What You Will Do

The Space and Remote Sensing Group (ISR-2) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking qualified scientists to contribute to the execution of our portfolio of cutting-edge research and technology demonstration projects in space science, with special emphasis in the field of small satellite and cognitive systems research, development, and deployment. Relevant technologies include: modeling, radio communication systems, hardware and software test beds, guidance navigation and control systems, space systems and hardware, signal processing, sensors and electronics, embedded programming, and development and implementation of data analysis algorithms. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute hands-on to several of these topic areas and acquire the project specific knowledge in close collaboration with subject matter experts.

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 level, depending on the skills and degree of experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

R&D Engineer 1 ($81,600 - $133,400)

Areas of research and development that the successful candidate may contribute to include:

• Assist with the implementation and testing of various types of satellite radio communication systems
• Analyze data to assess the performance of the various instruments or sensors
• Assist in carrying out field or lab-based experiments
• Work within a team environment to develop, test, and evaluate a wide range of hardware and software systems

R&D Engineer 2 ($89,900 - $148,300)

In addition to the duties outlined above, the R&D Engineer 2 will be required to:

• Design, implement, test, and operate satellite radio communication systems in laboratory, open-air, and space environments
• Research and implement algorithms and techniques for processing time-series sensor data, signal detection and characterization, and high-level statistical analysis
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of hardware systems such as circuit boards, power supplies, sensor arrays, and motor control systems
• Contribute to the mentoring of junior technical staff

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:  

• Knowledge and experience with conducting basic and/or applied research or technical work that is relevant to one or more of the above programs and focus areas
• Basic knowledge of signal processing or statistical detection theory and their application to practical problems
• Some combination of experience with RF and/or optical systems, such as antennas, electronics, sensors, focal plane arrays, cameras, optics, lasers, data acquisition, and instrumentation
• Experience with applied computing to process, analyze, and interpret data, and demonstrable knowledge of one or more scientific programming languages (especially Python, Matlab, or IDL)
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively in a team environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance (generally requires U.S. citizenship)

In addition to the Job Requirements outlined above, qualification at the R&D Engineer 2 level requires: 

• Significant knowledge and experience with conducting basic and/or applied scientific research that is relevant to one or more of the above‐mentioned program areas
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with creativity and initiative
• Significant knowledge and experience with radio communication systems and hardware such as transmitters, receivers, and antennas
• Significant knowledge and experience with radio frequency (RF) test setups and associated test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators and analyzers, and logic analyzers
• Demonstrated ability to express ideas clearly in written and oral communications including a history of contributing to technical reports

Desired Skills:

R&D Engineer 1 and 2 level

• Knowledge/experience in signals phenomenology modeling, detection, measurement, and fusion of time-series data from multi-sensor systems
• Knowledge/experience with data acquisition and management of large data sets
• Knowledge/experience with embedded hardware and software design and development
• Knowledge/experience working with aerospace hardware design, testing, and qualification, and sensor calibration
• Knowledge/experience with embedded software development including microcontrollers (in Python and C) and FPGA devices (in VHDL)

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related engineering field (degree from an ABET accredited college or university, desired).

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.  LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

Additional Details:

Clearance:  Q (Position will be cleared to this level).  Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter.

*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.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

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 regards to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.