Los Alamos National Laboratory
Electrical Engineer 3/4 (R&D Engineer)
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, us, 87545
Overview
Electrical Engineer 3/4 (R&D Engineer) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group seeks an R&D Engineer at either Level 3 or Level 4 for the 805 MHz High Power RF (HPRF) team.
What You Will Do The RFE group oversees all RF systems and provides expertise in RF system design, including gridded tube amplifiers, klystrons, RF control systems, and accelerator cavities. The 805 MHz HPRF team will focus on operation, maintenance, and upgrade activities within LANSCE RF systems, and will work with physicists and engineers on special projects and data analysis to guide performance improvements. The role includes participation in an on‑call rotation to support high‑power RF systems during off‑hours and weekends.
Responsibilities R&D Engineer 3
(salary range $125,200 – $211,300)
Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the LANSCE 805 MHz high power RF systems, including associated electronics, high‑voltage power supplies, and modulators; provide power electronics expertise across the group, especially in vacuum tube amplifiers.
Plan and implement future RF system upgrades (e.g., klystron amplifiers and high‑voltage pulsed power systems).
Support LANSCE physicists on special projects and analyze RF system data to guide performance and reliability improvements through design enhancements.
Participate in an on‑call rotation (approximately one week per month during the accelerator's seven‑month operational period).
R&D Engineer 4
(salary range $150,300 – $260,800) – In addition to the above, requires:
Advanced expertise in microwave engineering, high‑voltage and pulsed‑power systems, RF power amplifiers and transmitters, DC and pulsed‑power systems, and RF/microwave components and transport systems.
A strong track record of technical leadership and innovation in high‑power RF vacuum tube–based amplifier systems and high‑voltage systems.
Proven ability to develop and implement advanced technical concepts in RF and high‑voltage engineering, contributing to system‑level improvements and innovation.
Experience applying formal engineering practices and procedures, including adherence to established standards.
Expertise in systems engineering processes, including requirements definition and translating them into high‑performance designs.
Education/Experience Lower level (R&D Engineer 3):
Master’s degree in engineering and 6 years of related experience, or equivalent combination. Ph.D. may be preferred.
Higher level (R&D Engineer 4):
Master’s degree in engineering and 12 years of related experience, or equivalent combination. Ph.D. may be preferred.
Minimum Job Requirements
Strong foundational training in electrical engineering with competency in microwave engineering, high‑voltage and pulsed‑power systems, RF power amplifiers and transmitters, DC and pulsed‑power technologies, and RF/microwave components and transport systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
Experience designing, developing, testing, installing, and troubleshooting high‑power RF vacuum tube–based amplifier systems and high‑voltage systems.
Experience developing technical concepts and leading RF and high‑voltage projects with hands‑on contributions and teamwork.
Technical leadership in innovative RF vacuum‑based amplifier designs with adherence to engineering procedures.
Proficiency with systems engineering: defining requirements and delivering reliable, high‑performance designs.
Excellent written and verbal communication with clear documentation and presentations.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with high‑voltage DC and pulsed‑power systems.
Experience with circuit layout simulation (PSpice, Multisim, LTSPice, etc.).
Experience with NI LabVIEW and LabVIEW/FPGA programming.
Experience with matrix algebra and block diagram simulation (Matlab/Simulink, Scilab/Xcos, etc.).
Operations experience at an accelerator facility.
Essential Job Functions (With or without reasonable accommodation) Ability to speak and hear; physical requirements include sitting, standing, climbing ladders, bending, kneeling, lifting 30+ pounds, reaching, and using hands/arms for torque and other tasks.
Work Location and Environment Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Equal opportunity employer. The Laboratory provides a comprehensive benefits package and accommodations on request.
Additional Details Important notes include Directive 206.2 compliance for employment eligibility, no security clearance requirement, pre‑employment drug testing, and regular status conversion policies. Internal applicants should review eligibility policies. Equal opportunity statement and accommodations information are provided above.
Where You Will Work Located in northern New Mexico; LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution with a broad benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, parental leave, retirement matching, tuition assistance, flexible schedules, wellness programs, and relocation support where applicable.
