Weapons Engineering Controls Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2)

What You Will Do

Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in the future of national security? The Weapons Engineering Directorate at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking passionate entry-level/mid-level Controls Engineers to join our team and help shape the future of our nation's security.

This position will be filled at the R&D Engineer Level 1 or Level 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. We are looking for talented individuals to perform a variety of critical duties in this role:

• Design, develop, and provide field support for data acquisition systems, process control systems, machine control systems, and safety systems used in Pu Sustainment Programs and various other programs across the Laboratory.

• Provide electrical design engineering and support for control system hardware components and software controls, ensuring the functionality and reliability of newly developed data acquisition and control systems.

• Develop and manage control systems , ranging from standalone commercial controller-based equipment to large, distributed computer-based systems, tailored to meet specific program requirements.

• Conduct engineering work in radiological areas as required, ensuring compliance with safety standards and protocols while supporting control systems in these environments.

Submit one application to be considered for various Controls Engineer positions across the Weapons Engineering Directorate. Eligible applicants will be included in our candidate pool which hiring managers use to fill entry-level/mid-level R&D Engineer positions as needed. Learn about our Directorate, divisions, and groups on our Weapons Engineering website (~~~/) . Selections for these positions will be finalized around December 2024.

#ALDWRecruiting

R&D Engineer 1 ($92,300 - $151,000)

• Design and maintain Instrumentation and Control Systems for programmatic and production process lines, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with project specifications.

• Conduct basic electrical analysis and calculations to support the development and implementation of signals and power systems for R&D equipment.

• Develop automated operation solutions for process equipment using commercial software tools from vendors such as Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, National Instruments, and GE.

• Interpret and analyze design drawing packages, ensuring accurate implementation and adherence to technical requirements.

• Collaborate with technicians to fabricate and troubleshoot designs, providing hands-on support and expertise to resolve any issues.

• Assist in the creation of technical materials , including reports, documents, presentations, and concept papers, to support project development and stakeholder communication.

R&D Engineer 2 ($101,700 - $168,200)

In addition to what is outlined at the lower level, at this level the successful candidate will be required to:

• Assist in designing and maintaining Instrumentation and Control Systems for programmatic and production process lines, ensuring efficiency and reliability.

• Perform electrical analysis and calculations to support signal and power requirements for R&D equipment.

• Develop automated process solutions using commercial software tools from vendors such as Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, and National Instruments.

• Participate in the creation and refinement of design drawing packages, ensuring accuracy and adherence to project standards.

• Provide guidance to technicians in the fabrication and troubleshooting of control systems, ensuring effective implementation.

• Prepare technical materials, including reports, documents, presentations, and concept papers, to support project communication and documentation efforts.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Job Requirements for R&D Engineer Level 1:

Technical Expertise

The ideal candidate will have experience with commercial SCADA control system packages and PLCs, including platforms such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, GE, or Schneider Electric. Experience with additional platforms like Arduino or robotics is also highly valuable. You should be able to demonstrate your expertise in designing and implementing control system hardware and field instruments, including thermocouples, valves, pumps, motors, interlocks, flowmeters, furnaces, power supplies, and the related field wiring.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements at Level 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution related to the occupation combined with 2 years of related experience.

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer Level 2:

Technical Expertise

The ideal Level 2 candidate will have proven experience with commercial SCADA control system packages and PLCs, including platforms such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, GE, or Schneider Electric. You should also possess experience in the design and implementation of control system hardware and field instruments, such as thermocouples, valves, pumps, motors, interlocks, flowmeters, furnaces, power supplies, and the associated field wiring.

Communication Skills

As a system designer, you must have excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and coordinate technical specifications and project timelines. You should demonstrate the ability to use tact, diplomacy, discretion, and attention to detail in all interactions. Strong interpersonal skills and a proven track record of handling challenging situations effectively are essential. Additionally, you should show a willingness to be flexible in your work assignments, adapting to changing project needs as required.

Training/Certifications: OEM PLC programming certification preferred.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements at Level 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Software Expertise: An exceptional candidate will have hands-on experience in commercial SCADA control system packages and PLCs, including platforms like Rockwell Automation, Siemens, GE, or Schneider Electric. The ideal candidate will also have a solid understanding of Software Quality Assurance standards and experience in applying agile software development practices. Proficiency in performing migrations from legacy to modern hardware/software platforms is essential. Familiarity with ISA84 Safety Instrumented Systems is highly valued.

• Electrical Design: An outstanding candidate will bring expertise in electrical design, specifically using AutoCAD Electrical. We are looking for someone with a strong working knowledge of NFPA 70 National Electrical Code and NFPA 70E Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Your ability to apply these standards in practical scenarios will be a key asset.

• Process Knowledge: An exceptional candidate with advanced knowledge of industrial chemical processes, such as electrorefining, water treatment, metallurgy, and similar fields. Your deep understanding of these processes will be crucial in driving project success.

• Customer Service: Our organization is committed to delivering professional, courteous, and competent customer service to all internal and external stakeholders. We are looking for someone with superior customer service skills who can build rapport at all levels. The ability to develop and nurture effective internal customer relationships, interact seamlessly with personnel at all levels, build trust, gain consensus, and resolve conflicts is essential.

• DOE Standards and Policies: We value candidates with a strong knowledge of engineering principles and procedures, safety basis interactions, design guides, standards, and administrative practices as they apply to DOE non-reactor nuclear facilities. Your expertise in these areas will be vital to our operations.

• Cumulative GPA: A GPA of 3.4 or higher is desired for this competitive position.

• Application Submission: Must submit a complete application including the following three required documents. Incomplete applications will be automatically deemed ineligible. We strongly recommend reviewing the Application and Interview Tips website (~~~) before applying.

• Cover Letter: Please reference your interest in the Weapons Engineering Directorate and detail your relevant academic and work experiences, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Resume: Must include dates for all related experience.

• Current Transcript: Must include all grades earned up to the time of application and may be unofficial.

Resources for Applicants:

• For assistance or questions related to this job ad, contact Chris Brown at ~~~.

• For technical assistance, email ~~~ or call ~~~ option 1.

Work Environment: At Los Alamos National Laboratory we believe everyone is essential in solving global challenges. We believe inclusive diversity promotes innovation, enhances problem-solving, and make us a more successful and productive organization. Every unique voice brings something valuable to the conversation and everyone's ideas and opinions are welcome and respected. Read more about Inclusion and Diversity at Los Alamos National Laboratory (~~~) .

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.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 (~~~) for additional information.

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 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, 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 ~~~ or call ~~~ option 2 and then option 3.