Weekend Performance Engineer Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

What You Will Do
The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division Applied Electrodynamics (AOT-AE) group is seeking a R&D Engineer 2/3 to provide expertise, support, and technical leadership in all aspects of testing and troubleshooting pulsed power systems. We look for candidates with expertise in experiment setup, live analysis of data during testing, and moderate understanding of electric circuits to be able to make field changes to improve designs. This particular position will be funded by the LANSCE Accelerator Modernization Project (LAMP), and the successful candidate will engage in design developmental activities for the LAMP accelerator, including interactions with experimental physicists and engineers at various test stands associated with LAMP.
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.
R&D Engineer 2: $106,400-$176,000
The selected R&D Engineer 2 will support the development, testing, and operation of electrical and power systems by:

• Reading and interpreting electrical schematics and component-level technical documentation to support system assembly, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Assisting with the installation, checkout, troubleshooting, and testing of high-voltage, pulsed power, and power electronics systems.
• Using circuit simulation tools such as PSPICE, Multisim, LTSPICE, or similar software to analyze circuit behavior and support design and test activities.
• Applying matrix algebra and engineering analysis tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, Mathcad, or similar software to evaluate system performance and support modeling efforts.
• Documenting technical work in clear written reports, test summaries, and presentations, and communicating results effectively to team members and stakeholders.
• Working both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet project objectives.
• Performing laboratory testing and characterization of power electronics circuits, including circuits with fast rise and fall times.
• Supporting the design, development, modification, and testing of power electronics circuits, including circuits with fast rise and fall times, to meet test, performance, and operational requirements.
• Planning, coordinating, and leading test experiments, including preparing test configurations, supporting safe execution, documenting results, and helping drive resolution of identified issues.
• Supporting Pulsed Power team on call for accelerator activities.

R&D Engineer 3: $128,000-$215,900
The selected R&D Engineer 3 will lead and execute advanced electrical engineering efforts in support of high-voltage and pulsed power systems by:

• Interpreting and developing electrical schematics and technical documentation to guide system design, integration, troubleshooting, and upgrades.
• Leading the installation, troubleshooting, testing, and operational improvement of high-voltage, pulsed power, and power electronics systems.
• Using advanced circuit simulation tools such as PSPICE, Multisim, LTSPICE, or similar software to model, evaluate, and improve circuit and system performance.
• Planning, leading, and executing test campaigns and experimental activities, including defining objectives, coordinating resources, analyzing results, and reporting conclusions.
• Preparing and delivering high-quality technical documentation, reports, and presentations, while clearly communicating complex results to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Working independently with minimal oversight and providing technical guidance and direction to team members in a collaborative environment.
• Designing, developing, and validating power electronics circuits, including circuits with fast rise and fall times, to meet performance, reliability, and mission requirements.fall times.
• Participating in technical work planning, including including preparing research proposals to seek additional funding, defining scope, supporting priorities, developing schedules, and helping coordinate resources to meet programmatic objectives.
• Providing day-to-day technical direction and oversight for assigned tasks, including mentoring or supervising junior staff, technologists, students, or other project personnel.
• Preparing and contributing to technical publications, internal reports, conference papers, and formal presentations to communicate methods, results, and recommendations.
• Supporting program development activities by identifying technical opportunities, contributing to proposals or new initiatives, and helping shape future project or mission needs.
• Supporting Pulsed Power team on call for accelerator activities.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in the testing, troubleshooting, and characterization of electrical circuits, with the ability to analyze performance, identify anomalous behavior, and implement effective solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to safely perform hands-on work in a laboratory or experimental environment, including monitoring live tests, diagnosing system issues in real time, and operating within approved electrical and laboratory safety requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of developing, refining, and executing structured test plans and procedures based on test data, observed results, and engineering objectives to support troubleshooting, validation, and performance improvement.

Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 3 level:

• Demonstrated ability to develop technical programs in partnership with others.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications or presentations in technical journals or international conferences.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and skills in setting priorities and assigning tasks, mentoring of employees, coaching, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to nurture and develop research, engineering, and technical support staff.

Education/Experience at Level 2: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited college or university and 4 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preference will be given to candidates with a Master's or a PhD degrees.
Education/Experience at Level 3: Position requires a Master's degree in Engineering from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preference will be given to candidates with a PhD degree.
Desired Qualifications:

• Operations experience at an accelerator facility.
• Demonstrated expertise with testing complicated pulsed power circuit designs
• Demonstrated experience with EDA and ECAD tools (Cadence, Siemens EDA, Altium, KiCad)
• Experience with automated test and measurement system programs and languages (C++, LabVIEW, NI TestStand)
• A deep understanding of power electronics/pulsed power circuit design.
• A current Q clearance, or the ability to obtain such, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Note to Applicants:
Each applicant must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the required skills for full consideration.
Work Environment:
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:
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 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.
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. 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.