$106,400–$176,000 Per Year
This position is open for external candidates only to apply
This position will be filled at either the Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level. #shiftwork
The Nuclear Facilities Engineering Structural Engineer role supports the LANL nuclear mission by ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and performance of systems that support plutonium operations. This position operates within a highly regulated environment governed by DOE Orders, nuclear safety requirements, national consensus codes, and Laboratory standards.
Within the Plutonium Facilities Engineering Glovebox group, engineers serve as system engineers supporting a wide range of confinement and safety related structures and equipment. These include gloveboxes, support stands, material at risk tracking systems, chlorine monitoring and detection systems, ion exchange systems, scrap recovery systems, enclosures, transport and storage systems, and other engineered components designated as Vital Safety Systems.
Structural Engineers in this role support the evaluation, design, and modification of systems that protect workers, the public, and the environment. They review and implement design changes to ensure compliance with the TA 55 Safety Basis, LANL Master Specifications, and applicable national codes and standards. Working across disciplines, they partner with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to ensure structural systems are safe, compliant, and capable of supporting mission execution.
Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)
- Supports the design, evaluation, and modification of structural systems and components associated with nuclear facility operations, including gloveboxes, equipment supports, enclosures, and storage systems.
- Performs structural analyses and calculations for components such as support stands, anchorage systems, penetrations, and equipment installations, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and safety requirements.
- Reviews design changes and engineering documents to verify alignment with safety basis requirements, Laboratory standards, and national codes
- Supports installation, modification, and maintenance activities, contributing to safe and compliant operation of Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facilities.
- Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support system performance, resolve issues, and contribute to project execution.
- Contributes to system engineering responsibilities for assigned structures or components, supporting configuration, operability, and performance.
Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3 ($128,000 - $215,900)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level:
- Leads structural engineering activities supporting nuclear facility systems, including gloveboxes, support structures, confinement systems, and other Vital Safety Systems.
- Performs and leads structural analyses and design efforts for system modifications, upgrades, and new installations, including anchorage, support structures, enclosures, and facility interfaces.
- Manages assigned systems or components as a cognizant system engineer, ensuring configuration, operability, and performance meet safety basis and mission requirements.
- Evaluates and implements design changes, ensuring compliance with the TA 55 Safety Basis, LANL standards, and applicable codes and standards.
- Leads significant portions of projects or technical efforts, resolving moderately complex structural engineering issues through analysis and sound technical judgment.
- Collaborates across engineering, operations, maintenance, and project teams to ensure alignment and delivery of engineering solutions.
- Operates with substantial independence. Assignments are often self initiated and largely self supervised. Mentors junior engineers and supports team capability.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Foundational knowledge of structural engineering systems, analysis methods, and calculations applicable to industrial or nuclear facilities.
- Familiarity with structural analysis tools such as SAP2000, GT STRUDL, RISA, STAAD, or equivalent.
- Knowledge of engineering work planning, construction practices, and control methods.
- Awareness of applicable codes and standards including IBC, AISC, ACI, ASCE, and DOE requirements.
- Ability to perform engineering calculations and support development of structural solutions.
- Ability to communicate technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Additional Job Requirements for higher level title:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
- Working knowledge of structural engineering systems, methods, and codes, and ability to apply them independently.
- Demonstrated experience performing structural design, analysis, and modification activities.
- Experience developing engineering calculations, design documentation, and technical evaluations.
- Ability to coordinate across disciplines and stakeholders during design and project execution.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively.
Education/Experience at lower 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.
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 6 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 Job Qualifications:
- Knowledge of structural systems supporting nuclear or high hazard facilities, including gloveboxes, support structures, and confinement systems.
- Familiarity with DOE standards and nuclear safety basis requirements applicable to structural systems.
- Experience supporting design, analysis, installation, or maintenance of structural systems in industrial or nuclear environments.
- Familiarity with LANL engineering processes, procedures, and configuration management practices.
- Advanced degree in structural or civil engineering is preferred.
- Engineer in Training certification or progress toward Professional Engineer licensure is desirable, with Professional Engineer licensure highly 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. This role combines office based engineering work with field activities, including facility walkdowns and site visits to evaluate systems and support safe, compliant operations.
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.
Regular Position: Term 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. L
Los Alamos National Laboratory