Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Entry-Mid Level Control Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
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.
This job posting will be used to identify R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 applicants depending on the skills of the selected applicant and match them to open positions across the Weapons Engineering directorate (ALDW) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Selected candidates may be placed into the following Divisions:
ALDW-DAQ | Design Agency Quality
ALDW-PO | Program Office
E-Division | Engineering Technology & Design
J-Division | Integrated Weapons Experiments
M-Division | Dynamic Experiments
Q-Division | Weapon Stockpile Modernization
W-Division | Weapon Systems Engineering
WFO-Division | Weapons Facilities Operations
ALDW requires controls engineers to be responsible for the design, development, and field support of data acquisition systems, process control systems, machine control systems, and safety systems used for Pu Sustainment Programs as well as a variety of additional programs throughout the Laboratory.
Principal responsibilities will be to provide electrical design engineering and support of control system hardware components and software controls for newly developed data acquisition and control systems. Systems range from standalone commercial controller-based equipment to large, distributed computer-based systems. Some work will be conducted in a radiological area.
R&D Engineer 1 ($92,300 - $151,000)
Assist in designing or maintaining Instrumentation and Control Systems for programmatic and production process lines.
Perform basic electrical analysis and calculations for signals and power for R&D equipment.
Assist in the development of solutions with commercial software tools from vendors like Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, National Instruments, GE, etc. to program automated operation of process equipment.
Interpret and understand design drawing packages.
Collaborate with technicians on the fabrication and troubleshooting of designs.
Assist in the production of materials for technical reports, documents, presentations, and concept papers.
R&D Engineer 2 ($101,700 - $168,200)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level successful candidate will be required to:
Contribute to the design or maintenance of Instrumentation and Control Systems for programmatic and production process lines.
Perform electrical analysis and calculations for signals and power for R&D equipment.
Contributes to the development of solutions with commercial software tools from vendors like Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, National Instruments, etc. to program automated operation of process equipment.
Contribute to the development of design drawing packages.
Provide fabrication and troubleshooting guidance to technicians.
Produce materials for technical reports, documents, presentations, and concept papers.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical
A successful candidate should have some experience with commercial SCADA control system packages and PLCs such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, GE, or Schneider Electric. Experience with other platforms such as Arduino or robotics would also be applicable. You should also be able to speak about your experience in the areas of design and implementation of control system hardware and field instruments such as thermocouples, valves, pumps, motors, interlocks, flowmeters, furnaces, power supplies, and associated field wiring.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Technical
A level 2 candidate will have demonstrated experience with commercial SCADA control system packages and PLCs such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, GE, or Schneider Electric. You will also need experience in the areas of design and implementing of control system hardware and field instruments such as thermocouples, valves, pumps, motors, interlocks, flowmeters, furnaces, power supplies, and associated field wiring.
Communication
As a system designer, you will need excellent oral and written communication skills, a keen ability to communicate and coordinate technical specifications and timelines. You will need to demonstrate your utilization of tact, diplomacy, discretion, and attention to detail. Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, and a record of dealing effectively with potential difficult situations. Demonstrated willingness to accept flexibility in work assignments.
Training/Certifications: OEM PLC programming certification preferred.
Education/Experience at R&D Engineer 1 level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience.
Education/Experience at R&D Engineer 2 level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
Software
An outstanding candidate will have with experience with commercial SCADA control system packages and PLCs such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, GE, or Schneider Electric, working knowledge of Software Quality Assurance standards, and experience applying agile software development practices. Experience performing migrations from older to newer hardware/software platforms. ISA84 Safety Instrumented Systems.
Electrical Design
An outstanding candidate will have experience with electrical design packages (AutoCAD Electrical). Please share your working knowledge of NFPA 70 National Electrical Code and NFPA 70E Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
Process Knowledge
An exceptional candidate will have advanced knowledge of industrial chemical processes such as electrorefining, water treatment, metallurgy, etc.
Customer Service:
E Division prides itself on providing professional, courteous, and competent customer service to all internal and external customers. We are seeking someone with superior customer service skills -who can build rapport at all levels. Have the ability to develop and nurture effective internal customer relationships, and to interact effectively with all levels of personnel; building trust, gaining consensus, and resolving conflicts.
DOE Standards and Policies
We would like to hear about your knowledge of engineering principles and procedures, safety basis interaction, design guides, standards, and administrative practices as applied to DOE non-reactor nuclear facilities.
Clearance Level
DOE Q Clearance preferred.
Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.
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: Each applicant must submit a cover letter addressing the required skills along with a resume. #ALDWRecruiting
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 (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.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.
*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-chg1-pgchg) 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.
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 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 or preference, 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.