High Power Radio Frequency Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2)

$101,700 - $168,200/Yr

Los Alamos National Laboratory - Los Alamos, NM

Full-time - Entry Level

Los Alamos, NM

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The High Power Radio Frequency Engineer position at Los Alamos National Laboratory involves working within the Accelerator Operations and Technology Division, specifically in the Radio Frequency Engineering group. The role focuses on the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of high-power RF systems used in accelerator technology, with responsibilities varying based on whether the candidate is hired at the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 level. The position requires collaboration with engineers and technicians to ensure the successful operation of RF systems critical to the performance of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center's accelerator systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the LANSCE 805 MHz high-power RF klystron and vacuum tube/solid state power modulator systems.
• Design and utilize associated electronics, interlocks, protection circuits, and high voltage power supplies.
• Provide on-call support for high power RF amplifier systems after hours and on weekends.
• Plan and manage maintenance activities for pulsed power systems (R&D Engineer 2 level).
• Analyze pulsed power systems data to inform design enhancements for performance and reliability (R&D Engineer 2 level).
• Provide expertise in pulsed power and power electronics across the group (R&D Engineer 2 level).
• Collaborate on special projects with other researchers across the laboratory (R&D Engineer 2 level).

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to read and understand schematics.
• Undergraduate training in electrical engineering fields supporting competency in high-voltage and pulsed-power engineering.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in producing written documents.
• Ability to accomplish technical tasks independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team (engineers, scientists, and technicians).
• For R&D Engineer 2: Record of contributions to the design, development, testing, and installation of high-power RF vacuum tube-based amplifier systems and high-voltage systems.
• For R&D Engineer 2: Experience in developing concepts for RF vacuum tube-based amplifier systems and high-voltage systems.
• For R&D Engineer 2: Technical abilities in the design and development of RF vacuum-based amplifiers and high-voltage systems.
• For R&D Engineer 2: Hands-on experience troubleshooting, installation, and testing of high-power RF systems.