Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2/3 (Structural Engineer)
- Req. Number: IRC141659
- Organization : PFE-DO/Plutonium Facilities Engineering Division
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Recruiter Name: Evans, Anissa Diane
- Recruiter Email: aevans@lanl.gov
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 or 3, 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.
The Plutonium Facilities Engineering Division (PFE-DO), Design Engineers (PFE-DE ), and Rapid Response Team (PFE-RRT) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) are seeking Structural Engineers. Apply your structural engineering expertise where it truly matters-join our exceptional Plutonium Facilities Engineering team. Here, innovation and critical thinking are at the heart of everything we do, and every voice has the power to shape meaningful solutions. This is your opportunity to contribute to vital systems that safeguard national security and drive real-world impact!
Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 $104,100 - $172,200
As a Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 at Los Alamos National Laboratory, you will play a vital role in supporting the Lab's national security mission by ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of nuclear facilities. This position emphasizes structural engineering expertise, particularly in steel and concrete design, to support retooling efforts in existing nuclear facilities.
You will be responsible for interpreting and applying a wide range of regulatory and technical standards-including DOE Orders and national codes such as ASCE, ACI, AISC, and IBC-to deliver practical, mission-aligned engineering solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
Depending on the assignment, you may serve in one of the following roles:
Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3 $125,200 - $211,300
In addition to performing all duties of a Nuclear Facility Engineer 2, this position serves as a technical authority and subject matter expert, guiding the design, configuration, and operation of critical nuclear systems. Engineers at this level apply broad, in-depth knowledge of regulatory and technical standards to develop innovative solutions that ensure safety, compliance, and long-term facility performance. The role requires strategic leadership, mentoring of junior engineers, and collaboration across engineering, operations, and project management disciplines to deliver mission-driven outcomes with precision and excellence.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Additional Job Requirements for Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3:
Training/Certifications: Current registration as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is highly desirable.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university and a minimum of 3 years of practical work experience necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired. Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable.
Education/Experience at higher 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 necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired. Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable.
Desired Qualifications:
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): General Physical Mobility, standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending. Specific Physical Mobility use of both hands, use of both arms, use of both legs, use of both feet, carry/lift up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment: work in a noisy environment, work near sources of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, work near machinery with moving parts, working overtime or an irregular schedule.
Work Schedule: 4/10 schedule
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.
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:
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.
Term position: Regular-status Laboratory employees applying for term-status positions may retain regular status with approval of the cognizant Principle Associate Director.
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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
This position will be filled at either Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 or 3, 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.
The Plutonium Facilities Engineering Division (PFE-DO), Design Engineers (PFE-DE ), and Rapid Response Team (PFE-RRT) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) are seeking Structural Engineers. Apply your structural engineering expertise where it truly matters-join our exceptional Plutonium Facilities Engineering team. Here, innovation and critical thinking are at the heart of everything we do, and every voice has the power to shape meaningful solutions. This is your opportunity to contribute to vital systems that safeguard national security and drive real-world impact!
Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 $104,100 - $172,200
As a Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 at Los Alamos National Laboratory, you will play a vital role in supporting the Lab's national security mission by ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of nuclear facilities. This position emphasizes structural engineering expertise, particularly in steel and concrete design, to support retooling efforts in existing nuclear facilities.
You will be responsible for interpreting and applying a wide range of regulatory and technical standards-including DOE Orders and national codes such as ASCE, ACI, AISC, and IBC-to deliver practical, mission-aligned engineering solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
Depending on the assignment, you may serve in one of the following roles:
- PFE-Design Engineer
- PFE-Rapid Response Team Member
Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3 $125,200 - $211,300
In addition to performing all duties of a Nuclear Facility Engineer 2, this position serves as a technical authority and subject matter expert, guiding the design, configuration, and operation of critical nuclear systems. Engineers at this level apply broad, in-depth knowledge of regulatory and technical standards to develop innovative solutions that ensure safety, compliance, and long-term facility performance. The role requires strategic leadership, mentoring of junior engineers, and collaboration across engineering, operations, and project management disciplines to deliver mission-driven outcomes with precision and excellence.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Knowledge of new and existing non-reactor facility structural systems, calculations, and engineering methods.
- Demonstrated ability to apply computer-aided engineering tools such as SAP2000, GT STRUDL, RISA, or STAAD to solve complex engineering problems.
- Understanding of engineering work planning, construction, and control methods.
- Proficiency in engineering maintenance techniques and construction methodologies.
- Working knowledge of relevant Laboratory procedures, standards, and design guides.
- Knowledge of industry, regulatory, and Department of Energy (DOE) codes and standards, including IBC, AISC 360, ACI 318, ASCE 7, and DOE-STD-1020.
- Experience applying nuclear facility engineering principles, design guides, and quality standards to support facility safety and compliance.
- Knowledge of project and process engineering practices, including configuration management, work control, and design documentation.
- Experience integrating engineering activities across multiple disciplines such as structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.
- Ability to perform and document complex calculations, analyses, and evaluations in support of nuclear facility design or modification.
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively to deliver safe, compliant, and mission-driven technical solutions.
Additional Job Requirements for Nuclear Facilities Engineer 3:
- Advanced, comprehensive knowledge of nuclear facility engineering systems, design methodologies, and risk-based graded approaches applied to complex or high-consequence operations.
- Thorough understanding of DOE/NNSA regulations, national codes, and consensus standards governing Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facilities.
- Demonstrated success providing design authority or technical leadership for nuclear facility systems, including engineered safety features and nuclear safety systems.
- Ability to lead interdisciplinary engineering teams, mentor junior staff, and provide peer review or technical oversight to ensure quality and compliance.
- Expertise in developing and implementing innovative engineering concepts, techniques, and standards that improve safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate across engineering, operations, project management, and regulatory interfaces to drive mission success.
- Recognized technical credibility and subject matter expertise in one or more focus areas such as nuclear safety basis, criticality safety analysis, systems engineering, project engineering, or design engineering.
Training/Certifications: Current registration as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is highly desirable.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university and a minimum of 3 years of practical work experience necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired. Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable.
Education/Experience at higher 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 necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired. Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable.
Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated knowledge of DOE standards applicable to structural design implementation.
- Familiarity with LANL engineering processes and procedures.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): General Physical Mobility, standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending. Specific Physical Mobility use of both hands, use of both arms, use of both legs, use of both feet, carry/lift up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment: work in a noisy environment, work near sources of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, work near machinery with moving parts, working overtime or an irregular schedule.
Work Schedule: 4/10 schedule
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.
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)
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.
Term position: Regular-status Laboratory employees applying for term-status positions may retain regular status with approval of the cognizant Principle Associate Director.
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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
