Job Title:
Electro-Optical Diagnostic Scientist (Scientist 1)
Company: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Location: Los Alamos, NM
Created: 2026-04-19
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
**What You Will Do** The Focused Experiments (M-3) group is seeking a motivated Scientist 1 to support explosives research with M-3's Hydrodynamic Testing Diagnostics Team. This team works at the Dual Axis Radiographic Hydro Test (DARHT) facility and at outdoor firing sites in support of LANL's core weapons mission and other related programs. The successful candidate will participate in planning, designing, fielding, and diagnosing tests involving the detonation of explosives. As part of the M-3 team the selected applicant will work to design, maintain, operate, and improve new & existing high-speed diagnostics incorporating lasers, fiber-optic systems, and high-speed data acquisition hardware. **What You Need** **Minimum Job Requirements:** **Technical Skills:** Knowledge and experience with fisheye probe assembly and fielding. Experience with experimental data acquisition instruments and hardware such as oscilloscopes, digitizers, delay generators, pressure sensors, and microcontrollers, and a willingness to learn how to field diagnostics at a firing site. Hands-on experience with basic machine tools (e.g., endmill and lathe) and machining operations. Experience with soldering, circuit design, interpretation of circuit diagrams and control system schematics. Experience working safely to a set of defined requirements and regulations for moderate- and high-hazard environments (e.g. high explosive/radiation safety, high voltage safety). **Computing Skills** : Experience with CAD software (e.g., Solidworks, CREO, etc.). Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping. Experience with laser operation and safety, fiber optic components, and optical alignment. Expertise assembling, fielding, and troubleshooting Multiplexed Photon Doppler Velocimetry (MPDV), Modulation Based Ranging (MBR), Chirped Fiber Bragg Gratings (CFBG), and diagnostic methods for continuous detonation wave tracking. Proficiency with basic computer programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. **Teamwork** : Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a technically diverse team. Demonstrated experience being involved in a team executing complex experiments in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment. **Communication** : Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to present their work at conferences, meetings, workshops and through peer-reviewed publications. **Education/Experience** : Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. **Desired Qualifications** : + Experience with development and fabrication of novel, precision optical and electronic diagnostic probes. + Experience with LANL procurement systems, inventory management, and vendor relations. + Demonstrated understanding of explosive firing operations. + Knowledge of DOE Standard 1212 (formerly the DOE Explosives Safety Manual) and DARHT operations and procedures. + High Explosives Handler Qualification. + Demonstrated experience in preparation of hazard analyses, safety documents, security plans, and technical procedures. + Active DOE / DOD security clearance. 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. **Note to Applicants** : 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 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. **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 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to or call (505)-664-6947.