Quality Engineer 1 or 2-Capital Construction and Infrastructure Projects

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 88,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Onsite gyms

Tuition assistance

Medical insurance (PPO or HD)

Paid time off

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks Project Quality Engineers at QE1 and QE2 levels to support capital construction and infrastructure projects. The role blends office collaboration with field work, allowing you to see projects come to life while working with construction teams.

You will join multidisciplinary teams, applying DOE quality assurance requirements and industry best practices to deliver high‑quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of quality assurance principles and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specs, and technical docs.
• Understanding of engineering, construction, testing, procurement, or operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality plans and ensure compliance across planning, design, procurement, and construction.
• Review documentation and perform field observations and quality reviews.
• Identify quality issues and coordinate with engineers and project leaders for resolution.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and collaborate across organizations.

Skills

Quality assurance principles

Reading drawings/specs

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / Quality / Construction Management / Industrial Systems Engineering

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

This position will be filled at either the Quality Engineer 1 or 2 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.

Help Build the Future at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Join Los Alamos National Laboratory and help deliver the facilities and infrastructure that enable world‑class science and strengthen our nation's security.

We are seeking Project Quality Engineers at the Quality Engineer 1 and Quality Engineer 2 levels to support capital construction and infrastructure projects across the Laboratory. From new laboratories to major modernization efforts, you will work alongside engineers, scientists, project managers, and construction professionals to ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. This is a dynamic position that combines office collaboration with time in the field, allowing you to see projects come to life while working directly with construction teams.

Whether you’re launching your engineering career or bringing previous quality or construction experience, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing professionally in one of the nation’s premier research institutions.

Why Join LANL?

• Contribute to projects that directly support the Laboratory’s national security mission.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams on complex engineering and construction projects.
• Gain experience with DOE quality assurance requirements and industry best practices.
• Develop expertise in construction quality, project execution, and continuous improvement.
• Build a rewarding career with opportunities for professional growth and technical development.

Quality Engineer 1 ($87,800 - $143,000)

As a Quality Engineer 1, you will work alongside experienced quality professionals to support project quality activities throughout the construction lifecycle. This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop technical expertise while contributing to successful project delivery.

• Support implementation of project quality requirements.
• Review engineering and construction documentation for quality compliance.
• Participate in field observations, assessments, and quality reviews.
• Assist project teams in identifying and resolving quality issues.
• Collaborate with engineers, construction managers, and project leadership throughout project execution.

Quality Engineer 2 ($96,600 - $158,000)

As a Quality Engineer 2, you will independently lead quality assurance activities for assigned capital projects while serving as a trusted advisor to project leadership.

• Lead implementation of project quality plans.
• Provide quality oversight throughout planning, design, procurement, construction, and project completion.
• Evaluate engineering documentation and construction activities for compliance with requirements.
• Analyze quality trends and recommend improvements that reduce project risk.
• Mentor less experienced engineers while partnering across multiple organizations.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Quality is essential to the Laboratory’s mission. As a Project Quality Engineer, you’ll help deliver the infrastructure that enables world‑class science while building a rewarding engineering career.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Knowledge of quality assurance principles, policies, or regulatory requirements.
• Experience in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Understanding of engineering, construction, testing, procurement, or operational processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Job Requirements for QE 2:

• Experience leading quality assurance activities on engineering, construction, manufacturing, or industrial projects.
• Experience conducting assessments, audits, corrective actions, or quality improvement initiatives.
• Working knowledge of quality management systems and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence project teams and stakeholders.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Construction Management, or Industrial Systems Engineering or a related field and 2 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Construction Management, or Industrial Systems Engineering or a related field and 5 year of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supporting capital construction, industrial, or manufacturing projects in a highly regulated environment.
• Experience working with recognized quality frameworks such as ISO 9001, ASQ methodologies, NQA 1, or similar industry QA standards.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Construction Quality Manager (CCQM), or similar certification.
• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or comparable project management experience.

Work Environment

This position combines office and field work in support of active construction and infrastructure projects throughout Los Alamos National Laboratory. Successful candidates should be comfortable working in construction, industrial, and laboratory environments while following all applicable safety and security requirements. The role requires periodic field inspections, use of required personal protective equipment, and occasional travel throughout the Laboratory site.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Essential Job Functions

This position combines office and field work, including active construction site visits. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively, safely navigate construction environments, and perform the physical activities associated with project quality oversight while complying with all applicable safety and security requirements.

Position Commitment

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 time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China — including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau — as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

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

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large 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 employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular Position: Term status 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 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. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2.