Designer​/Drafter ; Mechanical Designer

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at the Designer/Drafter 3 or 4, 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 Mechanical Designer. Apply your mechanical 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!

As a Designer/Drafter 3, the incumbent will be part of a multidisciplinary engineering design team responsible for assessing, maintaining, and upgrading mechanical and facility systems s position supports mechanical engineering efforts in compliance with a wide range of regulatory and technical standards, including DOE Orders and national codes such as ASME, ANSI, NFPA, IFC, UMC, UPC, and IBC, to deliver practical, mission‑aligned engineering solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

The successful individual will demonstrate experience and proficiency using three‑dimensional computer‑aided design (CAD) software to produce models, drawings, layouts, and engineering concepts. They will generate complete design packages for complex components, assemblies, facilities, equipment, and/or systems. The individual will independently define modeling structures for large, complex design projects and resolve design package issues by facilitating design reviews and collaborating with engineers and stakeholders on hardware design, fabrication, assembly, and testing.

They will possess a working knowledge of engineering concepts and advanced skills in product data management and/or configuration management of part and assembly definitions.

Regular functions include, but are not limited to:

• Producing two‑dimensional and three‑dimensional mechanical drawings and models (plans, sections, schematics, and details) under the direction of a mechanical engineer.
• Supporting the evaluation and documentation of existing mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, piping, pressure systems, mechanical equipment, and supports.
• Facilitating facility walkdowns to document existing mechanical conditions, identify deficiencies, and verify as‑built conditions in operational environments.
• Assisting with quantity take‑offs and the preparation of mechanical design recommendations for engineer review.
• Leading or supporting initial design solutions for new facilities; mechanical system modifications; renovations; equipment replacements; and repairs, in accordance with applicable 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 across disciplines.
• Informally and formally mentoring, training, and providing technical leadership to junior designers, including task assignment; review of work products; guidance on mechanical drafting standards and best practices; and support of continuous improvement initiatives.

In addition to the responsibilities outlined for Designer/Drafter 3, the Designer/Drafter 4 will perform more advanced drafting and design support functions with increased independence and technical judgment.

Additional duties include:

• Applying a working knowledge of mechanical engineering principles to develop detailed drawings for HVAC systems, piping systems, plumbing, mechanical equipment, and miscellaneous mechanical components.
• Producing and maintaining complete mechanical drawing packages, including general notes, schedules, schematics, details, and references to applicable codes and standards.
• Dem…