Sign upLog in

R7D Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

Apply
JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$106,400–$176,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Automation, Change Control, Code of Federal Regulations, Communication Skills, Computer Engineering, Configuration Management, Control Engineering, Control Systems, Cross-Functional, DOE Clearance, DOE-Q (Top Secret Restricted Data), Data Quality, Dental Insurance, Documentation, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Facilities Engineering, Facilities Management, Identify Issues, Input/Output, Instrumentation, LabVIEW Programming Language, Laboratory, Leadership, Material Science, Materials Testing, Mentoring, Nuclear Engineering, Operations Security (OPSEC), Physics, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Psychology, Publications, Purchasing/Procurement, Reliability Engineering, Requirements Management, Research & Development (R&D), Robotics, Safety Training, Schematics, Scientific Research, Staff Training, Surveillance, System Architecture, System Integration (SI), Systems Administration/Management, Systems Engineering, Systems Maintenance, Systems Reliability, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical Support, Test Plan/Schedule, Testing, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, United States Department of Energy (DOE), Vision Plan
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
30+ days ago
What You Will Do

The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) is seeking an Engineer (2/3) to serve as the engineering lead for the Full-Scale Test Facility (FSTF) within PF-4. This role provides technical ownership of FSTF control and data acquisition systems that enable corrosion research and related national security missions. You will work in multidisciplinary teams alongside technicians, scientists, and engineers to maintain, upgrade, and lead high-impact test operations in secure nuclear facilities. MST-16 supports national security missions through engineering innovation, system development, and materials testing in support of Pit Surveillance, Plutonium Modernization, and other core programs.

The successful candidate will lead the design, sustainment, and modernization of integrated experimental systems involving instrumentation, data acquisition, automation, pressure/vacuum systems, and facility interfaces. Working in close collaboration with technologists, scientists, and facility engineering organizations, you will ensure the FSTF remains reliable, modern, and mission-ready.

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 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 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)
Research activities and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:

  • Serve as technical lead for FSTF control and data acquisition systems, including architecture and configuration control.
  • Design, integrate, and upgrade instrumentation, automation, and DAQ platforms to improve reliability and data quality.
  • Lead troubleshooting of complex system-level issues across electrical, software, mechanical, and gas/vacuum subsystems.
  • Define technical requirements and oversee procurement, installation, qualification, and readiness of system upgrades.
  • Ensure alignment with facility infrastructure and safety requirements, including DSA compliance.
  • Maintain system documentation, schematics, and engineering standards.
  • Partner with scientists to translate research objectives into executable system designs.
  • Provide technical direction to technologists and support milestone execution.

R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 - $215,900)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the Engineer 3 position has the following expectations.

  • Define and maintain the long-term technical roadmap for FSTF control and automation capabilities.
  • Lead major modernization efforts from concept through deployment.
  • Serve as primary engineering interface with facility, safety, and operations organizations.
  • Mentor staff and lead small multidisciplinary teams.
  • Identify and implement improvements that enhance automation, reliability, and mission impact.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


The ideal candidate will have a strong electrical, controls, or systems engineering background and demonstrated experience developing and sustaining complex experimental or industrial control systems. Required Skills and Experience:
  • Strong foundation in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline (e.g., Electrical & Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Systems Engineering with controls focus).
  • Experience designing, integrating, and maintaining data acquisition and control systems.
  • Knowledge of sensors, signal conditioning, I/O systems, grounding, and fault response.
  • Experience with control and DAQ software (e.g., LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar platforms).
  • Understanding of automation concepts such as sequencing and fail-safe design.
  • Experience integrating electrical systems with mechanical, pressure, vacuum, or gas-handling subsystems.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex, cross-disciplinary systems.
  • Experience producing engineering documentation and working in regulated or safety-critical environments.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q clearance and HRP certification.
Additional Job Requirements for Engineer 3:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires the candidate to serve as the technical authority and long-term owner of the FSTF control and data acquisition capability. Additional Expectations Include:
  • Demonstrated leadership in modernization and lifecycle management of complex control and DAQ systems.
  • Experience defining system architecture, technical standards, and configuration management practices.
  • Proven ability to advance automation, reliability, and system performance.
  • Experience leading major upgrades and serving as technical interface with facility and safety organizations.
  • Experience mentoring staff and sustaining mission-critical systems.
Education/Experience at lower 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.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Relevant experience in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline (e.g., Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics), with demonstrated depth in control systems and data acquisition.
  • Active Q clearance and HRP
  • Experience working in nuclear or high-hazard facilities.
  • Familiarity with LANL nuclear weapons programs and mission-related work.
  • Demonstrated innovation in system modernization or capability development.
  • Experience coordinating with facility engineering and nuclear safety personnel.
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, your application must include a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills, and a full curriculum vitae, including publications.

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 maternity 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.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

426.2A: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

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.

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

L

Los Alamos National Laboratory