Designer/Drafter 1/2

What You Will Do


This position will be filled at either the Designer/Drafter 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.


Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking for an experienced Designer Drafter 1/2 to join our team within the Plutonium Facilities Engineering Division (PFE-DO), TA-55 Designer/Drafter group (PFE-DD). The PFE Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) develops, maintains, and applies a diverse set of engineering capabilities to provide innovative engineering solutions that enable the Laboratory's scientific and national security mission. Within the Laboratory, virtually all plutonium operations occur at TA-55. This site is the nation's most modern plutonium science and manufacturing facility, and it is the only fully operational, full-capability plutonium facility in the nation.

Designer/Drafter 1 ($47,400-$73,200)
As a Designer/Drafter 1, incumbent will be part of a design team assessing, maintaining, and upgrading facility systems at LANL. Regular functions include but are not limited to entry-level skills creating detailed three-dimensional and two-dimensional facility designs, visits to facilities to evaluate, identify, and document existing deficiencies; produce simple calculations and design recommendations; supports initial design solutions for new facilities, additions, renovations and repairs for Engineer review and approval; function as part of and contributes to a strong team-work environment. In addition, you'll learn and develop the following:

  • Learn more about design and drafting from seasoned designers and drafters
  • See how your skills can contribute to national security
  • See your ideas come to life on paper and in construction
  • Learn how to be a contributing team member
  • Develop engineering judgement
  • Develop your leadership skills

Designer/Drafter 2 ($52,400 - $80,600)
In addition to what was outlined at level 1, at the Designer/Drafter 2 level you will perform the following duties:

  • Knowledge and experience in understanding engineering design
  • Familiarity with industry standards such as ASME, ASTM, AWS, IEEE and computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce models, drawings, layouts or engineering concepts.
  • Responsible for the generation of design drawing packages
  • Resolves engineering package issues by facilitating reviews, collaborating with engineers and stakeholders on designs, fabrication, assembly and testing.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Fundamental knowledge of AutoDesk AutoCAD.
  • Experience with completing basic facility designs for engineering review and drafting the design drawings in
  • Computer-aided design software.
  • Novice level understanding and demonstrated ability to grasp engineering, design, and drafting concepts.
  • Ability to work in collaboration with a multi-discipline engineering team to ensure drawing coordination and quality.
  • Demonstrated ability to articulate concepts through various oral and written communication media, using a diverse range of technical and business acumen.
  • Demonstrated ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and contract language..

Additional Job Requirements for Designer/Drafter 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

  • Minimum 3 years experience in computer-aided drafting (CAD) software tools to produce models, drawings, layouts and sketches of components or utility systems.
  • Demonstrate working level understanding of design, fabrication and ability to modeling and drawing drafting principals for application of symbols and notes, to drawings and models to capture design intent.
  • Demonstrate fundamental understanding of principles for design, fabrication, assembly and fielding of components and mechanisms; component and tool design; engineering materials and their suitability for component design and manufacture.
  • Demonstrate ability to work well in teams and with minimal guidance from a senior level technician on non-routine tasks.
  • Ability to train/mentor newer Designer/Drafters.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a High School diploma or equivalent and 1 year of experience.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a High School diploma or equivalent and 3 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Basic knowledge of facility codes and standards.
  • Knowledge of DOE and LANL Engineering Standards and Conduct of Engineering principals and procedures
  • Experience in DOE/NNSA nonreactor nuclear facilities and radiological facilities or projects.
  • Knowledge of LANL policies
  • AutoCAD Certification

Note to Applicants: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Q-Clearance
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 maternity 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.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

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.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility 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, 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.