Los Alamos National Laboratory

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at the Designer/Drafter 1 or 2, 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) and the Designer/Drafters Group (PFE-DD) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) are seeking a Structural Designer. Apply your structural 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!

Designer/Drafter 1 ($48,500-$75,000)

As a Designer/Drafter 1, the incumbent will be part of a multidisciplinary engineering design team responsible for assessing, maintaining, and upgrading structural and facility systems at LANL. This entry-level position supports structural engineering efforts in compliance with a wide range of regulatory and technical standards-including DOE Orders and national codes such as ASME, ASCE, ACI, AISC, and IBC-to deliver practical, mission-aligned engineering solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

Regular functions include, but are not limited to:

• Producing two-dimensional and three-dimensional structural drawings and models (plans, sections, elevations, details) under the direction of a structural engineer.
• Supporting the evaluation and documentation of existing structural systems, including foundations, concrete, steel framing, masonry, and structural connections.
• Participating in facility walkdowns to document existing conditions, identify deficiencies, and verify as-built conditions in operational environments.
• Assisting with quantity take-offs and preparation of design recommendations for engineer review.
• Supporting initial design solutions for new facilities, structural modifications, renovations, seismic upgrades, and repairs in accordance with applicable building codes and DOE requirements.
• Assisting with the preparation of drawing packages that comply with LANL BIM and CAD standards, drafting conventions, and document control requirements.
• Functioning as an effective team member in a highly regulated, safety-conscious environment, contributing to drawing coordination and quality.

In addition, you will learn and develop the following:

• Structural drafting and design practices specific to laboratory and DOE/NNSA facilities
• How structural design supports mission-critical and national security infrastructure
• Application of codes, standards, and safety basis considerations to real-world projects
• Professional engineering judgment and attention to detail
• Teamwork, communication, and leadership skills within a technical organization

Designer/Drafter 2 ($53,700 - $82,500)

In addition to the responsibilities outlined for Designer/Drafter 1, the Designer/Drafter 2 will perform more advanced drafting and design support functions with increasing independence and technical judgment.

Additional duties include:

• Applying working knowledge of structural engineering principles to develop detailed drawings for concrete, steel, masonry, and miscellaneous structural components.
• Producing and maintaining complete structural drawing packages, including general notes, details, schedules, and references to applicable codes and standards.
• Demonstrating familiarity with industry and government standards such as ASME, ASCE, ACI, AISC, IBC and relevant DOE and LANL Engineering Standards.
• Supporting designs that consider seismic, wind, load path, and safety-related performance requirements, as applicable to DOE facilities.
• Resolving drawing and engineering package issues by facilitating reviews and collaborating with structural engineers, other disciplines, and stakeholders.
• Supporting constructability reviews, fabrication coordination, and field-related clarifications during construction or modification activities.
• Applying LANL configuration management, document control, and Conduct of Engineering practices to all work products.

#shiftwork

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Fundamental knowledge of Autodesk AutoCAD, preferably in structural drafting and design.
• Basic familiarity with Autodesk Revit as it applies to structural drafting and design, including the ability to view, navigate, and modify structural models and extract drawings under engineering direction.
• Novice-level understanding of structural engineering, drafting, and design concepts, with the ability to learn DOE-specific requirements.
• Ability to collaborate with multi-discipline engineering teams to ensure drawing coordination, consistency, and quality across 2D and 3D deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate technical concepts through oral and written means.
• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, specifications, codes, and contract language.
• Attention to detail and commitment to working within a regulated, safety-focused laboratory environment.

In addition to the requirements above, qualifications at the higher level require:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience using CAD software, including Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit, to produce structural models, drawings, layouts, and details.
• Demonstrated working-level understanding of structural drafting and design principles, including symbols, notes, tolerances, and detailing practices.
• Experience developing and maintaining Revit structural models, including use of families, views, sheets, and coordination with architectural and MEP models.
• Fundamental understanding of structural materials (steel, concrete, masonry, anchors) and their application in facility design and construction.
• Ability to support designs addressing loads, constructability, and code compliance, and to reflect engineering intent accurately within both 2D drawings and 3D models.
• Ability to work independently on routine tasks with minimal guidance and collaboratively on complex or non-routine assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to train or mentor junior Designer/Drafters, including guidance on Revit-based structural drafting standards and best practices, and support continuous improvement of drafting workflows.

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

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

Desired Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of facility and structural building codes (IBC, ASCE 7, ACI, AISC).
• Knowledge of DOE Orders, DOE-STD guidance, LANL Engineering Standards, and Conduct of Engineering principles.
• Experience supporting projects at DOE/NNSA nonreactor nuclear facilities or radiological facilities.
• Familiarity with LANL policies, procedures, and document control systems.
• AutoCAD Certification or equivalent demonstrated proficiency.
• Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes, including model coordination, clash detection support, and BIM roll-up/integration across disciplines.
• Experience drafting and designing seismic or safety-significant structures.

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

Work Schedule: This position may require 24/7 coverage, which could involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

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.

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.

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