Quality Engineer 1 or 2 (CWI Mechanical)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 87,800 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision

401(k) matching

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a QC Quality Engineer to join the Plutonium Infrastructure Quality group onsite in Los Alamos, NM. External candidates only to apply.

Positions are available at Quality Engineer 1 or 2 level with responsibilities including Level II QC inspections, CWI weld inspections, Hilti inspections, and NCR documentation. QE2 adds mentoring and reporting duties, plus more complex inspections.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Knowledge of ASME NQA‑1 and DOE requirements.
• Ability to learn quality regulations and communicate technically.
• Willingness to obtain DOE Q Clearance (US citizenship).
• Able to work night or back-shift.

Responsibilities

• Perform Level II QC inspections independently.
• Perform CWI weld inspections and Hilti inspections.
• Monitor construction activities for compliance with plans and quality.
• Review and document inspection and test reports.
• Assist with NCR documentation and procedure development.
• Mentor QE 1 personnel (QE2 level).

Skills

QC inspections

CWI inspections

engineering drawings

ASME NQA-1

DOE requirements

communication skills

night shift

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Romer/FARO

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

As a QC Quality Engineer, you will be part of the Plutonium Infrastructure Quality (PIQ) group. The PIQ mission is to support the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Plutonium Infrastructure (ALDPI) by ensuring quality requirements are implemented into work projects through oversight and inspection activities that verify compliance with specifications during construction, maintenance, and modification activities at LANL. You will support both deployed and institutional inspection activities while working under the guidance of experienced Quality Engineers.

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

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

• Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Performing Level II QC inspections independently
• Performing Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) weld inspections
• Performing Hilti anchor inspections
• Performing Hilti anchor installation verification and inspections
• Performing torque verification and torquing inspections
• Performing pressure testing inspections
• Performing firestop inspections
• Performing additional construction quality inspections and testing activities as required; this list is not all-inclusive
• Monitoring construction activities to ensure compliance with project plans, specifications, and quality requirements
• Supporting the review and documentation of inspection and test reports
• Assisting with Nonconformance Report (NCR) documentation
• Learning and applying quality requirements, procedures, and inspection techniques
• Assisting with development and revision of inspection procedures, checklists, and forms
• Working closely with engineering, construction, and construction personnel to support inspection activities while maintaining safety and quality standards

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

• Assisting with development and revision of inspection procedures, reports, forms, protocols, and checklists
• Conducting research into technical issues, evaluating potential solutions, and recommending corrective actions
• Providing guidance and mentoring to QE 1 personnel, as assigned
• Recording inspection and test results in accordance with applicable procedures and specifications

Minimum Job Requirements

Quality Engineer 1

• Perform Level II QC inspections independently
• Basic knowledge of quality assurance principles and quality management systems
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and technical documents
• Ability to learn quality regulations, policies, procedures, and national consensus standards such as ASME NQA‑1, ASME, ISO, ANSI, and applicable DOE requirements
• Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, conduct research, and communicate technical information effectively
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written/oral communication skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Willingness to complete required qualifications and certifications
• Must be able to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, which typically requires US Citizenship
• Must be able to work a night or back‑shift schedule

Quality Engineer 2

• Perform Level II QC inspections independently
• Working knowledge of ASME NQA‑1 quality standards
• Working knowledge of quality regulations, policies, and procedures
• Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and schematics
• Demonstrated experience investigating quality issues and recommending corrective actions
• Working knowledge of engineering, construction, testing, and operational practices sufficient to comprehend inspection requirements
• Ability to mentor less experienced QE personnel
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Education/Experience for the QE 1 Level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Assurance, Industrial Systems Engineering, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience for the QE 2 Level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Assurance, Industrial Systems Engineering, or a related field and 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector certification
• Experience working within nuclear and/or DOE quality assurance or quality control programs
• Additional relevant education or professional certifications
• Experience performing dimensional measurements using Romer/FARO equipment
• Experience with helium leak testing
• Active DOE Q Clearance or equivalent Top Secret clearance

Essential Job Functions

Can perform: sitting, standing, walking, running, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, crawling, twisting the trunk or back, and balancing. (Can perform with or without reasonable accommodation)

Work Location

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

Work Schedule

Working overtime or irregular schedules as required. 4/10 schedule with possible 2nd or 3rd shift assignment and periodic weekend work.

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.

Benefits

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with a 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)

Clearance and Security

Directive 206.2: Employment requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Q Clearance: The 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 U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

Disqualifications

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), 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.

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.