Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Engineer 2/3

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

Pay: $106,400-$195,400/yr

**This position is open for external candidates only to apply.**

**What You Will Do**

**Shape the Control Systems Behind Critical Infrastructure**

Los Alamos National Laboratory's Utilities and Infrastructure Facility Operations Division (UI-FOD) is seeking an ICS Engineer with strong expertise in PLC and RTU programming to support, modernize, and secure mission-critical utility control systems. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on control system development, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support in complex operational environments.

You'll work at the intersection of engineering, operations, and cybersecurity-ensuring safe, reliable, and resilient control of essential infrastructure.

As an ICS Engineer with a PLC/RTU focus, you will design, implement, and support industrial control systems that operate critical utilities and facilities.

This position will be filled at either the Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

PLC & RTU Engineering

• Develop, program, test, and maintain PLC and RTU logic for utility and facility control systems
• Support commissioning, upgrades, and modifications of control systems in live operational environments
• Troubleshoot control logic, I/O, communications, and field device integration issues

Control System Design & Integration

• Create control system design packages, including architecture diagrams, control narratives, and configuration documentation
• Integrate PLCs and RTUs with HMIs, SCADA systems, historians, and OT networks
• Apply industry best practices for control system reliability, maintainability, and cybersecurity

Operations & Lifecycle Support

• Provide operational support for existing ICS assets, including diagnostics, root cause analysis, and system optimization
• Support preventative and predictive maintenance strategies for control systems
• Participate in planning, procurement, installation oversight, and quality assurance for control system hardware and software

Collaboration & Compliance

• Work closely with operators, engineers, IT, and cybersecurity teams to support secure IT/OT integration
• Ensure control systems align with applicable standards and regulatory requirements, including NERC CIP where applicable

**What You Need**

**Minimum Job Requirements:**

We're looking for an engineer who combines strong control systems fundamentals with practical, hands-on experience.

PLC & RTU Skills

• Hands-on experience programming PLCs and/or RTUs used in utility or industrial environments
• Familiarity with industrial protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, Ethernet/IP, and related field communications
• Experience with control system testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting

ICS & OT Foundations

• Understanding of industrial control system architectures (e.g., Purdue Model)
• Experience integrating PLC/RTU systems with SCADA, HMI, and OT networks
• OT troubleshooting knowledge using tools like Wireshark Instrumentation Skills
• Knowledgeable in the specification, installation, and calibration of field instruments (flow, pressure, temperature, etc.)
• Experience with creating ISA loop drawings

Engineering & Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
• Clear technical communication skills, both written and verbal
• Allen Bradley and Modicon PLC programming experience
• Familiarity with HART communications

Additional Job Responsibilities Desired at the Engineer 3 Level

• Working knowledge of SCADA (Ignition platform configuration)
• Working knowledge of Devices (SEL RTAC, SEL ICON configuration)
• Working knowledge of Cellular Base communication to field devices such as Electrical, Gas, Water meters

**Education/Experience at Engineer 2 ($106,400-$176,000):** Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 3 years practical work experience to the degree necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Current registration as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is highly desirable.

**Education/Experience at Engineer 3 ($117,200-$195,400):** Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 6 years practical work experience to the degree necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired. Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable.

Who You Are

• An engineer who enjoys building, debugging, and improving control logic that runs real-world systems
• Comfortable working in operational environments where reliability and safety matter
• Motivated to grow as an ICS and OT subject-matter expert
• Committed to professionalism, collaboration, and inclusive teamwork

Why LA