Instrumentation and Controls Hardware Engineer 1/2 (R&D Engineer)
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Other Engineering
Las Cruces, NM, USA · Los Alamos, NM, USA · United States · Mexico
Posted on Sep 12, 2025
What You Will Do
The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division provides leadership in the Laboratory's core capability of Accelerators and Electrodynamics. Accelerators and Electrodynamics enables charged particle acceleration through controlled utilization of electromagnetic fields, supporting National Security missions involving radiographic imaging, remote measurements of electromagnetic signatures, and development of new capabilities. AOT operates the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton accelerator complex, and conducts applied research and development in accelerator-focused technologies as they apply to Free Electron Lasers, National Security Science programs, and future accelerator missions.
The Instrumentation and Controls Group (AOT-IC) within AOT performs a number of technical functions in support of AOT Division goals. The team's core capabilities include control system integration, instrumentation engineering, developing beam diagnostics electronics, PCB design, ECAD/MCAD, and network and timing signal distribution. As a member of AOT-IC, the successful applicant for this position will work as a member of the Hardware Team whose primary responsibility is to support the operation of the LANSCE Facility.
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 requirements outlined below will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
R&D Engineering 1 $94,500 - $154,600
As an R&D Engineer 1 you will play a crucial role in supporting the operation of the LANSCE facility. In this role, you will design, prototype, install, test, and maintain new LANSCE beam diagnostic instrumentation, control, and timing systems, as well as modify, upgrade, and maintain existing systems. You will also be responsible for expanding the capabilities of the group, such as developing test stands for production I&C systems or interfacing with other AOT organizations and outside customers for small non-LANSCE control systems.
R&D Engineer 2 $104,100 - $ 172,200
In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the R&D Engineer 2 level offers the opportunity to take on a more senior role in supporting the critical operations and development work of the AOT Division. In this role, you will be required to independently apply systems engineering principles through the project lifecycle and lead the development of projects from conceptual design to closeout.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Project Management: Proven ability to coordinate and execute multiple projects with dynamic priorities, deadlines, and conflicting requirements.
Technical Expertise: Strong academic or technical background in control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support..
Electrical Schematic Analysis: Basic understanding of electrical schematics, including the ability to create, interpret, and troubleshoot electronics systems at the component level..
24/7 Support: Willingness to provide on-call support for AOT-IC accelerator hardware, including availability for emergency situations..
Safety Culture: Proactive approach to maintaining a safe working environment, adhering to established safe work practices, and prioritizing worker safety..
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 2:
In addition to the Job Requirements outlined above, qualification at the R&D Engineer 2 level requires:
Technical Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience in the team's technical focus areas, including control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support.
Accelerator Operations: Demonstrated experience in operations and maintenance of accelerator or similar large scientific facilities.
Software Development: Formal training in software development, including experience with Allen Bradley PLCs and/or National Instruments' LabVIEW..
System Design: Background in system design, including electrical modeling of analog or digital signals using tools like PSpice.
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 and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
Essential Job Functions: Vision Speech and Hearing: Color discrimination, Peripheral vision, Depth perception, Reading vision, Distance vision, Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range General Physical Mobility: Sitting, Standing, Walking, Running, Climbing stairs, Climbing Ladders, Bending, Stooping, Crouching, Kneeling, Crawling, Twisting the trunk or back, Balancing.
Specific Physical Mobility: Reaching overhead, reaching horizontally, reaching down, applying torque with hands or arms, gripping with the hands, pressing with hands or arms, pushing with hands or arms, pulling with hands or arms, typing or keyboarding, fine motor control, use of both hands, use of both arms, use of both legs, use of both feet Weight Handling Requirements: Carrying and/or Lifting 50+ pounds
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:
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 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 opt. 3.
