Robotics and Automation Computer Scientist 2/3 (Scientist 2/3)

At this level, you will work under the direction of a supervisor and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of computer scientists, engineers, technicians, and mission partners. You will develop full-stack software using Python and C++ to develop autonomous behaviors, support perception and navigation capabilities, create graphical user interfaces, and integrate software with robots, sensors, cameras, radiation-detection instruments, and industrial equipment. You will also support simulation, laboratory and field testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical documentation as robotic and automation capabilities progress from initial concepts to operational systems., In addition to the responsibilities outlined at Level 2, you will provide technical leadership for complex robotics, autonomy, and automation efforts. You will define software architectures, establish technical strategies, lead system integration and deployment activities, and guide multidisciplinary teams in advancing new capabilities from concept to operational use. You will also mentor junior staff, develop technical proposals, evaluate emerging technologies, and publish or present technical results that strengthen the Laboratory’s robotics capabilities and support its national security mission.

Demonstrated experience developing, testing, debugging, and maintaining full-stack software using Python and C++, as evidenced through prior projects, operational systems, or other technical deliverables.

Collaborative Software Development

Experience using Git or another distributed version-control system within a collaborative team environment, including contributing to shared repositories, managing code changes, and supporting established software-development practices.

Linux and Containerized Environments

Experience developing, configuring, troubleshooting, and deploying software in Linux environments using Docker containers., * Technical Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading complex robotics, automation, or software-development efforts and guiding multidisciplinary teams toward successful technical outcomes, including the guiding the work of more junior staff through technical review, knowledge sharing and skill development.

• Software Architecture: Experience defining modular, scalable, reliable, and maintainable software architectures for robotic, autonomous, or hardware-integrated systems.
• System Integration and Deployment: Experience leading the integration, testing, validation, and operational deployment of complex software-enabled hardware systems.
• Proposal Development & Technical Communication: Experience developing technical proposals, defining project approaches, and estimating scope for new mission-focused work, coupled with a proven ability to author technical publications, reports, and presentations that effectively communicate results to customers, stakeholders, leadership, and the broader technical community.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Master’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience developing, programming, integrating, or deploying industrial robotic systems, including the integration of sensors, cameras, instruments, or other sensing technologies
• Experience processing image or point-cloud data using OpenCV, Open3D, or comparable tools, including the application of machine learning or artificial intelligence to data analysis, computer vision, or robotic action
• Experience developing web-based or embedded graphical user interfaces and programming embedded systems using C or C++
• Experience using NVIDIA Isaac Sim to develop, simulate, test, or validate robotic and autonomous-system capabilities

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., * 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.

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