Mechanical or Nuclear Engineer (R&D Engineer 1/2)
Los Alamos National Laboratory· Research & Development (National Security)· Oct 24, 2026 · 4d ago
Los Alamos, New Mexico
In office
Full-time
Mid
$106K–$176K
4+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
The AOT-OPS Targets and Experimental Support Team enables world class scientific research at the LANSCE proton accelerator. Our team oversees several neutron spallation targets and provides operation, fabrication, and design support to other accelerator teams.
During beam delivery our team works on weekly rotating on-call shifts (with on-call pay). We operate and maintain several radioactive water cooling systems, vacuum systems, and a cryogenic helium/hydrogen refrigeration system.
Our team provides diverse capabilities to LANSCE including:
• Welding
• Machining
• Material handling
• Radiological support
• Cryogenics/vacuum/pressure system fabrication
• Remote handling services utilizing robotic tools
• Engineering design support
We are seeking a hands-on mechanical or nuclear engineer to be part of a unique team to support design, analysis, maintenance, replacement, and operations of the high-power accelerator targets and support systems.
R&D Engineer 1 ($96,600 - $158,000)
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot target cooling systems including radioactive water and cryogenic systems.
• Participate in the design, testing, and implementation of mechanical, electromechanical, cryogenic, vacuum or piping systems and system upgrades.
• Assist in activities including facility shielding placement, design and fabrication of mechanical hardware, and heavy lifting operations with overhead cranes and forklifts.
• Operate robotic remote handling equipment.
• Update drawings, operating procedures, maintenance schedules, inventories, and equipment lists.
• Provide on-call support during accelerator operational periods on a rotating basis with other team members and occasionally work after hours.
R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)
• Perform R&D Eng 1 duties with less oversight.
• Develop technical solutions to complex problems.
• Independently troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls systems.
This position will be filled at either the R&D Eng 1 or R&D Eng 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.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
• This position requires an aptitude and desire for hands-on work and troubleshooting of mechanical systems.
Additional Job Requirements for R&D Eng 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
• Experience with design and/or operation of mechanical, hydronic, cryogenic, or vacuum systems.
• Additional experience, education, or training in design, fabrication, and/or testing of technical systems.
Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 1:
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Nuclear preferred) from an accredited institution
Education/Experience for R&D Engineer 2:
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Training/Certifications:
The selected candidate will be expected to obtain their 1L Target Operator qualification within 2 years of hiring. This is an extensive training program to develop competence to independently operate all water, cryogenic, and vacuum systems serving the 1L target.
Desired Qualifications:
• Experience working with pressure and/or vacuum systems.
• Experience working with controls systems and low voltage controls devices.
• Experience with machining, welding and/or general fabrication techniques.
• Experience writing work documents and procedures or following formal procedures.
Work Environment:
• Work around radiological, chemical, mechanical, and cryogenic hazards
• Wear multiple layers of PPE and respiratory protection during radiological work
• Participate in a 24/7 rotating on-call schedule
• Lift up to 50 lbs and climb stairs and ladders
Work Schedule:
• 9/80
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and at TA-53 (LANSCE Accelerator) in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
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.
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.
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 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.
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