Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Electronics Design Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1) invites you to join our diverse and goal-oriented group of peers dedicated to the primary mission of developing and deploying nondestructive technologies and concepts in support of domestic and international nuclear safeguards and security. We accomplish this mission by fostering a work environment that encourages creative problem solving, teamwork, and passion for the mission while allowing flexibility in the work assignment. NEN-1 has a history of advanced and exciting R&D in nuclear material measurement physics and custom instrumentation development, mechanical and electrical engineering design, prototype fabrication, training and education, and the potential for learning from world class experts and growth in the field.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, results-oriented R&D Engineer 1/2. As the R&D Engineer 1/2 you will work on the electronics development team and be responsible for all aspects associated with development of prototype electronics in support of the group's safeguards and security mission, contribute to the group's mission by providing either digital or analog electronics design specific to the processing of signals from radiation detectors. In addition, as part of our R&D tasks you will be supporting or leading experimental measurements with standard and custom nuclear instrumentation.
This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
R&D Engineer 1 $92,300 - $151,000
At the R&D Engineer 1 level, the candidate will be expected to contribute to assigned electronics development activities in support of safeguards and security projects. This may include assisting in the development and implementation of on-going or new technical efforts, contributing to the completion of deliverables and milestones, and participation in the development of publications and presentations. The candidate will be expected to give presentations at discipline-specific meetings and may participate in professional societies and program specific interactions.
R&D Engineer 2 $101,700 - $168,200
In addition to what is outlined for R&D Engineer 1 position, the R&D Engineer 2 level candidate is expected to lead technical discussions, develop new methods, techniques or approaches to address critical technical problems, and lead specific project tasks to meet scope, schedule and budget. The candidate will be expected to work on teams to develop proposals.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical R&D Experience:
Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting collaborative R&D in the following areas:
1) Analog electronics design for sensors and understanding of electronics and instrumentation. This includes the following knowledge and experience:
Knowledge and experience in the design of analog circuits
Understanding of small analog signal amplification, noise optimization concepts, mitigation of electrical signal interference.
Experience using electronic laboratory equipment (oscilloscopes, voltage and current meters, power supplies, signal generators, etc.)
Understanding of detector output signal properties
2) Digital electronics and firmware design for the processing of signals from sensors and development of electronics modules. This includes the following knowledge and experience:
Digital electronics design and debugging.
Embedded software development for microcontrollers and microprocessors
Interfaces and intercommunication between peripheral devices (ADCs, DACs, memories, FPGA and processor communication, sensors, etc.)
3) Ability to research less familiar topics (in the field of nuclear instrumentation, radiation detectors, and electronics) using academic and industry publications
Communication and Teaming :
Excellent writing and communication skills, as evidenced by publications and the cover letter.
Experience in working effectively both independently and in a team.
Ability to communicate, define, and delegate technical tasks to other team and staff members and engage with our clients and collaborators.
Ability to give presentations and speak to a diverse audience
Work Environment :
- Contribute to a healthy and inclusive work environment. This includes the ability to resolve conflict in a positive way, give and receive feedback effectively, and always show kindness and respect towards others.
Additional Job Requirements for the R&D Engineer 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requ i res:
Proposal Writing
Experience in contributing to writing proposals
Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
Project Leadership
Demonstrated experience in managing and leading project tasks through to completion
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and manage project timelines
Ability to lead technical discussions
Education/Experience for the R&D Engineer 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 2 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Advanced degree a plus.
Education/Experience for the R&D Engineer 2: 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. Advanced degree a plus.
Desired Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience, coursework, or advanced studies in the following areas:
Radiation detector types (i.e., scintillation detectors, gas detectors, or semiconductor detectors) and their electrical properties such as signal strength and timing characteristics.
FPGA and processor based embedded hardware design.
VHDL programming and logic design.
Familiarity with microprocessor-FPGA hybrids such as Zinq processor-based systems.
Radiation detector concepts such as pulse shaping, dead time, count rate, etc.
Electronic circuit design and utilization for pulse processing in electronics for radiation detectors.
Instrument and measurements automation experience (not limited to radiation measurements).
Planning and performing experimental measurements with custom or off-the-shelf instrumentation (not limited to radiation measurements).
Experience working with Linux.
Software engineering methodologies.
Experience with doing board layouts using Altium or other equivalent software packages.
Knowledge or experience with standard nuclear measurements instrumentation including performing radiation measurements and experiments
Experience working in the safeguards and security field.
Demonstrated experience in transitioning R&D prototype electronics from a laboratory setting to an operational facility and/or to transferring technology from prototype design to commercial companies.
Experience in working in an operating nuclear facility
Experience working with radiological sources and nuclear materials.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.
Electrical Engineering Degree
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: In addition to the resume or CV, please include a cover letter addressing each of the minimum job requirements and desired skills.
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.
Term position: Regular-status Laboratory employees applying for term-status positions may retain regular status with approval of the cognizant Principle Associate Director.
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 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.