Quality Engineer 1/2
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Quality Assurance
Las Cruces, NM, USA · Los Alamos, NM, USA · United States · Mexico
USD 85,900-139,900 / year
Posted on Sep 24, 2025
What You Will Do
Los Alamos National Laboratory-one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions in the world-is looking for experienced quality engineering professionals in the Institutional Quality Performance Assurance Plutonium Infrastructure Quality (IQPA-PIQ) group. The PIQ mission is to support the execution of plutonium pit production through the modernization of the TA-55 infrastructure and nuclear facility capabilities throughout the Pajarito Security Corridor. The selected candidates will be responsible for assisting effective implementation of the Laboratory's quality assurance program relating to nuclear, radiological, and non-nuclear facilities.
This position will be filled at either the Quality Engineer 1 or 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.
Quality Engineer 1 ($85,900 - $139,900)
Typical job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the candidate would:
Minimum Job Requirements:
Job Requirements for Quality Engineer 1:
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, QE / Quality Assurance (QA), or Industrial Systems Engineering or a related field and 5 year of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
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:
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:
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.
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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 or preference, 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
Los Alamos National Laboratory-one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions in the world-is looking for experienced quality engineering professionals in the Institutional Quality Performance Assurance Plutonium Infrastructure Quality (IQPA-PIQ) group. The PIQ mission is to support the execution of plutonium pit production through the modernization of the TA-55 infrastructure and nuclear facility capabilities throughout the Pajarito Security Corridor. The selected candidates will be responsible for assisting effective implementation of the Laboratory's quality assurance program relating to nuclear, radiological, and non-nuclear facilities.
This position will be filled at either the Quality Engineer 1 or 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.
Quality Engineer 1 ($85,900 - $139,900)
Typical job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assist with performing assessments (i.e., surveillances, and observations) on ALDPI projects as directed.
- Review procedures and documentation for adherence to Quality Assurance requirements.
- Support nonconformance and issues management reporting.
- Serve as an Integrated Project Team member/interface between assigned projects and PIQ team.
- Review subcontractor submittals for compliance with procurement documents and engineering standards
- Conduct in-process reviews of Quality Control and Production activities to pro-actively resolve issues in real time
- Provide weekly reports on activities conducted
- Verify compliance with nonconformance corrective actions prior to closure of identified nonconformance's
- Assist quality lead with management of multiple projects, and provide feedback on results
- Review procurement documents and identify relevant quality requirements to ensure product quality
- Practice National Nuclear Security Administration's Safe Conduct of Research Principle's (SCOR) and LANL safety policies.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with the customers.
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the candidate would:
- Perform assessments (i.e., surveillances, and observations) as directed.
- Participate in the evaluation of processes, procedures, and applications contributing to the overall objective of sustaining an effective engineering, procurement, and construction Quality Management Plan.
- Identify both positive and negative issues to management in a timely manner.
- Serve as the primary interface between assigned projects and PIQ team.
- Support resolution of a diverse range of complex quality issues.
- Support development of action plans for conditions adverse to quality and evaluate effectiveness of corrective actions.
- Work with integrated project team to support accomplishment of objectives while ensuring quality results.
- Maintain a working knowledge of how to locate and use the LANL computer network for finding and retrieving electronic documents, engineering standards, project records, etc.
Minimum Job Requirements:
Job Requirements for Quality Engineer 1:
- Knowledge of and experience with quality documents (e.g., DOE Order 414.1, DOE Order 226.1B, 10CFR830, ASME NQA-1 2008/2009a, LANL SD330 Rev. 12 LANL Quality Assurance Plan, and the ALDPI Quality Management Plan)
- Basic knowledge of quality requirements for the Design, Procurement and Construction activities including quality and performance assurance tools and the integration of quality into various programs and systems.
- Ability to engage people; strong interpersonal communications, and collaboration with projects personnel to build consensus on achievement of quality.
- Working knowledge of MS Office (including Calendar and Teams), VPN applications, storing and retrieving electronic records.
- Demonstrated knowledge of QA activities supporting procurement and engineering products, including Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) and application of utilizing a graded approach to quality in an NQA-1 environment.
- Experience in the implementation of construction quality assurance and control programs.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing and/or fabrication trades.
- Identify complex performance challenges for senior QE's to review.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and demonstrated experience interacting and effectively communicating with all levels of project and client personnel.
- Working experience researching, interpreting, and implementing federal regulations and national standards.
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, QE / Quality Assurance (QA), or Industrial Systems Engineering or a related field and 5 year of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Auditor or Lead Auditor qualification providing assessments of construction, or fabrication facilities.
- Experience in classified matter protection and control and classified computing.
- Experience in Field Engineering or Construction Trades.
- Nationally recognized quality engineering related certification such as American Society of Quality's Certified Quality Engineer, Reliability Engineer, or equivalent.
- Experience interacting and coordinating discussions, responses, negotiations, and inspections with regulatory agency and/or client representatives.
- Working experience researching and evaluating complex technical information related to laboratory construction and operation.
- Experience as an M&O contractor for the Department of Energy (DOE) and/or Department of Defense (DoD).
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:
- Applicants are to include a comprehensive cover letter addressing how they meet the required and desired skills to be considered for an interview.
- Candidates shall obtain or possess and maintain a Q level clearance, shall participate in Human Reliability Program (HRP) and may be required to support Night or Backshift Work schedules.
- Application Deadline: October 22, 2025 (end of business day)
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)
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.
- 712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 or preference, 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.