Inspector (Quality Assurance Engineer 3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking an Inspector (Quality Assurance Engineer 3) with construction and facility inspection experience to ensure projects meet national codes and LANL quality requirements.

Role responsibilities include reviewing drawings and specs, leading QA program implementations, and mentoring junior staff. A Q clearance is required; onsite work in Los Alamos, NM with relocation support.

Qualifications

• Expert QA activities knowledge: audits, assessments, corrective actions, and documentation.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints, and specs.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections to verify building code compliance (IBC, NFPA, ASME, UMC, UPC).
• Conduct QA/QC audits, assessments, and surveillances against requirements.
• Review drawings, specs, and procurement documents for quality conformance.
• Prepare inspection reports and validate non-conformance actions.
• Oversee subcontractor inspection personnel to LANL standards.
• Provide mentorship to junior QA staff and inspectors.
• Collaborate with designers, clients, and QA personnel to meet specs.
• Promote safety and security compliance in all tasks.

Skills

QA audits

blueprints & drawings

communication

leadership & mentorship

regulatory compliance

problem solving

multidisciplinary coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

Inspector (Quality Assurance Engineer 3) – Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a skilled professional with construction and facility inspection experience to join the Engineering Services (ES) Division. The role supports the Laboratory’s scientific and national security mission by ensuring building and construction projects comply with National Consensus Codes and design requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections to verify compliance with building codes and standards (IBC, NFPA, ASME, UMC, UPC, etc.) across multiple disciplines.
• Conduct audits, assessments, and surveillances of programs and activities against QA/QC requirements.
• Read, interpret, and review construction drawings, specifications, engineering procurement documents, and quality requirements.
• Prepare and review inspection reports, validate non‑conformance reports, and ensure documentation of technical and quality requirements.
• Oversee subcontracted inspection and test agency personnel to maintain compliance with LANL requirements.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff and Quality Assurance Engineer 2 Inspectors.
• Collaborate with project designers, stakeholders, clients, and internal QA/Inspection personnel to meet specifications and test requirements.
• Promote safety and security compliance in all tasks and enforce work stoppage when necessary.
• Lead quality engineering reviews of design documents and participation in QA program implementation.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Expert level knowledge and experience with QA activities – audits, assessments, corrective action implementation, and documentation.
• Extensive knowledge of QA regulations, policies, and procedures, and national consensus standards such as ASME, ISO, ANSI/ASME NQE‑1, and NRC guidelines.
• Expert knowledge of construction codes and standards with ability to apply quality requirements to construction projects.
• Strong ability to interpret physical, mechanical, and electrical documents including blueprints and schematics.
• Advanced problem‑solving and research skills to investigate alternate solutions and recommend corrective actions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for conveying QA concepts to technical and non‑technical personnel.
• Leadership and mentorship capabilities for advanced‑level guidance.
• Experience applying quality requirements to projects managed through formal project management processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, QAE or Industrial Systems Engineering or a related field and 8 years of related experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with National Consensus Codes and standards for nuclear or highly regulated facilities.
• National certification from ICC, AWS or another recognized accredited agency.

Work Location

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations remain at management discretion.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees must serve a continuous service period in their current position to be eligible for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. The commitment for this position is one year.

Security Clearance

Position requires Q clearance. Applicants must meet U.S. citizenship and background investigation requirements. Additional authorization may be required for classified access.

New‑Employment Drug Test

Successful applicants must complete a new‑employment drug test. A positive marijuana test, even if used pre‑offer, will result in termination.

Benefits

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave.
• 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annually.
• Tuition assistance and learning opportunities.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off.
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages for moves beyond 50 miles.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. 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, disability, or citizenship, within the limits of federal law.

Accessibility

The Laboratory is committed to making the workplace accessible and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.