The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division provides leadership in the Laboratory's core capability of Accelerators and Electrodynamics. Accelerators and Electrodynamics enables charged particle acceleration through controlled utilization of electromagnetic fields, supporting National Security missions involving radiographic imaging, remote measurements of electromagnetic signatures, and development of new capabilities. AOT operates the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton accelerator complex, and conducts applied research and development in accelerator-focused technologies as they apply to Free Electron Lasers, National Security Science programs, and future accelerator missions.
The Instrumentation and Controls Group (AOT-IC) within AOT performs a number of technical functions in support of AOT Division goals. The team's core capabilities include control system integration, instrumentation engineering, developing beam diagnostics electronics, PCB design, ECAD/MCAD, and network and timing signal distribution. As a member of AOT-IC, the successful applicant for this position will work as a member of the Hardware Team whose primary responsibility is to support the operation of the LANSCE Facility.
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 requirements outlined below will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
R&D Engineering 1 $94,500 - $154,600
As an R&D Engineer 1 you will play a crucial role in supporting the operation of the LANSCE facility. In this role, you will design, prototype, install, test, and maintain new LANSCE beam diagnostic instrumentation, control, and timing systems, as well as modify, upgrade, and maintain existing systems. You will also be responsible for expanding the capabilities of the group, such as developing test stands for production I&C systems or interfacing with other AOT organizations and outside customers for small non-LANSCE control systems.
R&D Engineer 2 $104,100 - $ 172,200
In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the R&D Engineer 2 level offers the opportunity to take on a more senior role in supporting the critical operations and development work of the AOT Division. In this role, you will be required to independently apply systems engineering principles through the project lifecycle and lead the development of projects from conceptual design to closeout.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Project Management: Proven ability to coordinate and execute multiple projects with dynamic priorities, deadlines, and conflicting requirements.
Technical Expertise: Strong academic or technical background in control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support..
Electrical Schematic Analysis: Basic understanding of electrical schematics, including the ability to create, interpret, and troubleshoot electronics systems at the component level..
24/7 Support: Willingness to provide on-call support for AOT-IC accelerator hardware, including availability for emergency situations..
Safety Culture: Proactive approach to maintaining a safe working environment, adhering to established safe work practices, and prioritizing worker safety..
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 2:
In addition to the Job Requirements outlined above, qualification at the R&D Engineer 2 level requires:
Technical Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience in the team's technical focus areas, including control system development, automation system design, data acquisition, electronics, and operations support.
Accelerator Operations: Demonstrated experience in operations and maintenance of accelerator or similar large scientific facilities.
Software Development: Formal training in software development, including experience with Allen Bradley PLCs and/or National Instruments' LabVIEW..
System Design: Background in system design, including electrical modeling of analog or digital signals using tools like PSpice.
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 and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in FPGA and/or DSP programming.
- Experience in design, fabrication, procurement, and testing of electronic systems related to beam instrumentation or low-level RF systems.
- Knowledge of and experience with component level design of RF filters, mixers, and low power amplifier circuits as well as general analog circuits.
- Proficiency with standard RF test instrumentation.
- Experience with the utilization of software to support the deployment of designed systems and assigned projects (e.g. SCPI, I2C, SPI, or LabVIEW).
- Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.
Essential Job Functions: Vision Speech and Hearing: Color discrimination, Peripheral vision, Depth perception, Reading vision, Distance vision, Ability to speak, Ability to discriminate speech, Ability to hear in a normal range General Physical Mobility: Sitting, Standing, Walking, Running, Climbing stairs, Climbing Ladders, Bending, Stooping, Crouching, Kneeling, Crawling, Twisting the trunk or back, Balancing.
Specific Physical Mobility: Reaching overhead, reaching horizontally, reaching down, applying torque with hands or arms, gripping with the hands, pressing with hands or arms, pushing with hands or arms, pulling with hands or arms, typing or keyboarding, fine motor control, use of both hands, use of both arms, use of both legs, use of both feet Weight Handling Requirements: Carrying and/or Lifting 50+ pounds
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)
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 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 opt. 3.