Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3 OR 4 (Mechanical Engineer)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high-deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Basic life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with 6% matching

Learning opportunities

On-site gyms and wellness programs

Extensive relocation packages

Job summary

A prominent contractor in nuclear security is seeking a qualified Nuclear Facilities Engineer in Los Alamos, NM. The role requires expertise in mechanical systems, including troubleshooting and applying regulatory codes. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree and relevant experience in a nuclear or commercial facility, alongside the ability to obtain a Q clearance. This full-time role may require shift work and offers a comprehensive benefits package including insurance, retirement plans, and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a mechanical engineer at a commercial, industrial, or nuclear facility.
• Expertise in facility-related mechanical systems including (compressed air, chilled water, vacuum, gases).
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical systems and applying codes and standards in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Own assigned mechanical systems and maintain high levels of performance.
• Monitor system health and troubleshoot issues.
• Prepare and review technical reports for facility systems.

Skills

Experience as a mechanical engineer

Troubleshooting mechanical systems

Understanding of codes and standards

Ability to perform analysis and calculations

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Advanced engineering or technical degree

Tools

Mechanical system computational software (e.g., AFT Fathom/Arrow, Pipe Flow)

Job description

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3 or 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities, outlined below, will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level. As a mechanical system engineer, you will own your assigned system(s) and strive to maintain them at high levels of performance, monitor system health, and work closely with Operations, Maintenance and other groups to troubleshoot and improve your system(s). You will be responsible for a range of mechanical systems such as cryogenic, compressed gases, vacuum, circulating water, chemical supply, and many others.

Shift Work

This position may require 24/7 coverage, including a shift/weekend schedule (Friday‑Monday, 10 hour days). Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by manager and in accordance with Laboratory policy. Shift/weekend assignments are at manager discretion.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated experience as a mechanical engineer at a major commercial, industrial, or nuclear facility with a strong background in facility‑related systems (compressed air, chilled water, vacuum, gases, and chemical systems).
• Experience in the design, operation, and maintenance of facility‑related mechanical systems.
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical systems.
• Experience applying codes and standards in a highly regulated environment, including IBC, IEBC, ASHRE, UPC, ASME B31.3, and ASME B31.9.
• Experience evaluating and trending facility system health.
• Ability to perform the analysis and calculations required to support engineered solutions.
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and effectively communicate engineering solutions verbally and in writing with management, customers, peers, and craft personnel.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship).

Additional Job Requirements for Nuclear Facilities Engineer 4

• Ability to prepare and review technical reports and studies for establishing and maintaining the Technical Baseline for new and existing facility systems.
• Ability to develop design details, calculations, studies, specifications, and special inspections incorporating applicable design requirements, including nuclear safety requirements.
• Ability to interface and coordinate with other engineering disciplines, maintenance, and operations.
• Ability to mentor early and mid‑career engineers.

Education and Experience

Lower level (Engineer's 3): Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution and a minimum of 6 years of practical work experience.

Higher level (Engineer's 4): Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution and a minimum of 12 years of practical work experience.

Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired for both levels.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience as a mechanical engineer at a DOE or commercial nuclear facility with a strong background in facility‑related mechanical systems (HVAC, compressed air, water systems).
• Experience with varying compressed gas systems and cryogenic systems.
• Experience with mechanical system computational software (e.g., AFT Fathom/Arrow, Pipe Flow).
• Involvement with National Consensus Code Committee(s).
• Experience working in a highly regulated nuclear environment (DOE or NRC).
• Active DOE Q‑clearance.

Work Environment

Work Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Work Schedule: 24/7 coverage may be required. Work may involve shifts including weekends and irregular hours.

Essential Job Functions: General physical mobility, standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending. Specific physical mobility includes using both hands, arms, legs, feet, and the ability to carry or lift up to 20 pounds.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service of 1 year in the current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory.

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.

Benefits

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Basic life and disability insurance at no cost
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) with 6 % matching plus 3.5 % annually
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• On‑site gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50‑mile radius)

Clearance

Position requires Q clearance. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation conducted by the federal government. The Q clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in very limited circumstances. Additional authorization to access classified information may be required and is a federal decision.

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 or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process.