Nuclear Facilities Engineer 1 OR 2 (Architectural Engineer)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Flexible schedules and PTO

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an Architectural Engineer for the Plutonium Facilities Engineering Division and Waste Facilities to design, maintain, and upgrade architectural and structural systems at nuclear waste processing facilities. The role covers design details, structural analyses, specifications, and inspections, with input on space planning and emergency egress to ensure safety.

Senior roles involve mentoring and applying IBC/IEBC/NFPA 101 standards in a regulated

Qualifications

• Knowledge of non-reactor facility structural engineering systems and calculations.
• Proficiency with BIM tools such as Autodesk Revit.
• Experience with engineering work, planning, construction, and control methods.
• Knowledge of engineering maintenance techniques and construction methodologies.
• Understanding of space planning, occupancy requirements, and ergonomics.
• Knowledge of IBC, AISC 360, ACI 318, ASCE 7, DOE‑STD 1020 and other relevant codes.
• Understanding of engineering principles, design guides, appropriate standards, and administrative practices.
• Experience with project and process engineering practices.
• Advanced knowledge and prior use of IBC, IEBC, and NFPA 101.

Responsibilities

• Design, maintain, and upgrade architectural and structural systems at nuclear waste processing, storage, and characterization facilities.
• Develop design details, structural analysis calculations, specifications, and special inspections.
• Provide input on emergency egress and space planning to keep occupants safe and productive.
• Renovate rooms, modify buildings and structures, and develop new structures within and around plutonium facilities.
• Collaborate with junior and senior engineers on full‑system design solutions; apply building and life‑safety codes.

Skills

Facility design

Space planning

Ergonomics

Engineering calculations

Team collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Architectural Engineering preferred)

Professional Engineer (PE) license desirable

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification desirable

Tools

Autodesk Revit

SAP 2000

GT STRUDL

RISA

STAAD

3D BIM

Job description

What You Will Do

We are seeking an Architectural Engineer for the Plutonium Facilities Engineering Division (PFE-DO) and Waste Facilities (PFE-WF) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). You will design, maintain, and upgrade architectural and structural systems at nuclear waste processing, storage, and characterization facilities. Your work will include developing design details, structural analysis calculations, specifications, and special inspections that incorporate nuclear safety and other applicable requirements. You will also provide input on emergency egress and space planning to keep occupants safe and productive.

As a Nuclear Facilities Engineer 1, you will support the laboratory’s mission by renovating rooms, modifying buildings and structures, and developing new structures within and around the plutonium facility. As a Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2, you will work alongside junior and senior engineers in collaborative full‑system design solutions, mentor peers, and apply advanced knowledge of building and life‑safety codes such as ICC IBC, IEBC, and NFPA 101.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Knowledge of non‑reactor facility structural engineering systems and calculations.
• Proficiency with computer‑aided engineering tools such as 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM, e.g., Autodesk Revit).
• Experience with engineering work, planning, construction, and control methods.
• Knowledge of engineering maintenance techniques and construction methodologies.
• Understanding of basic architectural concepts of space planning, occupancy requirements, and ergonomics.

Additional Job Requirements for Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2

• Knowledge of IBC, AISC 360, ACI 318, ASCE 7, DOE‑STD 1020 and other relevant codes.
• Understanding of engineering principles, design guides, appropriate standards, and administrative practices.
• Experience with project and process engineering practices.
• Advanced knowledge and prior use of IBC, IEBC, and NFPA 101.

Training / Certifications

Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) certification with a commitment to obtain a PE is highly desirable. Professional Architect licensure may be beneficial depending on facility requirements.

Education / Experience at Lower Level

A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Architectural Engineering preferred) and a minimum of 2 years practical work experience. Candidates who meet the degree requirement but lack the 2‑year experience may also apply under an allowable variance.

Education / Experience at Higher Level

A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Architectural Engineering preferred) and a minimum of 3 years practical work experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with safety‑critical systems in regulated industries.
• Operations and maintenance environment experience.
• Facility modification and retrofit projects.
• Structural analysis experience with SAP 2000, GT STRUDL, RISA, STAAD, or equivalent.
• Proficiency with Autodesk Revit or similar BIM software.
• Knowledge of building systems design processes (MEP, control systems, HVAC).
• Demonstrated knowledge of DOE standards applicable to structural design implementation.
• Familiarity with LANL engineering processes and procedures.

Work Environment

Work in a noisy environment with sources of ionizing and non‑ionizing radiation, near machinery with moving parts, and occasional overtime or irregular schedule.

Work Location

The position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Work Schedule

This position may require 24/7 coverage, including shift or weekend assignments. Eligibility for shift differential pay is at the discretion of the manager.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees must serve a continuous period of service in the current position to be eligible for posted jobs. The position commitment for this role is 1 year.

Note to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities supporting national security labs and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our benefits package includes:

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with a 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 the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to U.S. citizens. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance

Position will require Q clearance. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government. Q clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in rare circumstances.

New‑Employment Drug Test

Applicants must complete a new‑employment drug test and are subject to a substance abuse policy that includes random testing. Use or possession of marijuana remains illegal under federal law; a positive test will result in termination of employment.

Regular Position

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, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The laboratory is committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.