Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2/3 (Structural Engineer)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high-deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching contributions

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking for a Nuclear Facilities Engineering Structural Engineer to ensure the structural integrity and safety of systems supporting plutonium operations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, with familiarity in structural analysis tools and experience in multidisciplinary teams. This position offers various benefits, including health insurance, a 401(k) plan, and opportunities for professional development. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and may require Q clearance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience for Level 2, 6 years for Level 3.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information clearly.
• Experience with structural design and modification activities.

Responsibilities

• Design, evaluate, and modify structural systems for nuclear operations.
• Perform structural analyses and ensure compliance with safety codes.
• Collaborate with teams on project execution and issue resolution.

Skills

Foundational knowledge of structural engineering systems

Familiarity with structural analysis tools

Knowledge of engineering work planning and construction practices

Ability to perform engineering calculations

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience with multidisciplinary engineering teams

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) registration

Tools

SAP2000

GT STRUDL

RISA

STAAD

Job description

Overview

The Nuclear Facilities Engineering Structural Engineer (Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 or 3 level) supports LANL's nuclear mission by ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and performance of systems that support plutonium operations. The role operates within a highly regulated environment governed by DOE Orders, nuclear safety requirements, national consensus codes, and Laboratory standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, evaluation, and modification of structural systems and components associated with nuclear facility operations, including gloveboxes, equipment supports, enclosures, and storage systems.
• Perform structural analyses and calculations for components such as support stands, anchorage systems, penetrations, and equipment installations, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and safety requirements.
• Review design changes and engineering documents to verify alignment with safety basis requirements, Laboratory standards, and national codes.
• Support installation, modification, and maintenance activities, contributing to safe and compliant operation of Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facilities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support system performance, resolve issues, and contribute to project execution.
• Contribute to system engineering responsibilities for assigned structures or components, supporting configuration, operability, and performance.
• At the senior level, lead structural engineering activities for nuclear facility systems, perform and oversee design efforts for system modifications, upgrades, and new installations, manage systems as cognizant system engineer, evaluate and implement design changes, lead significant portions of projects, mentor junior engineers, and operate with substantial independence.

Qualifications

• 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 (IBC, AISC, ACI, ASCE, DOE requirements).
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and support the development of structural solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Additional requirements for the higher level title:

• 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 and Experience

• Typical education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (minimum). Advanced engineering or technical degree highly desired.
• Level 2: Minimum 3 years of practical work experience.
• Level 3: Minimum 6 years of practical work experience.
• Provisional or current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable.

Desired 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 preferred.
• Engineer‑in‑Training certification or progress toward PE licensure considered desirable.

Location and Working Conditions

Located in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Work may involve 24/7 coverage, shift or weekend schedules, with shift differential pay potentially applicable. Work includes office‑based engineering and field activities such as facility walkdowns and site visits. The work environment is noisy and may involve exposure to ionizing and non‑ionizing radiation, moving machinery, and irregular or overtime schedules.

Benefits

• 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) with 6% matching and 3.5% annual contribution.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (outside 50‑mile radius).

Security Clearance

Position requires Q clearance. Candidates must hold U.S. citizenship except in limited circumstances. Clearance is subject to federal background investigation.

Eligibility 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 that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a continuous period of at least one year in this position to remain eligible for future posted jobs within the Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal‑opportunity employer and commits to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability, in accordance with federal law. The Laboratory also provides reasonable accommodations for disability upon request.