Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3/4 (Structural Engineer)
Los Alamos National Laboratory
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of non-reactor nuclear facility structural systems.
- Experience with structural analysis tools like SAP2000 and RISA.
- Ability to interpret DOE Orders and national consensus codes.
Responsibilities
- Ensure safe operation of nuclear facilities.
- Support long-range mission needs through engineering principles.
- Lead technical tasks and mentor junior engineers.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
This position will be filled at either Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3 or 4, depending on the candidate’s skills. Additional job responsibilities listed below apply if hired at the higher level.
As a Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3, you will play a critical role in advancing the laboratory’s national security mission by ensuring the safe, compliant, and high‑performance operation of Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facilities. The position builds upon the foundational responsibilities of the NFE 2 role and requires a deeper command of nuclear facility engineering principles to support system design, configuration management, and long‑range mission needs.
As a Nuclear Facilities Engineer 4, you will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for shaping nuclear facility engineering strategies that directly support the laboratory’s national security mission. This level requires expert‑level knowledge of nuclear facility engineering, design authority principles, and the regulatory framework that governs Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facilities.
- Strong knowledge of non‑reactor nuclear facility structural systems, calculations, and engineering methods that support safe and compliant facility operation.
- Demonstrated proficiency using structural analysis and computer‑aided engineering tools such as SAP2000, GT STRUDL, RISA, or STAAD to solve complex technical problems.
- Solid understanding of engineering work planning, construction practices, and control methods used in high‑consequence facility environments.
- Experience applying maintenance, inspection, and construction techniques that support long‑term structural integrity, operational reliability, and compliance.
- Working knowledge of laboratory procedures, technical standards, and design guides relevant to facility engineering activities.
- Thorough understanding of DOE, industry, and national consensus codes and standards including IBC, AISC 360, ACI 318, ASCE 7, and DOE STD 1020.
- Demonstrated ability to apply nuclear facility engineering principles, design guidance, and quality assurance requirements to ensure facility safety and regulatory compliance.
- Ability to execute project and process engineering practices including configuration management, work control, and disciplined design documentation.
- Experience integrating engineering inputs across structural, mechanical, electrical, and other technical disciplines to produce coordinated and defensible technical solutions.
- Proven ability to perform and document detailed calculations, evaluations, and analyses in support of facility design, modification, or operational decisions.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively to deliver safe, compliant, and mission‑aligned engineering outcomes.
- Demonstrated capability to interpret and apply DOE Orders, nuclear safety requirements, and national consensus codes in the development of engineering solutions.
- Experience performing system engineering, design engineering, or project engineering functions within complex facility environments.
- Ability to manage configuration, operability, and performance of assigned systems using a graded and risk‑informed approach.
- Experience coordinating effectively with operations, maintenance, and project management personnel to ensure safe and compliant execution of work.
- Ability to lead technical tasks, mentor junior team members, and independently resolve moderately complex engineering issues.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance.
In addition to the Level 3 requirements, the Level 4 engineer must demonstrate expert command of nuclear facility engineering, including the ability to resolve uniquely complex structural and system‑level challenges using advanced analytical methods and professional judgment. The Level 4 engineer functions as a senior technical authority, providing design‑authority support, approving high‑consequence engineering decisions, and directing large or strategically significant engineering efforts across disciplines.
Current registration as an Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) is highly desirable.
Lower level: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution and a minimum of 6 years of practical work experience necessary to perform the responsibilities described above. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired. Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable.
Higher level: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution and a minimum of 12 years of practical work experience necessary to perform the responsibilities described above. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired. Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable.
- Advanced degree in engineering or a related technical field.
- Experience supporting LANL or DOE complex Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facilities.
- Expertise in nuclear safety basis, criticality safety, engineered safety features, and configuration management.
- Experience with engineering work planning and control, construction methodologies, and maintenance programs in nuclear environments.
- Professional Engineering license.
- Experience developing or overseeing technical procurements requiring nuclear quality assurance.
- Demonstrated record of technical leadership, peer review, mentorship, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative work environment.
General physical mobility: standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending. Specific physical mobility: use of both hands, both arms, both legs, both feet, and ability to carry/lift up to 20 pounds.
Work in a noisy environment; near sources of ionizing and non‑ionizing radiation; near machinery with moving parts; working overtime or irregular schedule.
4/10 schedule; the position may require 24/7 coverage, which could involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.
Onsite at Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
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 required period, they may only apply for laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their division leader. The position commitment is 1 year.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, 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 of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.
- 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).
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.
Q clearance. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the federal government and must meet eligibility requirements. The position requires a Q clearance; obtaining such clearance normally requires U.S. citizenship.
This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 CFR Part 712, including ongoing drug and alcohol testing and periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new‑employment drug test. Montana and other states may have legalized marijuana, but use and possession remain illegal under federal law; a positive test will result in termination.
Regular‑status laboratory employees applying for regular‑status positions are converted to regular status. Regular‑status employees applying for term‑status positions may retain regular status with approval of the cognizant Principal Associate Director.
Regular‑appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply. Those who have not served the required period may apply only with the documented approval of their division leader. Refer to Policy P701 for eligibility requirements.
The higher‑level position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. Eligibility requires a minimum of 3 months in the eligible position, starting after July 1 and ending by September 30. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
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, pregnancy, veteran status, or citizenship within the limits imposed by law. The laboratory is committed to making its 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 an accommodation, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)‑664‑6947 opt. 3.
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