What are the responsibilities and job description for the Designer/Drafter Level 3/4 position at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
What You Will Do
Are you an experienced designer ready to contribute to complex facility and infrastructure projects in a multidisciplinary engineering environment? We are seeking a Designer/ Drafter Level 3 or 4 to support mechanical, electrical, structural, and architectural design efforts across a wide range of systems and facilities.
In this role, you will support the full lifecycle of facility and system design - from conceptual development and field assessment through detailed 3D modeling, drawing production, construction documentation, and configuration management. You will collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, construction teams, and stakeholders to develop coordinated, technically sound design packages that support new installations, renovations, upgrades, and infrastructure improvements.
This position requires strong technical drafting skills, sound engineering judgement, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Minimum Job Requirements:
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.
Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.
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.
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. 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.
Are you an experienced designer ready to contribute to complex facility and infrastructure projects in a multidisciplinary engineering environment? We are seeking a Designer/ Drafter Level 3 or 4 to support mechanical, electrical, structural, and architectural design efforts across a wide range of systems and facilities.
In this role, you will support the full lifecycle of facility and system design - from conceptual development and field assessment through detailed 3D modeling, drawing production, construction documentation, and configuration management. You will collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, construction teams, and stakeholders to develop coordinated, technically sound design packages that support new installations, renovations, upgrades, and infrastructure improvements.
This position requires strong technical drafting skills, sound engineering judgement, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop detailed 2D and 3D CAD models, drawings, and complete design packages for mechanical systems, electrical systems, structural components, and architectural layouts supporting facility modifications and new construction.
- Perform field walkdowns to assess existing conditions, identify deficiencies, and translate field data into accurate, constructible design documentation.
- Define and apply modeling standards and CAD best practices to ensure design quality, efficiency, and configuration control.
- Collaborate directly with engineers and customers to define project requirements and translate concepts into coordinated buildable design solutions.
- Participate in and facilitate multidisciplinary design reviews; resolve drawing/ model discrepancies and interface issues across mechanical, electrical, structural, and architectural disciplines.
- Apply applicable industry standards, codes, and building regulations (ASME, ANSI, ASTM, AWS, IEEE, and relevant construction standards) to ensure compliance, safety, and constructability.
- Support cost estimating, schedule planning, material selection, fabrication methods, and construction sequencing considerations.
- Utilize Product Data Management (PDM) systems to maintain configuration integrity and document control.
- Perform complex calculations and apply technical judgement to resolve unique design challenges in both static and dynamic facility environments.
- Mentor junior designers in drafting standards and coordinate design activities when serving in a lead capacity (Designer Drafter 4 position).
- Ensure safety and security compliance is integrated into all tasks; exercise stop-work authority if necessary.
- Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated advanced proficiency in computer-aided drafting (CAD) and Product Data Management (PDM) tools for the design, modeling, and documentation of complex mechanical, electrical, structural, and/or architectural systems and facilities.
- Strong working to advanced knowledge of modeling and drafting principles, including GD&T (ASME Y14.5 where applicable), application of industry standards (ASME, ANSI, ASTM, AWS, IEEE), and relevant building codes and construction standards to ensure proper fit, form, function, and constructability.
- Experience producing complete design packages for complex facility systems, structural elements, architectural layouts, renovations, or new installations in a configuration-controlled environment.
- Ability to perform complex calculations and apply sound engineering judgement to resolve technical challenges related to construction, structural systems, utilities, or facility modifications.
- Working to advanced understanding of engineering materials, construction methods, and building systems.
- Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams - including mechanical, electrical, structural, architectural, and project management personnel - to define requirements and deliver coordinated design solutions.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments with increasing independence, demonstrating sound technical judgement, attention to detail, and adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to mentor junior designers and contribute meaningfully to design reviews.
- Associate's degree in an Engineering or Technical field and:
- DD 3: 3 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- DD 4: 5 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience mentoring junior designers or leading small design teams.
- Familiarity with DOE, LANL Engineering Standards, and Conduct of Engineering (COE) principles.
- Experience supporting facility systems, modifications, renovations, or mission-critical infrastructure projects.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
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.
Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.
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.
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.
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. 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.