Quality Engineer 1 or 2 (CWI Mechanical)
Los Alamos National Laboratory· Research & Development (National Security)· Oct 7, 2026 · 21d ago
Los Alamos, New Mexico
In office
Full-time
Mid
$97K–$158K
2+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
As a QC Quality Engineer, you will be part of the Plutonium Infrastructure Quality (PIQ) group The PIQ mission is to support the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Plutonium Infrastructure (ALDPI) by ensuring quality requirements are implemented into work projects through oversight and inspection activities that verify compliance with specifications during construction, maintenance, and modification activities at LANL. You will support both deployed and institutional inspection activities while working under the guidance of experienced Quality Engineers.
This position will be filled at either the Quality Engineer 1 or Quality Engineer 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.
#ShiftWork
Quality Engineer (QE) 1 ($87,800 - $143,000)
• Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Performing Level II QC inspections independently
• Ability to perform Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) weld inspections.
• Ability to perform Hilti anchor inspections.
• Ability to perform Hilti anchor installation verification and inspections.
• Ability to perform torque verification and torquing inspections.
• Ability to perform pressure testing inspections.
• Ability to perform firestop inspections.
• Ability to perform additional construction quality inspections and testing activities as required; this list is not all-inclusive
• Monitoring construction activities to ensure compliance with project plans, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Supporting the review and documentation of inspection and test reports.
• Assisting with Nonconformance Report (NCR) documentation.
• Learning and applying quality requirements, procedures, and inspection techniques.
• Assisting with development and revision of inspection procedures, checklists, and forms.
• Working closely with engineering, construction, and construction personnel to support inspection activities while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Quality Engineer (QE) 2 ($96,600 - $158,000)
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the QE 2 assumes greater responsibility for inspection planning and execution. Additional responsibilities include:
• Assisting with development and revision of inspection procedures, reports, forms, protocols, and checklists.
• Conducting research into technical issues, evaluating potential solutions, and recommending corrective actions.
• Providing guidance and mentoring to QE 1 personnel, as assigned.
• Recording inspection and test results in accordance with applicable procedures and specifications.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Quality Engineer 1
• Perform Level II QC inspections independently.
• Must have basic knowledge of quality assurance principles and quality management systems.
• Must have familiarity with engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and technical documents.
• Ability to learn quality regulations, policies, procedures, and national consensus standards such as ASME NQA-1, ASME, ISO, ANSI, and applicable DOE requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, conduct research, and communicate technical information effectively.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written/oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to complete required qualifications and certifications.
• Must have the ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, which typically requires US Citizenship.
• Must be able to work a night or back-shift schedule.
Quality Engineer 2
• Performing Level II QC inspections independently
• Working knowledge of ASME NQA-1 quality standards.
• Working knowledge of quality regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and schematics.
• Demonstrated experience investigating quality issues and recommending corrective actions.
• Working knowledge of engineering, construction, testing, and operational practices sufficient to comprehend inspection requirements.
• Ability to mentor less experienced QE personnel.
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
Education/Experience for the QE 1 Level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Assurance, Industrial Systems Engineering, or a related field and 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience for the QE 2 Level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Assurance, Industrial Systems Engineering, or a related field and 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
• American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector certification.
• Experience working within nuclear and/or DOE quality assurance or quality control programs.
• Additional relevant education or professional certifications.
• Experience performing dimensional measurements using Romer/FARO equipment.
• Experience with helium leak testing.
• Active DOE Q Clearance or equivalent Top Secret clearance.
Essential Job Functions (Can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Sitting, standing, walking, running, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, crawling, twisting the trunk or back, and balancing.
Work Environment:
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: Working overtime or irregular schedules as required. 4/10 schedule with possible 2nd or 3rd shift assignment and periodic weekend work.
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: For full consideration, applicants should submit a comprehensive cover letter describing how they meet the required and desired qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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