Entry Level Computer Engineer Jobs in New Mexico

What You Will Do
The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) seeks outstanding Research Technologist candidates with a strong background in experimental platform design, fabrication, and execution. The selected candidate will play key roles in supporting, operating, and installing analytical equipment in Group's Full Scale Test Facility (FSTF) within PF-4. The chosen candidate is expected to work closely with staff to provide advanced technical support in FSTF planning and operations as well as in gas sampling and leak testing capabilities while supporting laboratory operations and meeting all safety, and security compliance needs.
MST-16 supports a variety of nuclear weapons programs, including Plutonium Sustainment, Pit Surveillance, and Science Programs, as well as fuel cycle research & development, nuclear forensics, and Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) projects. The group is an international leader in fundamental plutonium science while also focusing on solving engineering problems that support national security. Using multidisciplinary expertise in actinide materials science, the group engages in several areas important to the weapons program, including phase stability, aging, electronic structure, corrosion, and surface science.
This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or Research Technologist 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Research Technologist 1 ($87,800 - $143,000)
Responsibilities for the selected candidate will include:

• Support operation and maintenance of FSTF experimental systems, including instrumentation, data acquisition, and gas/vacuum systems.
• Assist with installation, testing, and troubleshooting of experimental hardware and control systems.
• Support laboratory operations such as gas handling, vacuum equipment, glovebox work, and general facility activities.
• Follow approved procedures and contribute to technical documentation.
• Work safely in a regulated nuclear facility environment and maintain compliance with safety and security requirements.

Research Technologist 2 ($96,600 - $158,000)
In addition to the responsibilities and activities listed above, the Research Technologist 2 will:

• Lead operation and sustainment of FSTF experimental processes and systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve system-level issues involving electrical, mechanical, and control subsystems.
• Support modernization and incremental improvement of control and data acquisition systems.
• Mentor entry level technicians and help coordinate day-to-day technical activities.
• Serve as a technical interface with engineers, scientists, and facility organizations.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

Research Technologist 1

• Hands-on experience supporting experimental, laboratory, or industrial systems.
• Working knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems (e.g., pressure, temperature, flow, or similar sensors).
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, signal wiring, and low-voltage troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with computer-controlled test systems.
• Ability to follow technical procedures and document work.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q clearance and HRP certification.

Research Technologist 2
In addition to the above job requirements outlined for a Research Technologist 1, the Research Technologist 2 requirements are as follows:

• Demonstrated expertise in operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining complex experimental systems that integrate:
• Instrumentation and sensors
• Data acquisition and control systems
• Mechanical, vacuum, pressure, and gas-handling subsystems
• Windows-based software-controlled interfaces
• Experience troubleshooting across electrical, software, and mechanical domains.
• Experience with control system concepts such as I/O, interlocks, and system sequencing.
• Experience leading technical work or mentoring entry level staff.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with LabVIEW-based control and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with pressure systems, leak checking, or vacuum systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Experience using engineering software (CAD, Matlab, Python, LabVIEW, etc.)
• Experience soldering or assembling electrical and electronic components.
• Experience working in PF-4 or similar nuclear facilities.
• Active DOE Q clearance and HRP certification.

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: For full consideration, your application must include a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills and a full resume.
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 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 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.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2A: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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.
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.