What You Will Do

 The Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group (C-NR) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a creative and motivated post master’s engineer to support the Nuclear Chemistry and Spectrometry Team. The team is responsible for the radiometric analysis of samples in support of national security and institutional programs, as well as research work in the areas of non-proliferation, radiochemistry, and nuclear physics. For these missions, the team utilizes a wide variety of gamma spectrometry, alpha spectrometry, and beta counting systems, many with automated sample changing. Over the last several years, many legacy counting systems have been modernized to some extent, but additional updates are needed while new systems must be designed to support various R&D efforts and meet growing operational needs. The selected candidate will focus on modernization and new development of custom control system hardware and software, primarily for beta and gamma counting systems. Software applications typically control detector operations and data acquisition hardware, schedule counting jobs, and operate sample changers and other automation. The scope of work also includes interfacing counting systems with the online Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and developing web-based functionalities for end-users.

The successful candidate will:

• Apply multidisciplinary skills to design and program automated electro-mechanical systems (i.e. perform mechatronic system design)

• Execute multiple aspects of the system design lifecycle including requirements generation, software development, fabrication and installation, testing and integration, and maintenance

• Properly document design work and software and create installation and user guides

• As needed, assist with counting system operations and nuclear detector development

 The Post-Master's category of the LANL Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) program applies to those who have been awarded a master's degree within the past three years but have not yet been accepted into another master's program or a PhD program. The chosen candidate may remain in this category for up to two years, and there may be an opportunity for conversion into a permanent position at the conclusion of the post-master’s appointment.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Background in a mechatronic-related area: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and/or computer science

• Experience performing various aspects of the engineering/system design process

• Experience developing custom software applications for automated electromechanical systems and/or computer-based data acquisition systems

• Development and/or system administration on Linux or Windows systems

• Demonstrated experience programming in C/C++ and Python

• Familiarity with device communication protocols and handling signals for analog and digital I/O

• Ability to conduct work independently and on a small team

• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience using electronic test equipment and troubleshooting electronics

• Experience building/fabricating electrical assemblies and/or mechanical systems

• Experience with software version control

• User interface development experience

• Web development on the client-side and/or server-side

• Experience with engineering design software or electrical design and simulation software

• Experience working in a nuclear environment and/or operating nuclear instrumentation

• Active DOE Q clearance

Education/Experience:

Position requires a master’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field from an accredited college or university no more than three years ago

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.

Where You Will Work

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

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 (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)

• Onsite gyms and wellness programs

• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius)

No Clearance:  Position does not require a security clearance.  Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

*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 r. 

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.

For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page.

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 regard 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.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account: 

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

· Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

· Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

· Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

· Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

· From here, you will establish an account with username and password

How to Apply: How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process 

· Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job’s details.

· Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov  for assistance.