What You Will Do
Powering the Future at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)!
Are you an early to mid-career electrical engineer looking to take on high-impact, real-world challenges ? At LANL, you'll be part of a team responsible for maintaining and enhancing our primary electrical transmission (115kV) and distribution (13.8kV) system - powering one of the nation's most vital research institutions. This is a chance to work with cutting-edge technology , contribute to national security, and develop your expertise in high-voltage systems while enjoying an outstanding work-life balance in beautiful northern New Mexico .
This position will be filled at either the Engineer 2 or 3 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.
As a Utility Electrical System Engineer , you'll play a key role in managing and maintaining LANL's high-voltage electrical infrastructure. Your responsibilities will include:
Engineer 2 ($104,100 - $172,200)
Power System Engineering & Design
Perform power system studies (Short Circuit, Coordination, Arc Flash, Load Flow) for high (115kV), medium (13.2kV), and low voltage equipment
Design and implement electrical solutions to enhance system reliability, safety, and performance
Develop detailed designs, calculations, and specifications for utility and facility projects
Operations, Maintenance & Compliance
Support preventive and corrective maintenance for substations, transmission/distribution lines, and switchgear
Ensure compliance with national standards (NESC, NEC, IEEE, NFPA 70E, OSHA)
Work closely with PNM and Los Alamos County on Bulk Electric System (BES) planning, operations, and maintenance
Project Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration
Provide technical expertise and leadership on LANL projects, ensuring safe, high-quality, and reliable power delivery
Collaborate across multiple teams, including safety specialists, utility operators, and project managers
Develop and refine the Utility Health Report , identifying key investment areas for future improvements
Innovation & Problem-Solving
Evaluate complex electrical challenges, identify risks, and develop creative solutions
Provide insights on electrical safety, power quality, system protection, and reliability improvements
Engineer 3 ($114,700 - $191,200)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level you will :
Act as an Electrical Safety Officer (ESO) , conducting risk and hazard assessments
Lead technical discussions, mentor junior engineers, and drive process improvements
Manage long-term operational and strategic planning for utility reinvestment and asset management
What You Need
We're looking for an innovative, problem-solving engineer who's ready to grow their career and take on exciting challenges.
Minimum Job Requirements:
Hands-on experience with power system analysis tools like SKM or ETAP
Familiarity with transmission and distribution system protection, SCADA systems, RTUs, or other operational technology (OT) hardware
Knowledge of industry standards (NESC, NEC, IEEE, NFPA 70E, NERC)
Experience in preventive maintenance programs, load flow modeling (PSLF), and GIS platforms (ArcFM)
Ability to manage complex projects, schedules, and resources effectively
Leadership or mentoring experience in a team-oriented, high-impact environment
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university and a minimum of 3 years practical work experience to the degree necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above.
Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university and a minimum of 6 years practical work experience to the degree necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired. Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is highly desirable. Desired Qualifications:
Professional Engineering (PE) License
Hands-on experience with SEL relays, NFPA 70B electrical system testing, and DOE standards
Familiarity with LANL engineering processes and procedures
Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos, NM. 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.
Note to Applicants: Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.