Computer Engineer Post-Bachelor
- Req. Number: IRC142159
- Organization : NEN-1/SAFEGUARDS SCIENCE AND TECHNO
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
As a part of the Safeguards and Technology Group within the Nuclear Engineering and Nonproliferation (NEN) Division, you will play a crucial role in supporting nuclear engineering projects aimed at promoting safety and nonproliferation. This role is focused on implementing microprocessors and developing low-level firmware that interfaces directly with custom hardware. Your responsibilities will include:
In this role, you will collaborate closely with a skilled team of engineers and technicians to drive the success of our nonproliferation and safeguard initiatives.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Education/Experience
Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in from an accredited institution completed within the past 3 years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in one of the following fields from an accredited institution.
Desired Qualifications:
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.
Work Schedule: A 5-40 or 9-80 schedule during normal working hours.
Note to Applicants: In addition to a resume, each applicant must submit a cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum job requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. Our generous benefits package includes:
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.
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: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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 applicable federal, state and local 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
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:
Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
As a part of the Safeguards and Technology Group within the Nuclear Engineering and Nonproliferation (NEN) Division, you will play a crucial role in supporting nuclear engineering projects aimed at promoting safety and nonproliferation. This role is focused on implementing microprocessors and developing low-level firmware that interfaces directly with custom hardware. Your responsibilities will include:
- Develop, test, and debug firmware for microprocessors and microcontrollers, primarily using C and/or C++.
- Implement low-level drivers and firmware to control on-board peripherals such as GPIO, timers, UART, SPI, and I2C.
- Support processor bring-up activities, including boot configuration, memory mapping, interrupt handling, and basic peripheral initialization.
- Debug firmware-hardware interactions using standard laboratory equipment (e.g., JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters).
- Read and interpret schematics and hardware documentation to ensure correct firmware implementation.
- Collaborate closely with electrical engineers on hardware design, providing firmware-driven input on processor selection, pin assignments, interfaces, and system-level tradeoffs.
- Assist in testing experiments and diagnostic equipment involving embedded systems.
- Support prototype development and system integration efforts, including troubleshooting and iterative refinement.
- Read, interpret, and implement engineering instructions, schematics, layouts, and other technical specifications.
- Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training, assures safety and security compliance, and makes safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with a skilled team of engineers and technicians to drive the success of our nonproliferation and safeguard initiatives.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Hands-on experience developing firmware for microprocessors or microcontrollers.
- Proficiency in C and/or C++ for low-level or embedded software development.
- Understanding of microprocessor concepts such as memory maps, registers, interrupts, and boot behavior.
- Experience debugging embedded systems using hardware debuggers (e.g., JTAG or SWD).
- Ability to read and understand hardware schematics and technical documentation.
- Familiarity with common digital communication interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART).
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience with technical writing or documentation.
- Contribute to a healthy and inclusive work environment. This includes ability to resolve conflict in a positive way, give and receive feedback effectively, and always show kindness and respect towards others
Education/Experience
Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in from an accredited institution completed within the past 3 years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in one of the following fields from an accredited institution.
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering with an embedded systems emphasis
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience supporting processor bring-up on custom hardware.
- Exposure to embedded system testing, validation, or prototype development.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex firmware-hardware interactions.
- Experience working with FPGA-based systems, such as configuring, integrating, or interfacing embedded processors with FPGA logic.
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.
Work Schedule: A 5-40 or 9-80 schedule during normal working hours.
Note to Applicants: In addition to a resume, each applicant must submit a cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum job requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. 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)
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.
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: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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 applicable federal, state and local 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
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: 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.
