Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory High Power Radio Frequency Engineer (R&D Engineer 1 or 2) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
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.
The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D Engineer 1 or 2 for the High Powered Radio Frequency (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, all pulsed-power systems, and all high-power DC power supplies used to operate magnets on the beam transport lines.
Due to the different types of equipment that we are involved with, when working in AOT-RFE no day is the same as the next. We are given the chance to analyze the behavior of our existing equipment and upgrades, and we get to delve deep into electrical, mechanical and physics topics. There is an enormous opportunity to learn about diverse fields and become an expert on numerous pieces of RF and electronics equipment. Members of the HPRF team are expected to complete tasks with the highest regard for their safety and that of others.
R&D Engineer 1 ($92,300 - $151,000)
An R&D Engineer 1 will be asked to learn about the different Radio Frequency power amplifiers around the accelerator and their surrounding electronics systems. They will be expected to collaborate with the team of technicians, technologists and engineers to troubleshoot amplifier components and contribute in the design of upgrades. Additionally, they will contribute to papers and other technical reports and will be asked to gain knowledge in high voltage systems, radio frequency amplifiers and transmission systems, and a diverse range of electronics. The position also involves on-call support for the LANSCE high power RF systems after hours and on weekends. The on-call assignment will typically be for one week per month during accelerator operations (approximately seven months per year).
R&D Engineer 2 (101,700 - $168,200)
In addition to the previous description, an R&D Engineer 2 will be asked to delve deep into the operation of different types of equipment such as digital and analogue electronics, high voltage DC and AC systems, radio frequency amplifiers, RF cavities and solid-state devices. The specific topic will be determined by the successful applicant and their team, based on their previous experience and education. They will lead individual projects and coordinate efforts between team members and external entities to get these projects completed. They will be expected to write reports and give presentations about these projects and write papers stating their results. An R&D Engineer 2 will also be asked to quickly learn to diagnose and troubleshoot different systems and eventually lead these efforts.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
R&D Engineer 1 Job Requirements
Undergraduate training in an electrical engineering field that supports competency in electronics, microwave engineering, high-voltage and pulsed-power engineering, RF power amplifiers and RF transport systems.
Ability to read and understand basic schematics and mechanical drawings.
Experience in effectively producing written documents and successful oral communication skills.
Experience in projects relating to microwave engineering, high-voltage and pulsed-power engineering, RF power amplifiers and RF transport systems.
Additional R&D Engineer 2 Job Requirements
Ability to read and understand complex schematics and mechanical drawings.
Record of contributions and technical abilities in the design, development and installation of equipment relating to RF systems, high voltage and/or pulsed power systems.
Experience working as part of a team to develop systems related to RF systems, high voltage and/or pulsed power systems.
Hands on experience troubleshooting, installing and testing complex electronics electronics systems, RF amplifier equipment and/or high voltage equipment.
Education/Experience R&D Engineer 1: Position requires a bachelors degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience.
Education/Experience R&D Engineer 2: Position requires a bachelors 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:
Experience with vacuum tube high power RF amplifiers.
Experience with high voltage DC and pulsed power systems.
Experience with digital and analog electronics.
Experience writing operational and safety procedures.
Experience writing specifications for complex and high value devices.
Operations experience at an accelerator facility.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to speak, ability to hear in a normal range, standing, walking, reaching overhead, reaching horizontally, reaching down, gripping with hands, typing or keyboarding. Exceptions to these will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Note to Applicants: Consideration for the position will be strictly limited to applicants that submit a comprehensive cover letter addressing, bullet by bullet, each of the required and the pertinent desired skills.
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.
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.
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 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.