Nuclear Facilities Engineer ; Structural Engineer

Overview

The Nuclear Facilities Engineering Structural Engineer (Nuclear Facilities Engineer 2 or 3 level) supports LANL's nuclear mission by ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and performance of systems that support plutonium operations. The role operates within a highly regulated environment governed by DOE Orders, nuclear safety requirements, national consensus codes, and Laboratory standards.

• Support the design, evaluation, and modification of structural systems and components associated with nuclear facility operations, including glove boxes, equipment supports, enclosures, and storage systems.
• Perform structural analyses and calculations for components such as support stands, anchorage systems, penetrations, and equipment installations, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and safety requirements.
• Review design changes and engineering documents to verify alignment with safety basis requirements, Laboratory standards, and national codes.
• Support installation, modification, and maintenance activities, contributing to safe and compliant operation of Hazard Category 2 and 3 nuclear facilities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support system performance, resolve issues, and contribute to project execution.
• Contribute to system engineering responsibilities for assigned structures or components, supporting configuration, operability, and performance.
• At the senior level, lead structural engineering activities for nuclear facility systems, perform and oversee design efforts for system modifications, upgrades, and new installations, manage systems as cognizant system engineer, evaluate and implement design changes, lead significant portions of projects, mentor junior engineers, and operate with substantial independence.

• Foundational knowledge of structural engineering systems, analysis methods, and calculations applicable to industrial or nuclear facilities.
• Familiarity with structural analysis tools such as SAP
  2000, GT STRUDL, RISA, STAAD, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of engineering work planning, construction practices, and control methods.
• Awareness of applicable codes and standards (IBC, AISC, ACI, ASCE, DOE requirements).
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and support the development of structural solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Additional requirements for the higher level title:

• Demonstrated experience performing structural design, analysis, and modification activities.
• Experience developing engineering calculations, design documentation, and technical evaluations.
• Ability to coordinate across disciplines and stakeholders during design and project execution.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively.

• Typical education:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (minimum). Advanced engineering or technical degree highly desired.
• Level 2:
  Minimum 3 years of practical work experience.
• Level 3:
  Minimum 6 years of practical work experience.
• Provisional or current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of structural systems supporting nuclear or high‑hazard facilities, including glove boxes, support structures, and confinement systems.
• Familiarity with DOE standards and nuclear safety basis requirements applicable to structural systems.
• Experience supporting design, analysis, installation, or maintenance of structural systems in industrial or nuclear environments.
• Familiarity with LANL engineering processes, procedures, and configuration management practices.
• Advanced degree in structural or civil engineering preferred.
• Engineer‑in‑Training certification or progress toward PE licensure considered desirable.

Located in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Work may involve 24/7 coverage, shift or weekend schedules, with shift differential pay potentially applicable. Work includes office‑based engineering and field activities such as facility walkdowns and site visits. The work environment is noisy and may involve exposure to ionizing and non‑ionizing…