Designer​/Drafter ; Structural Designer

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at the Designer/Drafter 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.

The Plutonium Facilities Engineering Division (PFE-DO) and the Designer/Drafters Group (PFE-DD) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) are seeking a Structural Designer. Apply your structural expertise where it truly matters—join our exceptional Plutonium Facilities Engineering team. Here, innovation and critical thinking are at the heart of everything we do, and every voice has the power to shape meaningful solutions. This is your opportunity to contribute to vital systems that safeguard national security and drive real-world impact!

As a Designer/Drafter 1, the incumbent will be part of a multidisciplinary engineering design team responsible for assessing, maintaining, and upgrading structural and facility systems s entry-level position supports structural engineering efforts in compliance with a wide range of regulatory and technical standards—including DOE Orders and national codes such as ASME, ASCE, ACI, AISC, and IBC—to deliver practical, mission‑aligned engineering solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

• Producing two‑dimensional and three‑dimensional structural drawings and models (plans, sections, elevations, details) under the direction of a structural engineer.
• Supporting the evaluation and documentation of existing structural systems, including foundations, concrete, steel framing, masonry, and structural connections.
• Participating in facility walkdowns to document existing conditions, identify deficiencies, and verify as‑built conditions in operational environments.
• Assisting with quantity take‑offs and preparation of design recommendations for engineer review.
• Supporting initial design solutions for new facilities, structural modifications, renovations, seismic upgrades, and repairs in accordance with applicable building codes and DOE requirements.
• Assisting with the preparation of drawing packages that comply with LANL BIM and CAD standards, drafting conventions, and document control requirements.
• Functioning as an effective team member in a highly regulated, safety‑conscious environment, contributing to drawing coordination and quality.

In addition, you will learn and develop the following:

• Structural drafting and design practices specific to laboratory and DOE/NNSA facilities
• How structural design supports mission‑critical and national security infrastructure
• Application of codes, standards, and safety basis considerations to real‑world projects
• Professional engineering judgment and attention to detail
• Teamwork, communication, and leadership skills within a technical organization

In addition to the responsibilities outlined for Designer/Drafter 1, the Designer/Drafter 2 will perform more advanced drafting and design support functions with increasing independence and technical judgment.

• Applying working knowledge of structural engineering principles to develop detailed drawings for concrete, steel, masonry, and miscellaneous structural components.
• Producing and maintaining complete structural drawing packages, including general notes, details, schedules, and references to applicable codes and standards.
• Demonstrating familiarity with industry and government standards such as ASME, ASCE, ACI, AISC, IBC and relevant DOE and LANL Engineering Standards.
• Supporting designs that consider seismic, wind, load path, and safety‑related performance requirements, as applicable to DOE facilities.
• Resolving drawing and engineering package issues by facilitating reviews and collaborating with structural engineers, other disciplines, and stakeholders.
• Supporting constructability reviews, fabrication coordination, and field‑related clarifications during construction or modification activities.
• Applying LANL configuration management, document control, and Conduct of Engineering practices to all work products.

• Fundamental knowledge…