R&D Engineer - MHz HPRF & LLRF team

What You Will Do

The Accelerator Operations and Technology Division (AOT), Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE) group is seeking an R&D Engineer Level 1 or Level 2 for their 201 MHz HPRF team.

The AOT division maintains, operates, and upgrades all accelerator systems used at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) complex, including two 750‑keV Cockcroft‑Walton injector systems (H⁺ and H⁻), a 201.25‑MHz drift‑tube linear accelerator (LINAC) powered by high‑power diacrode tubes, an 805‑MHz coupled‑cavity LINAC with high‑power klystrons, a proton storage ring, and roughly a kilometre of beam transport lines feeding five independent research programs.

The RFE group is principally responsible for all radio‑frequency (RF) systems. It consists of three teams:
Low‑Level RF (LLRF), focusing on real‑time phase and amplitude controls;
High‑Power RF (HPRF) at 201 MHz; and High‑Power RF at 805 MHz.

The 201 MHz HPRF team seeks a candidate with a Mechanical Engineering (or similarly applicable) background. The support role includes project execution tasks such as initial calculations, budget estimation, specification writing, procurement of high‑priced items, coordination of testing and delivery, installation, and testing. The engineer will work under senior engineers to plan and implement RF system upgrades as part of the LANSCE Modernization Project and build tube and solid‑state amplifier systems for radio‑frequency quadrupole and drift‑tube LINAC cavities.

Additional work involves solid‑state amplifier development for UHF and 1‑10 MHz. Mechanical engineering input is required for heating, cooling, footprint, and heavy‑equipment support.

The position will be filled at the R&D Engineer 1 or R&D Engineer 2 level, depending on the selected candidate’s skill set. Additional responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Salary: $94,500 – $154,600. The engineer collaborates in planning and implementing future RF system upgrades, building high‑power RF test stands, and executing large‑scale changes to existing high‑voltage and diacrode amplifiers for the initial portion of the LANSCE LINAC. Responsibilities include design of system portions and interconnections, working with engineers, technologists, and technicians to implement, install, and test contributions, procurement of high‑power components, and coordinating mechanical, power, water cooling, and mechanical requirements.

Salary: $104,100 – $172,200. The engineer leads the mechanical design of the system and its interconnections, coordinating with engineers, technologists, and technicians for implementation, installation, and testing. The role encompasses the entire lifecycle of a design—from obtaining constraints, designing and simulating stresses, to coordinating with manufacturers, procurement, and installation. Responsibilities include designing water and air cooling systems.

• Experience in individual and team assignments.
• Proficiency with 2D/3D CAD (AutoCAD or Solid Works).
• Modeling existing components from measurements or drawings and creating assemblies and drawing packages per ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Analytical and computational analysis for structural component design per applicable engineering standards.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques for manual and CNC machines.
• Interaction with manufacturers to determine best engineering solutions.
• Production of written documentation and presentation of results.
• Capability and willingness to work in radiation environments while following ALARA principles.

• Thermal analysis of components and design of air or water cooling systems.
• Designing support structures for complex geometries subject to thermal gradients.
• Production of component specifications and design documentation.
• Leadership of procurement, testing, and installation of high‑priced items.
• Mentoring and professional development of junior staff or students.

R&D Engineer 1 level: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related) and 2 years of related experience; or an…