R&D Engineer 3/4 (Process Automation and Control)

at  Los Alamos National Laboratory

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Expertise in PLC programming (Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or similar platforms) and HMI/SCADA systems
• Strong understanding of control systems theory, instrumentation, and process optimization
• Experience in the areas of design and implementation of control system hardware and field instruments such as thermocouples, valves, pumps, motors, interlocks, flowmeters, furnaces, power supplies, and associated field wiring.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with industry standards, regulations, and best practices (e.g., ISA, ANSI, NEC)
• Strong documentation skills including demonstrated ability to document technical results in a formal method/format.
• Thorough knowledge in applying fundamental techniques and engineering best practices.

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS FOR R&D ENGINEER 4:

In addition to the minimum job requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Experience in aspects of project management of technical work, including defining work scope, schedules, budgets, priorities, and performance milestones; developing cost, scope, and schedule baselines.
• Experience mentoring early career engineers.
• Ability to effectively mentor and develop team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Proven track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex automation projects on time and within budget.

Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 3: Position requires a master’s degree in Aero or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 4: Position requires a master’s degree in Aero or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution and 12 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.
DOE Order 426.2: Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or related science, 2 years of job-related experience, and 1 year of nuclear experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of protocols such as Modbus, OPC, Profibus, and Ethernet/IP for integrating control systems with various devices and equipment
• Knowledge of industrial processes such as electrorefining, induction heating, or machining
• Knowledge of engineering principles and procedures, safety basis interaction, design guides, standards, and administrative practices as applied to DOE non-reactor nuclear facilities.
• Experience with Process Automation & Controls in a weapons Production Agency
• Experience with simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) for modeling and simulating control systems.
• Experience with nuclear weapon system engineering within a Design or Production Agency
• Active Q Clearance
  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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Product Realization and Reliability Office (PRRO) in Pit Technologies consists of a multidisciplinary group of engineers and scientists that support plutonium programs (i.e., pit production, surveillance, research & development, and subcritical experiments) across the entire Pit Technologies (PT) Division.
PT Division is seeking a seasoned Process Automation & Control Engineer to lead a team of automation specialists. As the Team Lead, you will take on a leadership role, guiding a team of dedicated engineers in the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge automation solutions. You’ll lead by example, leveraging your expertise to drive innovation, optimize operations, and deliver results that propel PT Division forward. Collaboration, mentorship, and a drive for continuous improvement will be key to success in this role.
We value diverse skills and experience. Our employees come from all different backgrounds. If you’re passionate about what you could accomplish here, we’d love to hear from you.