Additional Roles and Similar Opportunities Other related engineering roles and postings are listed for reference, but are not part of the current job description unless explicitly stated.
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What You Will Do The RFE group oversees all RF systems and provides expertise in RF system design, including gridded tube amplifiers, klystrons, RF control systems, and accelerator cavities. The 805 MHz HPRF team will focus on operation, maintenance, and upgrade activities within LANSCE RF systems, and will work with physicists and engineers on special projects and data analysis to guide performance improvements. The role includes participation in an on‑call rotation to support high‑power RF systems during off‑hours and weekends.
Responsibilities R&D Engineer 3
(salary range $125,200 – $211,300)
Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the LANSCE 805 MHz high power RF systems, including associated electronics, high‑voltage power supplies, and modulators; provide power electronics expertise across the group, especially in vacuum tube amplifiers.
Plan and implement future RF system upgrades (e.g., klystron amplifiers and high‑voltage pulsed power systems).
Support LANSCE physicists on special projects and analyze RF system data to guide performance and reliability improvements through design enhancements.
Participate in an on‑call rotation (approximately one week per month during the accelerator's seven‑month operational period).
R&D Engineer 4
(salary range $150,300 – $260,800) – In addition to the above, requires:
Advanced expertise in microwave engineering, high‑voltage and pulsed‑power systems, RF power amplifiers and transmitters, DC and pulsed‑power systems, and RF/microwave components and transport systems.
A strong track record of technical leadership and innovation in high‑power RF vacuum tube–based amplifier systems and high‑voltage systems.
Proven ability to develop and implement advanced technical concepts in RF and high‑voltage engineering, contributing to system‑level improvements and innovation.
Experience applying formal engineering practices and procedures, including adherence to established standards.
Expertise in systems engineering processes, including requirements definition and translating them into high‑performance designs.
Education/Experience Lower level (R&D Engineer 3):
Master’s degree in engineering and 6 years of related experience, or equivalent combination. Ph.D. may be preferred.
Higher level (R&D Engineer 4):
Master’s degree in engineering and 12 years of related experience, or equivalent combination. Ph.D. may be preferred.
Minimum Job Requirements
Strong foundational training in electrical engineering with competency in microwave engineering, high‑voltage and pulsed‑power systems, RF power amplifiers and transmitters, DC and pulsed‑power technologies, and RF/microwave components and transport systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
Experience designing, developing, testing, installing, and troubleshooting high‑power RF vacuum tube–based amplifier systems and high‑voltage systems.
Experience developing technical concepts and leading RF and high‑voltage projects with hands‑on contributions and teamwork.
Technical leadership in innovative RF vacuum‑based amplifier designs with adherence to engineering procedures.
Proficiency with systems engineering: defining requirements and delivering reliable, high‑performance designs.
Excellent written and verbal communication with clear documentation and presentations.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with high‑voltage DC and pulsed‑power systems.
Experience with circuit layout simulation (PSpice, Multisim, LTSPice, etc.).
Experience with NI LabVIEW and LabVIEW/FPGA programming.
Experience with matrix algebra and block diagram simulation (Matlab/Simulink, Scilab/Xcos, etc.).
Operations experience at an accelerator facility.
Essential Job Functions (With or without reasonable accommodation) Ability to speak and hear; physical requirements include sitting, standing, climbing ladders, bending, kneeling, lifting 30+ pounds, reaching, and using hands/arms for torque and other tasks.
Work Location and Environment Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Equal opportunity employer. The Laboratory provides a comprehensive benefits package and accommodations on request.
Additional Details Important notes include Directive 206.2 compliance for employment eligibility, no security clearance requirement, pre‑employment drug testing, and regular status conversion policies. Internal applicants should review eligibility policies. Equal opportunity statement and accommodations information are provided above.
Where You Will Work Located in northern New Mexico; LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution with a broad benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, parental leave, retirement matching, tuition assistance, flexible schedules, wellness programs, and relocation support where applicable.
Additional Roles and Similar Opportunities Other related engineering roles and postings are listed for reference, but are not part of the current job description unless explicitly stated.
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