Printed Circuit Board Designer; Engineering Technologist

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Engineering Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job requirements outlined below will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division provides leadership in the Laboratory's core capability of Accelerators and Electrodynamics. Accelerators and Electrodynamics enables charged particle acceleration through controlled utilization of electromagnetic fields, supporting National Security missions involving radiographic imaging, remote measurements of electromagnetic signatures, and development of new capabilities. In particular, AOT operates the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton accelerator complex, and conducts applied research and development in accelerator-focused technologies as they apply to Free Electron Lasers, National Security Science programs, and future accelerator missions.

The Instrumentation and Controls Group (AOT‑IC) performs a number of technical functions in support of AOT Division goals. The group's core capabilities include control system integration, instrumentation engineering, developing beam diagnostics electronics, PCB design, ECAD/MCAD, and network and timing signal distribution.

As an Engineering Technologist 1 you will play a crucial role in supporting the operation of the LANSCE facility. Responsibilities include creating and modifying schematic drawings and printed circuit board designs using Mentor Graphics software, maintaining the AOT library of parts by creating schematic symbols and footprints for use by other users, and interfacing with other AOT organizations and outside customers for small non‑LANSCE control systems.

In addition to the responsibilities listed for Level 1, the Engineering Technologist 2 level offers the opportunity to take on a more senior role in supporting the critical operations and development work of the AOT Division. Responsibilities include maintaining licensing for Mentor Graphics software, applying software updates, and assisting other users in project creation and software usage. The successful applicant should have knowledge of good design practices and procedures from schematic capture through PCB layout and assembly.

• Ability to develop and revise schematic drawings using Mentor Graphics software (preferred), or similar circuit board design software such as Altium or Cadence.
• Ability to create and modify printed circuit board designs using commercial software.
• Capability to create and modify component library parts based on manufacturer specifications using commercial software.
• Basic knowledge of transmission line theory as applied to ground planes and layer stack‑up for high‑speed digital as well as RF printed circuit board design.
• Able to provide technical direction and collaborate with colleagues to develop creative, cost‑effective solutions to systems.
• Apply technical standards, principles, theories, and techniques in the completion of complex work assignments.
• Ability to estimate design time and drawing package costs.
• Apply engineering design principles to design and fabrication of printed circuit boards and assemblies.
• Ability to assist with planning and successful completion of multiple projects with conflicting and often changing priorities and deadlines.
• Promote and foster a work environment free from harassment and discrimination.

• Experience in schematic creation and PCB layout of control systems, high‑speed digital designs, and RF.
• Working knowledge of setting design rules using Constraint Manager in Mentor Graphics software.
• Working knowledge of use of different materials and processes for PCB fabrication.

Lower Level: Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related field from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the…