High-Powered Radio Frequency Engineered Systems Tec (3/4)

What You Will Do

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an Engineered Systems Technician 3 or 4 for the High-Powered Radio Frequency (HPRF) 201 MHz team.

The AOT division maintains, operates, and upgrades all accelerator systems used at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) complex. These consist of two 750-keV Cockcroft-Walton-based injector systems (H and H- systems), a 201.25-MHz drift-tube linear accelerator (LINAC) utilizing high-power diacrode tubes, an 805-MHz coupled cavity LINAC utilizing high-power klystrons as the primary power source, a proton storage ring, and roughly a kilometer of beam transport lines that deliver beam to the five independent research programs. The RFE group is principally responsible for all radio frequency (RF) systems, all pulsed-power systems, and all high-power DC power supplies used to operate magnets on the beam transport lines.

AOT-RFE owns, maintains, and upgrades electronic and RF equipment of various types. This position requires the willingness to learn the operation of complex electronic and mechanical systems that provide rewarding design opportunities. A “tinkerer” and/or questioning mentality is the main requirement to thrive in this position. The successful candidate will also provide on-call support for the 201 MHz team after hours and on weekends. The on-call assignment will typically be one week per month during accelerator operations, which spans about seven months per year.

Engineered Systems Tec 3 ($57,800 – $89,500): The EST 3 position requires experience using basic electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters. The position also requires experience and ability to read and understand basic electrical wiring diagrams or schematics, work from documentation, diagrams, rough sketches, layouts, and verbal instructions. Some experience performing installation, maintenance, commissioning, and repairs on electrical/electronic equipment and/or systems is expected. Some level of experience troubleshooting circuits containing multiple integrated or discrete components is needed. The position requires the ability to complete Forklift and incidental crane training / certification. The successful candidate must also have the ability to provide after-hours primary “on-call” support approximately one week out of four weeks.

Engineered Systems Tec 4 ($69,500 – $110,300) In addition to what was outlined at the lower level (EST 3), at this level (EST 4), this is what is needed: The position involves learning from and working with experienced technologists and technicians with a wealth of knowledge to share. The successful applicant will be required to obtain an understanding of alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC) systems, the principles of radio-frequency (RF) amplifier operation, mechanical construction, wiring and printed circuit board assembly, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), fast digital logic and electronics troubleshooting. Assisting with documentation of system operation, tests and writing documentation will also be expected. The successful applicants main job will be to learn from our team and assist with day-to-day operations. The successful applicant would be encouraged to pursue further RF and electronics training.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements at level 3:

Experience using basic electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters.

Experience and ability to read and understand basic electrical wiring diagrams or schematics, work from documentation, diagrams, rough sketches, layouts, and verbal instructions.

Experience performing installation, maintenance, commissioning, and repairs on electrical/electronic equipment and/or systems.

Ability to work individually and as part of a team environment.

Experience producing clear written documents and communications.

Experience troubleshooting circuits containing multiple integrated or discrete components.

Ability to use AutoCAD or a similar CAD program to open and view schematics or drawings.

Ability to complete Forklift training and obtain certification.

Ability to complete and obtain incidental crane certification.

Ability to provide after-hours primary “on-call” support approximately one week out of four weeks.

Level 4 minimum requirements in addition to level 3 minimum requirements:

Advanced experience using electronic test equipment, oscilloscopes, and voltmeters.

Advanced ability to read and understand basic schematics, work from documentation, diagrams, rough sketches, layouts, and verbal instructions.

Advanced experience fabricating, assembling, and testing electronic systems.

Advanced experience performing installation, maintenance, commissioning, and repairs on complex electrical/electronic equipment and/or systems.

Experience working individually and as part of a team environment.

Advanced ability and experience in effectively producing written and clear documents.

Advanced skills in using AutoCAD or a similar CAD program to open, view and edit schematics or drawings.

Ability to complete forklift training and obtain certification.

Ability to complete and obtain incidental crane certification.

Ability to provide after-hours primary “on-call” support approximately one week out of six weeks.

Education/Experience EST 3 : Position requires an associate degree in a related field and a minimum of three (3) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience EST 4: Position requires an associates degree in a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, additional training and/or certification may be expected.

Desired Qualifications at lower level:

Familiarity and/or experience with particle accelerator operations, maintenance, or operations and maintenance at a similar complex facility.

Familiarity and/or experience with Conduct of Operations and Conduct of Research principles and procedures.

Experience with two or more of the following: 1) installation and testing of high-power RF devices and/or systems; 2) installation and testing of high-voltage and pulsed-power devices and/or systems; 3) installation and testing of RF power amplifiers, DC and pulsed-power systems; or 4) installation and testing of RF transport systems such as cables, coaxial lines or waveguides.

Experience relating to installation of high-power RF vacuum tube-based amplifier systems and high-voltage systems.

Experience with the maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of high-power RF systems.

Desired Qualifications at higher level; in addition to lower level:

Demonstrated competency using RF test equipment such as network analyzer, spectrum analyzer and RF power meters.

Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting and repairing of rf electronic system and similar equipment.

Demonstrated experience performing installation, maintenance, commissioning, and repairs on complex electrical/electronic equipment and/or systems.

Experience with programming and using PLCs and/or process controllers.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to speak, ability to discriminate speech, ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz), sitting, standing, walking, climbing ladders, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, twisting the trunk or back, lifting 30 pounds, carrying 30 pounds, use of both hands, use of both arms, reaching overhead, reaching horizontally, reaching down, applying torque with hands or arms.

Note to Applicants: Consideration for the position will be strictly limited to applicants that submit a comprehensive cover letter addressing, bullet by bullet, each of the minimum job requirements and the applicable Desired Qualifications.

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

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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.

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.