LAB-0P1A63.Quality Engineer 3 (Project Quality Engineer)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 104,100 - 172,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Onsite gyms

Tuition assistance

401(k) with match

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking for a Quality Engineer 3 to support capital projects in Los Alamos, NM. In this role, you will oversee quality assurance for complex construction projects that align with national security operations.

Your responsibilities will involve implementing quality assurance programs, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and significant experience in the field.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of commercial construction codes and related quality requirements.
• Strong technical understanding of EPC practices.
• Proven success in collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate procurement documentation for quality assurance.
• Develop and improve quality programs for EPC management.
• Lead audits and assessments of quality processes.

Skills

Commercial construction codes knowledge

Technical understanding of EPC practices

Project management principles

Collaboration with stakeholders

Quality assurance planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply. Join Us as a Quality Engineer for Capital Projects! Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an experienced Project Quality Engineer to support the delivery of infrastructure and capital projects. You will help ensure the quality, safety, and performance of complex nuclear and non-nuclear construction projects that directly support national security, scientific innovation, and mission-critical operations.

Position: Quality Engineer 3 (salary range $104,100 - $172,200).

Role summary: You will help implement the Laboratory's Quality Assurance Program in support of non-nuclear, radiological, and nuclear facility construction projects. You will collaborate with project teams, engineering organizations, procurement personnel, subcontractors, and quality professionals to drive quality excellence throughout the project lifecycle and ensure compliance with codes, standards, contractual requirements, and Laboratory expectations.

Team and focus: The Infrastructure and Capital Projects Directorate (ALDICP) manages more than 50 infrastructure projects supporting LANL’s national security, global security, science, and energy missions, with emphasis on modernizing facilities that support plutonium pit production. You will work with cross-disciplinary teams to navigate quality requirements, manage risk, and promote continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing, developing, and evaluating procurement documentation to ensure quality assurance and quality engineering requirements are defined, implemented, and verified.
• Supporting the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of processes, procedures, and quality programs contributing to an effective Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Quality Management System.
• Participating in nonconformance identification, evaluation, resolution, and closure activities, including corrective action development, implementation, and effectiveness reviews.
• Planning, coordinating, leading, and performing audits, surveillances, assessments, and field oversight of quality-affecting engineering, procurement, construction, testing, inspection, and related work.
• Collaborating with project stakeholders to identify quality risks, resolve complex technical and compliance issues, and promote continuous improvement across project activities.
• Providing quality assurance guidance and technical support to project teams to ensure work is performed in accordance with approved requirements, codes, standards, and quality program expectations.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge of commercial construction codes, standards, and quality requirements, with the ability to apply them across complex capital projects. Strong technical understanding of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) practices, including quality assurance requirements, Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD), and a graded approach within an ASME NQA-1 environment. Ability to interpret and evaluate complex engineering and construction documentation, including drawings, calculations, and specifications/design packages.
• Working knowledge of project management principles and the full project lifecycle from planning through closeout.
• Proven success collaborating with diverse stakeholders across multiple organizations to resolve complex technical and quality challenges, including Project Managers, Engineers of Record, Field Engineers, Subcontractor Technical Representatives, Code Officials, and Compliance professionals.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate quality assurance activities across multiple capital projects, ensuring compliance with codes, standards, contractual requirements, and NQA-1 quality program expectations while supporting successful project execution.

Education/Experience

Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Construction Management or a related field and 8 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Professional certifications in quality engineering, quality management, or construction quality (e.g., ASQ CQE, CCQM, or equivalent).
• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or demonstrated project management expertise.
• Lead Auditor certification for ISO 9001, ASME NQA-1, or comparable QMS.
• Procurement Technical Subject Matter Expert (PTSME) certification or experience supporting procurement quality and supplier oversight.
• Experience with classified matter protection and control programs, including classified computing environments.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear quality assurance requirements, DOE/NRC regulatory frameworks, and related standards (e.g., 10 CFR 830 Subpart A, DOE Order 414.1E, ASME NQA-1).
• Experience applying QA principles in nuclear, defense, DOE, NRC-regulated, or other highly regulated environments.

Essential Job Functions

(Can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

• Ability to perform field visits, construction oversight activities, and office-based work in varied environments.
• Strong communication skills for speaking, hearing, reading, and writing; visual acuity to review drawings and documents.
• Mobility to move through offices, laboratories, and active construction environments; ability to climb stairs or ladders as required.
• Physical ability to perform routine activities related to construction quality oversight; capable of lifting up to 20 pounds when required.
• Willingness to wear PPE and comply with safety and security requirements; occasional travel within the Laboratory site may be required.

Work Environment

Office and field environments, with potential exposure to construction sites, industrial facilities, and nuclear-related operations. May involve exposure to noise, weather, confined spaces, elevated work areas, and hazardous conditions. Access to facilities with radiation may be required; PPE may be required.

Work Location

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Additional Details

• Clearance: Q clearance required; background investigation and eligibility for access to classified matter. U.S. citizenship required, with some exceptions.
• New-Employment Drug Test: Successful applicants must complete a drug test in accordance with policy.
• Equal Opportunity: LANL is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Accommodation available upon request via [e-mail] or 1-505-664-6947 option 2.

Where You Will Work

LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution in northern New Mexico with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parental leave, 401(k) with match, tuition assistance, PTO/holidays, onsite gyms, relocation assistance, and more.

Note: This description preserves core responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements while removing extraneous duplications and presentational artifacts. All information is retained from the original language where applicable.