Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3 OR 4 (Mechanical Engineer)

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

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3 or 4 in Los Alamos, NM. The position involves maintaining and improving essential mechanical systems for the Plutonium Facility, contributing to National Defense operations. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and relevant experience, with responsibilities varying depending on the level of the position. The role requires strong troubleshooting skills, independence, and the ability to mentor less-experienced engineers. A Q Clearance is necessary due to the nature of the work.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of work experience for Engineer 3; 12 years for Engineer 4.
• Experience in regulated work environment and ability to work independently.
• Must obtain Q Clearance, requiring US citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations of the Plutonium Facility.
• Own assigned systems and ensure high performance.
• Work with Operations and Maintenance to troubleshoot systems.

Skills

Mechanical engineering at a nuclear facility

Troubleshooting mechanical systems

Design and operation of facility-related systems

Communication skills

Ability to obtain Q Clearance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

Mechanical system computational software

Job description

Overview

What Will You Do

This position is for Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3 or Nuclear Facilities Engineer 4. The role is in the Essential Balance of Plant Group (PFE-EBP), part of the Plutonium Facilities Engineering Division. It supports the day-to-day operations of the Plutonium Facility and mission-critical activities for National Defense. As a mechanical systems engineer, you will own assigned systems, strive to maintain them at high performance, monitor system health, and work with Operations, Maintenance, and other groups to troubleshoot and improve your systems. The group is responsible for about 40 mechanical systems, including cryogenic, compressed gases, vacuum, circulating water, chemical supply, and more. This role is suitable for hands-on engineers who want to engage with operation and maintenance by walking down systems.

Nuclear Facilities Engineer 4

This level expands on the lower level by requiring independent work, leadership of other engineers and groups, mentoring to less-experienced peers, and expert-level technical contributions to the group.

Responsibilities

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.

Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3

This role is in the Essential Balance of Plant Group (PFE-EBP), part of the Plutonium Facilities Engineering Division. It directly supports the day-to-day operations of the Plutonium Facility and is essential for mission-critical activities for National Defense. As a mechanical systems engineer, you will own your assigned system(s) and strive to maintain them at high levels of performance. You will monitor system health and work closely with Operations, Maintenance, and other groups to troubleshoot and improve your system(s). The Essential Balance of Plant Group is responsible for about 40 mechanical systems, including cryogenic, compressed gases, vacuum, circulating water, chemical supply, and more. If you are a hands-on engineer looking for a role where you are out walking down systems and engaged with their operation and maintenance, this role is for you.

Nuclear Facilities Engineer 4

In addition to what is outlined at the lower level, at this level you will be expected to work independently, act as lead to other engineers and groups, provide mentoring to less-experienced peers and colleagues, and bring expert-level technical expertise to the group.

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 (i.e. compressed air, chilled water, vacuum, gasses, and chemical systems).
• Demonstrated experience in the design, operation, and maintenance of facility related mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated experience in application of codes and standards in a highly regulated work environment, to include but not limited to: IBC, IEBC, ASHRE, UPC, ASME B31.3, ASME B31.9.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating and trending facility system health.
• Demonstrated ability to perform analysis and calculations required to support engineered solutions.
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance for assigned tasks and effectively communicate engineering solutions both verbally and written with management, customers, peers, and craft personnel and to manage multiple tasks requiring varying resource needs and deadlines.
• Ability to effectively communicate engineering solutions both verbally and written with management, customers, peers, and maintenance personnel.
• Ability to obtain a Q Clearance, which requires US citizenship.

Additional Requirements for Nuclear Facilities Engineer 4

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

Education/Experience

Lower level: Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university and a minimum of 6 years of practical work experience. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired.

Higher level: Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university and a minimum of 12 years of practical work experience. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired.

Desired Qualifications

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

Work Environment

Work Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Work locations are at the discretion of management.

Work Schedule: May require 24/7 coverage, including shift/weekend schedule (Friday-Monday, 10 hour days). Shift differential pay may apply as per Laboratory policy. Shift/weekend assignments are at management discretion.

Physical Requirements: Essential job functions can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation; standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending; use of hands/arms/legs, ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Additional Details

Clearance: Q clearance; position requires background investigation. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance, with limited exceptions.

Security/Compliance: Directive 206.2; Employment with Triad requires favorable NNSA suitability decision. Foreign nationals may be subject to comparable DOE requirements.

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, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship where permitted by law. Reasonable accommodations available; contact [e-mail] or 1-505-664-6947 option 2.