What You Will Do
Launch Your Career in Critical Energy Infrastructure!
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a motivated early-career Mechanical or Energy Systems Engineer to support the safe, reliable operation of our steam and power generation and distribution systems. This role offers a rare opportunity to work hands-on with utility-scale equipment while learning from experienced engineers in a mission-driven environment. As part of the Utilities & Infrastructure (UI) organization, you'll help support LANL's campus-wide energy systems, including large steam boilers, condensate return systems, and a 20+ MW combustion turbine generator. You'll work alongside senior engineers, operations staff, and project teams to ensure systems are safe, efficient, and compliant-while steadily growing your technical independence. In this role you will contribute directly to the infrastructure that powers world-class scientific research-while building deep expertise in steam systems, power generation, controls, and asset management.
This position will be filled at either the Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
System Engineer 2 ($104,100 - $172,200)
Serve as a technical point of contact for assigned steam and power systems with mentorship support
Help troubleshoot operational and maintenance issues using sound engineering principles
Apply industry codes and standards (ASME, NFPA, EPA, LANL standards) to real-world systems
Support preventive maintenance programs by reviewing procedures and participating in field walkdowns
Prepare engineering calculations, technical reports, and system documentation
Assist with condition assessments and asset health evaluations
Develop drawings, specifications, and scopes for system upgrades and repairs
Review vendor submittals and engineering designs from internal and external partners
Participate in construction walkdowns, inspections, and commissioning activities
Support pressure safety compliance and hazard analyses
This role is designed to provide broad exposure, hands-on experience, and steady professional growth
System Engineer 3 ($114,700 - $191,200)
In addition to the above, you will:
Lead condition assessments and technical evaluations of assigned systems
Review and approve complex designs and system modifications
Drive process improvements and instrumentation/control upgrades
Serve as a technical mentor to less experienced engineers
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Experience or strong interest in steam systems, power generation, or energy infrastructure
Familiarity with rotating equipment, turbines, or boilers
Familiarity with industrial codes and standards (ASME, NFPA, EPA)
Exposure to instrumentation, controls, or SCADA/OT systems
Ability to communicate clearly, solve problems, and collaborate across disciplines
Willingness to spend time in the field learning how systems operate
Education/Experience at Engineer 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university 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: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university and a minimum of 6 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.
Desired Qualifications:
PE licensure is highly encouraged
Experience with utility-scale steam or power systems
Interest in controls, automation, or water treatment systems
Exposure to asset management or long-term capital planning
Knowledge of DOE or nuclear facility engineering environments
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 (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: 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 P701 (https://policy.lanl.gov/apex/special/policy/documents/P701) for applicant eligibility requirements.
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.
