or academic achievement in areas such as control systems, automation, electronics, instrumentation, data acquisition, PLCs, HMIs, or operations support. This level requires the ability to learn complex accelerator systems, support installation and troubleshooting activities, work safely in an operational environment, and help complete multiple technical tasks with changing priorities.

R&D Engineer 2 $106,400 - $176,000
At the higher level, the selected candidate will be expected to work more independently and take ownership of controls and timing projects from concept through completion. This includes applying robust systems engineering principles to define requirements, develop system architectures, manage interfaces, document designs, verify performance, support commissioning, and close out projects. The candidate should have a strong record of technical accomplishments, demonstrated experience supporting complex operational systems, and the ability to lead project execution, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, troubleshoot higher-complexity issues, and mentor less-experienced staff.
What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

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
  • Experience with one of the following: o Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) o Microcontrollers or embedded systems o Analog or digital electronics design and troubleshooting
  • Ability to create, read, and interpret electrical schematics.
  • Ability to troubleshoot electronics and controls systems to the component or subsystem level. • Ability to support the planning and successful completion of multiple projects with changing priorities, deadlines, and customer needs.
  • Willingness to assume rotating 24-hour on-call support of AOT-IC accelerator hardware.
  • Proactive approach to safe work practices and the ability to manage work safely in an operational facility environment.
  • Ability to communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, operators, and customers.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 2:
  • In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
  • Demonstrated experience independently developing, maintaining, and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems, with Allen-Bradley PLC experience preferred.
  • Experience applying robust systems engineering principles through the project lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, verification, commissioning, documentation, and close out.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects with limited direction.
  • Operations and maintenance experience at an accelerator, large scientific facility, industrial facility, or other high-reliability technical environment.
  • Ability to coordinate technical work across multidisciplinary teams and mentor less-experienced staff.
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 combined with 4 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Formal training in Allen-Bradley PLC systems, including RSLogix 5000 or Studio 5000.
  • Experience with FactoryTalk View Studio or related HMI development tools.
  • Experience taking a project through the full design lifecycle, including requirements gathering, system design, implementation, testing, verification, and commissioning.
  • Experience with EPICS-based control systems.
  • Experience with timing and synchronization systems, including event-based timing systems.
  • Experience with high-speed data acquisition or scientific instrumentation systems. Pg. 2 March 2020 HR-FCS
  • Experience with FPGA and/or DSP programming. Dual-Level Job Ad Template
  • Experience using software or communication protocols to support deployed systems, such as LabVIEW, Python, SCPI, I2C, SPI, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or OPC.
  • Experience with analog or digital electronics design, troubleshooting, or signal conditioning.
  • Experience supporting operations at an accelerator, large scientific facility, industrial facility, or other high reliability technical environment.
  • Ability to obtain a DOE 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.

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.

About the Company

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Los Alamos National Laboratory