What You Will Do
Join the Utilities and Infrastructure (UI) Facility Operations Division (FOD) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) as an Engineering Technologist 3. In this experienced role, you will design, modernize, and maintain the operational technology (OT) communications backbone that supports reliable utility operations. You will resolve complex technical issues, guide technical work as assigned, and help improve the reliability, performance, and security of critical control-system communications.
As an Engineering Technologist 3 ($106,400 - $176,000) , you will design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot OT communications networks that support reliable utility operations. You will apply advanced networking knowledge, sound engineering judgment, and practical problem-solving skills while maintaining operational continuity.
- Design and Modernize: Define requirements and design, plan, install, commission, and maintain the OT communications backbone, including local-area and wide-area networks, routers, switches, and wired and wireless connections supporting utility control systems.
- Integrate New Technology: Support integration and optimization of the Ultra Private Cellular Network (UPCN) for control-system communications. Research, evaluate, test, and recommend networking technologies and modernization priorities that improve reliability, performance, security, and maintainability. Be prepared to serve as an OT communications subject matter expert, assess emerging technologies, and lead complex network work that supports LANL's utility mission.
- Solve Complex Problems: Diagnose and resolve complex connectivity, routing, security, and performance issues. Use network-monitoring and performance data to identify improvements and maintain dependable communications for operating systems.
- Collaborate and Lead: Work with system engineers, operations and maintenance personnel, IT professionals, and vendors to define requirements, coordinate installations and upgrades, and resolve communications problems. Provide technical direction to junior engineers when assigned.
- Plan and Document: Plan technical work, compare vendor solutions, develop cost analyses and proposals, maintain accurate network configuration documentation, and support purchasing and quality assurance for technical goods and services.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
We are looking for an experienced engineering technologist who combines advanced OT networking knowledge with sound judgment and a collaborative approach. To succeed in this role, you should have:
Technical Expertise:
- Advanced skills in requirements definition, design, implementation, and troubleshooting of TCP/IP networks in OT environments where reliable communications and operational continuity are essential.
- Advanced knowledge of OT networking protocols and architecture, including DNP3.0, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, the Purdue Model, BGP, RIP, ECMP, Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP), SIP, multicast, network segmentation, and secure communications.
- Experience with Palo Alto firewalls and managed network equipment, including Cisco, Arista, Dell, and Moxa devices; plus the ability to specify fiber-optic cable, patch panels, connectors, and media converters.
- Familiarity with wired and wireless infrastructure, including radio and cellular communication networks, and with the integration and optimization of the Ultra Private Cellular Network (UPCN) for control-system communications.
- Knowledge of time-synchronization networks using NTP; WAN technologies; secure networking; and network-management technologies for monitoring, automated response, and performance optimization.
Engineering Know-How:
- Experience applying engineering standards, maintenance techniques, construction methodologies, project planning, and process engineering practices to OT communications infrastructure.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to resolve diverse, complex technical challenges with practical, forward-looking solutions and substantial judgment in selecting methods and approaches.
- Clear Communication: Ability to work across teams, build consensus at IT/OT intersections, and provide clear technical guidance to stakeholders and vendors.
Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor' Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree from an accredited institution and 8 years of directly related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
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.
If you are ready to apply advanced networking expertise, collaborate with utility and operations professionals, and solve complex OT communications challenges, apply today to join LANL as an Engineering Technologist 3.
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 (https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/articles/nnsa-sd-2062-implementation-personal-identity-verification-uncleared-contractors) . 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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-chg2-pgchg/@@images/file) 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: T erm status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
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.