Quality Control Inspector

(Quality Assurance Engineer 4 - QE4)

Plutonium Infrastructure Quality | DOE/LANL

• Los Alamos, NM
  
  

Openings: 4–5 positions available

Location: Los Alamos, NM | 100% Onsite | TA-50 (Building 1902), walking distance to TA-55/PF-4

Compensation: $91–$96/hr

Schedule: 4/10s | 24/7 rotating shifts - primarily nights & weekends (A/B/C/D shifts)

Duration: 6-month intervals | Strong conversion potential - long-term candidates preferred

Clearance: Q Clearance - ability to obtain required (not required at hire)

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required

Start: ASAP

A Note On The Title

Despite the "Engineer" title, this is a hands-on quality control inspection role - not an engineering design position. If you're an experienced QC Inspector or NDE technician with a CWI and nuclear or industrial background, you are exactly who we're looking for. Don't let the title throw you off.

Why This Role

LANL's Plutonium Infrastructure Quality organization is growing - and growing fast. With installation work already underway on mission-critical PIQ projects, we need experienced QC inspectors who can hit the ground running. This is hands-on inspection work in a technically demanding nuclear environment, supported by a team that values skill, reliability, and the kind of senior-level judgment that comes from years in the field.

With 4–5 openings and strong conversion potential, this is an opportunity to build a long-term career at one of the premier scientific institutions in the world.

What You'll Do

• Perform visual, mechanical, and NDE inspections on welds, components, and installations in accordance with applicable codes and standards
• Initiate, track, and close Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) as part of the corrective action program
• Review and approve quality documentation, inspection reports, and test records
• Interface with contractors, subcontractors, and engineering teams on quality and compliance matters
• Ensure compliance with NQA-1, ASME, and DOE quality assurance requirements
• Support fire stopping, leak testing, and other specialty inspection activities as needed
• Work in radiological environments including PPE and respirator use as required
• Fill out and maintain accurate inspection records using standard office software (Word, Excel)
  
  

Schedule Details

This position operates on a 24/7 rotating shift schedule (A/B/C/D shifts) with work primarily on nights and weekends. Shifts run approximately 10 hours. The team values work/life balance and strives to maintain consistent, predictable schedules once assignments are established. Overtime opportunities (including 4/12s) may be available.

What We're Looking For

Required

• S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance
• Current or prior AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification - no exceptions, no substitutions
• 8 years of quality inspection experience in a nuclear, industrial, or regulated environment
• Strong background in mechanical, welding, and NDE inspection
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and quality documentation
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and rotating shifts on a permanent basis
• Ability to work in radiological environments including PPE and respirator use
• Physically able to access PF-4 - includes ladders, scaffolding, and elevated work areas
  
  

Preferred

• DOE, NNSA, or national laboratory experience - highly desirable
• Commercial nuclear power plant experience (radiological environment background translates directly)
• Oil refinery or petrochemical facility inspection background
• NDT/NDE Level II certifications (VT, MT, PT, LT)
• Fire stopping inspection certification
• Experience with NCR programs, corrective action management, and MRB documentation
• Familiarity with NQA-1, ASME Section III/IX, and DOE quality standards
• Experience with rebar, structural steel, anchor bolt, or helium leak testing inspections
• Active DOE Q Clearance (not required but accelerates onboarding)
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Rate: $91–$96/hr depending on experience

Relocation: Can be considered for the right candidate - ask us for details

Conversion: Strong preference for candidates open to long-term employment / conversion to staff

OT: Overtime and 4/12 shift opportunities may be available

Mandatory Requirements - Read Before Applying

• Current or prior AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification - absolutely no exceptions
• S. Citizenship required - ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance is mandatory
• Must be willing and able to work nights, weekends, and rotating shifts on a permanent basis
• Must be physically able to access nuclear facilities including ladders, scaffolding, and elevated work areas
• Must be able to obtain respirator qualification and work in radiological environments when required