What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Nuclear Facilities Engineer 1 or 2 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.
The Nuclear Facilities Engineering Mechanical Engineer role sits at the center of the LANL nuclear mission, where precision, compliance, and performance intersect. This position drives the effective and efficient implementation of nuclear facility engineering requirements, navigating a complex landscape that includes the Nuclear Safety Management Rule, DOE Orders, American Nuclear Society standards, national consensus codes, recognized quality benchmarks, Laboratory directives, and federal, state, and local regulations.
Nuclear Facilities Engineers don't just follow requirements, they define them. They establish the technical foundation for nuclear facilities, safety systems, operational equipment, procedures, testing, acceptance criteria, and quality standards. Working across disciplines, they integrate seamlessly with programmatic, operations, maintenance, document control, and project management teams to ensure that every requirement supports mission execution without compromise.
This role demands both ownership and collaboration. It requires the ability to lead or contribute within a specialized engineering discipline, operate independently when needed, and still function as a critical part of a larger system. Engineers in this space apply broad, diversified expertise to develop high impact deliverables, leverage advanced nuclear engineering technologies, and continuously refine processes to meet evolving mission demands and customer expectations.
Nuclear Facilities Engineer 1 $96,600 - $158,000
Safety and security are fundamental responsibilities. Ensures compliance, maintains required training, and integrates safety and security into all work, including stopping work when conditions are unsafe or compromise security.
Applies nuclear facility engineering policies, procedures, and standards. Assists with research, data analysis, and evaluation of regulatory changes, contributing practical solutions to engineering challenges.
Supports the performance and management of nuclear facility systems and engineered safety features, including configuration, operability, and performance, using a risk based graded approach. Contributes to engineering analyses, designs, and deliverables that ensure safety, compliance, and mission success.
Collaborates with engineering, operations, maintenance, and project teams to address issues and support project execution. Assists with hazard and accident analyses, safety documentation, and ongoing facility operations, including Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facilities.
Works under direction with increasing independence. Applies engineering tools and methods, supports procurement and project activities, participates in peer reviews, and fosters a respectful, inclusive work environment.
Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 $106,400 - $176,000
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level:
Ensures safety and security compliance and reinforces expectations across work activities, including stopping work when conditions are unsafe or compromise security.
Applies and enforces nuclear facility engineering policies, procedures, and DOE and NNSA regulatory requirements. Evaluates regulatory changes and complex technical issues to develop and implement defensible engineering solutions.
Manages the performance, configuration, and operability of nuclear facility systems and engineered safety features. Defines design requirements and ensures systems meet safety, quality, and mission objectives.
Leads development of engineering analyses, designs, and technical deliverables supporting nuclear facility operations. Advances engineering concepts, standards, and practices.
Performs and reviews hazard and accident analyses, establishes hazard controls, and develops safety basis documentation and system management programs supporting Vital Safety systems and facility modifications.
Resolves complex engineering issues and interfaces with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, to ensure compliance and timely delivery.
Leads and executes significant portions of projects for Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facilities. Develops and implements project plans and defines procurement requirements for nuclear quality related goods and services.
Operates with a high degree of independence and technical judgment. Manages priorities, including emergent work, and contributes to organizational goals.
Performs peer reviews, ensures quality of engineering deliverables, and mentors junior staff.
shiftwork
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Foundational knowledge of nuclear facility engineering systems, methods, and tools.
Understanding of engineering principles, calculations, and application of standard engineering practices.
Exposure to nuclear facility engineering in areas such as safety basis, system engineering, project engineering, design engineering, or nuclear criticality safety.
Awareness of work planning and control methods, maintenance practices, construction methodologies, and project execution.
Familiarity with Laboratory procedures and applicable industry, DOE, and NNSA standards and regulatory requirements.
Additional Job Requirements for higher level title:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Advanced knowledge of nuclear facility engineering systems, methods, and tools, and ability to apply them to complex problems.
Demonstrated experience in one or more areas such as safety basis, system engineering, project engineering, design engineering, or nuclear criticality safety.
Strong understanding of work planning and control, maintenance practices, construction methodologies, and project execution.
Thorough knowledge of Laboratory procedures and DOE and NNSA codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
Ability to independently evaluate technical issues, make sound engineering decisions, and lead portions of projects or work scopes.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and 2 years of practical work experience necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Advanced engineering or technical degrees can be considered as experience equivalency. Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but do not meet the 2-year minimum experience requirement are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an exception process.
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 3 years of practical work experience 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
Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of engineering maintenance techniques and construction methodologies.
Familiarity with Laboratory procedures, standards, guides, and LANL engineering processes.
Knowledge of DOE standards applicable to facility design, operation, and maintenance.
Understanding of engineering principles, safety basis interaction, design guides, appropriate standards, and administrative practices for DOE non reactor nuclear and high hazard facilities.
Advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
Current registration as an Engineer in Training or Professional Engineer is desirable.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): General Physical Mobility, standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending. Specific Physical Mobility use of both hands, use of both arms, use of both legs, use of both feet, carry/lift up to 20 pounds.
Work Schedule: This position may require 24/7 coverage, which could involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees maybe eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.
Work Environment: Work in a noisy environment, work near sources of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, work near machinery with moving parts, working overtime or an irregular schedule.
Work Location: The 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.
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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
