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Los Alamos National Security LLC

Pulsed Power Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)

Los Alamos National Security LLC, Los Alamos, New Mexico, us, 87545

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What You Will Do This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 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 Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division, Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) Engineering, Operations, and Physics (J-6) Group is seeking a Pulsed Power Engineer to join our Pulsed Power Team. J-6 delivers state-of-the-art accelerator, pulsed-power, beam-target, and radiographic physics capabilities in support of the Laboratory's hydrodynamic test mission.

Our team\'s core responsibilities include:

Troubleshooting, maintaining, and upgrading the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) accelerator pulsed-power systems.

Designing, modeling, developing, and implementing new pulsed-power sources and systems for accelerator applications.

R&D Engineer 2 ($104,100 - $172,200)

The selected candidate will:

Design, model, and develop new or improved pulsed-power sources, loads, diagnostics, and systems for DARHT and other accelerators.

Operate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain pulsed-power systems, including Marx generators, Pulse Forming Networks (PFNs), Pulse Forming Lines (PFLs), Inductive Voltage Adders (IVAs), and solid-state pulsed-power systems.

Provide technical input and analysis on pulsed-power systems for DARHT and other accelerator applications.

Guide technicians in fabrication and troubleshooting activities.

Produce technical reports, documentation, and presentations.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary staff to ensure reliable performance of DARHT systems.

R&D Engineer 3 ($125,200 - $211,300)

In addition to the duties outlined above, the selected candidate will:

Lead design upgrades to existing pulsed-power systems and diagnostics to enhance capability and reliability.

Direct troubleshooting, fabrication, and upgrade activities for DARHT and other accelerator systems.

Simulate and test pulsed-power systems for electrical performance and long-term reliability.

Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on DARHT accelerator pulsed-power systems.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Pulsed-Power Systems

Demonstrated knowledge of safety issues and hazards associated with pulsed-power systems and devices

Demonstrated knowledge in the use of interlocks and design features to mitigate risks and hazards

Experience with pulsed-power hardware, diagnostics, and systems

Electrical Engineering Knowledge

Ability to read and understand complex electrical schematics

Proficiency in circuit design and modeling, including use of circuit simulation tools such as SPICE

Laboratory & Computational Skills

Experience with data acquisition and analysis

Knowledge of and experience with engineering/scientific computational tools such as Python, MATLAB, or IDL

Communication Skills

Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams

Proven decision-making and creative problem-solving skills

Ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance

Usually requires U.S. citizenship

Additional Job Requirements for the R&D Engineer 3 level:

Extensive experience in pulsed-power design, implementation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance

Expertise in electromagnetic finite-element modeling and analysis using tools such as ANSYS Maxwell, HFSS, COMSOL, CST, or Flux

Experience leading and mentoring technical staff and successfully managing technical projects or teams

Education/Experience

R&D Engineer 2:

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.

R&D Engineer 3:

Position requires a Master\'s Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

Active DOE Q Clearance

Advanced Pulsed-Power Systems Experience

Experience designing pulse-forming networks, Blumleins, transmission lines, and switched capacitor banks

Experience with high-power switches such as spark gaps, solid-state devices, and thyratrons

Experience with linear induction accelerators

Knowledge of linear induction accelerator cells, including magnetic circuits and properties

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

Ability to speak, ability to discriminate speech, ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz), sitting, standing, walking, typing or keyboarding, lifting 5–10 pounds, carrying 5–10 pounds.

Work Environment:

Outdoors, in confined spaces, at heights, underground, working alone, working overtime or irregular schedule, domestic/foreign travel, operation of motor vehicles, work with weapons or explosives, work with vibrating equipment/machinery, work near machinery with moving parts, exposure to toxic or irritant chemicals, dusts or powders, sprays, mists or vapors, fumes, carcinogens, and use of protective equipment such as hearing protection, gloves, safety shoes, headgear, safety glasses, face shield, mask or respirator.

Work Location:

The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos, NM. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.

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:

Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.

DOE/NNSA Restrictions:

Due to federal restrictions, certain foreign nationals 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 northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our 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)

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 the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This applies to U.S. citizens; foreign nationals are subject to DOE orders for similar requirements.

Clearance:

Q clearance required. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation. U.S. citizenship is typically required. Clearance eligibility decisions are made by the Federal Government and not by Triad.

New-Employment Drug Test:

Successful applicants must complete a new-employment drug test. The policy includes random drug testing. Federal law prohibits marijuana use; a positive drug test will lead to termination.

Regular position:

Regular-status employees are converted to regular status upon appointment.

Internal Applicants:

Regular employees applying for posted jobs must meet continuous-service requirements or obtain Division Leader approval to apply earlier.

Equal Opportunity:

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. See policy for details. For accommodations during the application process, contact applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

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