DARHT J-6 Designer/Drafter (Engineering Technologist 1/2)
Los Alamos National Laboratory· Research & Development (National Security)· Oct 16, 2026 · 12d ago
Los Alamos, New Mexico
In office
Full-time
Mid
$97K–$158K
2+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
The DARHT Engineering, Operations, and Physics Group (J-6) is looking for a Designer to join the Mechanical Systems Design and Engineering Team. J-6 provides state-of-the-art accelerator, pulsed power, beam-target, and radiographic physics capabilities in support of LANL's hydrodynamic test mission. Core responsibilities of the Mechanical and Engineering Team include: (a) troubleshooting, maintaining, and upgrading of the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) accelerator mechanical systems (water, glycol, vacuum, mechanical alignment, etc.), and (b) designing, modeling, developing, and implementing new mechanical systems to support the DARHT accelerators.
J-6 provides excellence in accelerator research and development for x-ray flash radiography and operates both axes of the DARHT facility. J-6 is a dynamic team embarking on a new era in advanced hydrotesting through the newly developed DARHT Capability Expansion (DCX) strategy, next generation capability for DARHT and integrated weapon testing. The work environment focuses on innovation, creative problem solving, and operational excellence. Our commitment is to deliver the highest quality technical systems and data to meet customer requirements. This is your chance to make lasting contributions while working on important research directly influencing national security.
Engineering Technologist 1 ($87,800 - $143,000)
As an entry level designer, the selected candidate must be willing to become proficient in Creo, PDM link and GD&T. Candidate is expected to develop further understanding of drawings and be able to interpret the various signs and symbols associated. They will assist in the design by creating/editing models, layouts and configurations under the direction of a senior designer and/or engineering staff and turn them into high detailed drawings. The candidate will familiarize themselves with all sub-assemblies of the group's confinement vessels and will assist in preliminary review documentation preparation and prepare drawings for fabrication and assemblies.
Engineering Technologist 2 ($96,600 - $158,000)
In addition to level 1, as a Level 2 designer, the selected candidate will be point of contact for specific design packages for individual tests. They will be expected to contribute to the design by applying engineering and manufacturing principles, theories and concepts. This will include providing complete drawing packages of all hardware to the engineering team, supporting drawing checks, and interactions with vendors as needed. Candidate will serve as a control resource for best design practices in creating product definition and maintain legacy definition in PDM link.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Minimum Job Requirements as Engineering Technologist (Designer) Level 1:
• Knowledge of and experience in completing mechanical assemblies, component, and sub-component models and systems, three dimensional parts and assembly generation using 3D CAD systems or other systems such as Creo/Pro Engineer
• Experience with machine shop practices as well as coordinating fabrication with machine shops
• Experience working with engineers to create dimensioning strategies, experience with American Society of Mechanical Engineer (ASME) codes
• Familiarity with document control and records requirements in highly regulated environment
Additional Job Requirements as Engineering Technologist (Designer) Level 2:
• Experience in completing mechanical assemblies, component, and sub-component models and systems, three dimensional parts and assembly generation
• Demonstrated experience with machine shop practices as well as coordinating fabrication with machine shops
• Demonstrated experience working with engineers to create dimensioning strategies
• Demonstrated proficiency with Creo/Pro Engineer or other 3D CAD systems
• Experience with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Y14.5 standard on dimensioning and tolerance and familiarity with other ASME codes.
• Familiarity with document control and records requirements in highly regulated environment.
• Expert knowledge experience with Windchill software and PDM link or other Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.
Education/Experience for Level 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience for Level 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree and 5 years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
• Experience with design definition in the Nuclear Weapons Complex
• Experience with Windchill software and PDM link or other Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.
• Experience performing drawing checks
• Experience with 3D computer-aided design (CAD), Creo Preferred.
• Experience with applying GD&T.
• Active DOE Q Clearance
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Reading vision; ability to discriminate speech; ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3,000 Hz); sitting; standing; walking; running; climbing stairs; climbing ladders; bending; stooping; crouching; kneeling; crawling; twisting the trunk or back; balancing; reaching overhead, horizontally, and down; applying torque with the hands or arms; gripping with the hands; pressing, pushing, and pulling with the hands or arms; typing or keyboarding; fine motor control; use of both hands; use of both arms; use of both legs; use of both feet; and carrying 30 or more pounds.
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 is full-time and onsite. The normal schedule is expected to be a day-shift schedule of 9/80s.
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, please submit a comprehensive resume and a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any 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. 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.
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Dental
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