ASD Accelerator Coordinator 3 / 4 (R&D Engineer 3 / 4)

What You Will Do

The Advanced Sources and Detector (ASD) Project Office is responsible for the fabrication, installation, and commissioning of an ~ 20 MeV linear induction electron accelerator, through the coordination of efforts at Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Nicknamed Scorpius, the machine will be used to diagnose subcritical experiments at the NNSS, within an underground complex (U1a; 963 feet below grade) in support of the Enhanced Capabilities for Subcritical Experiments Program. The ASD Project is needing an engineering coordinator to facilitate technical procurements and integration as the project begins executing the fabrication of the accelerator subsystem.

This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 3 level or the R&D Engineer 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

R&D Engineer 3 $122,300 - $206,300

As the Accelerator Coordinator for the ASD Project, you will work with the Accelerator Control Account Manager and Technical Lead to execute the procurements and fabrication, of the accelerator subsystem to be installed at the U1a complex at the NNSS (~$180M total scope). This will require working with the technical subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure that all procurements are executed to meet the schedule and the requirements of the design. You will coordinate the assembly and testing of the first components at LANL, and oversee the execution of the total build through subcontractors. You will coordinate and work with vendors on technical concerns that arise during procurement, in concert and coordination with the technical lead. This position includes travel to vendors and to NNSS and will report to the ASD Engineering Manager. The Accelerator Coordinator will help execute the accelerator build and installation, including opportunities for value engineering and working with our NNSS counterparts for knowledge transfer and acceptance of the commissioned machine.

As the ASD Accelerator Coordinator, you will be responsible for the following:
  • Coordinating the fabrication, assembly and testing of the Scorpius accelerator subsystem, including managing any required design changes.
  • Ensure that the Scorpius accelerator subsystem is procured, fabricated, and documented following appropriate quality assurance and 413.3B project requirements.
  • Work with the Cost Account Manager to forecast and adhere to the schedule and budget.
  • Look for opportunities to enhance the system through value engineering during production and testing.
  • Support accelerator installation and integration at the Integrated Test Stand and U1a as appropriate.


R&D Engineer 4 $146,800 - $254,700

In addition to what was outlined at the R&D Engineer 3 level, at this level you would be expected to:
  • Work with the technical team to coordinate opportunities and efficiencies between the subsystems for Scorpius
  • Mentor Level 3 R&D Engineers


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


Accelerator Engineering Experience

Demonstrated proficiency in engineering design, development, fabrication, and production in a highly constrained and evolving environment. Applied knowledge of linear induction accelerators and associated areas (such as pulsed power, solid-state modulators, electromagnetics, electromagnetic interference, radiation damage, radiation shielding, mechanical systems, electrical power systems, vacuum systems, cooling systems, interlocks, electronics, data acquisition, data processing, control systems and accelerator operations)

Technical Leadership

Experience coordinating efforts executed by teams across multiple organizations, assigning tasks to team members, and reporting progress. Proven ability to achieve milestones and deliverables in a dynamic environment while remaining within budget and schedule constraints.

Technical Execution

Demonstrated ability to lead the procurement, fabrication, and commissioning of complex equipment. Demonstrated ability to proactively generate and apply innovative approaches to solve complex problems. Proven record of performing high value technical procurements, including associated specifications and quality requirements. Demonstrated experience in preparing installation procedures, test plans, acceptance criteria and similar documentation required to support fabrication of a complex technical system.

Communication and Teamwork

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and through written documentation with coworkers, vendors, customers, and management. Proven record of working effectively as a team member. Recognized ability to lead projects involving diverse team members.

US Citizenship

Applicant must have the ability to obtain a Q clearance.




Additional Job Requirements for R&D Engineer 4:

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

Accelerator Engineering Expertise

Demonstrated expertise in engineering design, development, fabrication, and production in a highly constrained and evolving environment.

Leadership Experience

Significant experience leading complex projects demonstrating the ability to address and/or overcome engineering challenges.

Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 3: Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 6 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.

Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 4: Position requires a Master's Degree in Engineering from an ABET 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.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Significant experience working within a project environment. DOE 413.3B experience is highly desirable.
  • Experience with CREO, PDMLink (Windchill) or other document management systems.
  • Working experience at one or more of the NNSA design labs.
  • An active Q clearance is desired.

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.

Note to Applicants: Although the primary responsibilities of this position are associated with work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, regular travel is required to vendor sites and to the Nevada Test Site for supporting installation activities.

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.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*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. 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 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
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, 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.