Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs in New Mexico

What You Will Do
This position will be filled as Project Specialist 1/Project Specialist 2, 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 Project Management Pipeline Program is a structured two-year developmental program designed to provide recent graduates and early-career professionals with the experience, mentoring, and practical project exposure necessary to pursue a long-term career in project delivery at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Participants are hired into Project Specialist positions and complete a series of developmental assignments across key project delivery functions. Depending on organizational needs and individual career interests, participants may gain experience supporting Project Managers (PM), Construction Managers (CM), Subcontract Technical Representatives (STR), Control Account Managers (CAM), and Project Controls Engineers (PCE).
The program is designed to provide broad exposure to project planning, execution, controls, construction, procurement, cost and schedule management, and integrated project team operations. Through rotational assignments, mentoring, formal training, and on-the-job experience, participants develop the knowledge and practical experience required for future assignments into project delivery positions.
Project Specialist 1 ($60,500 - $93,600)
Upon successful completion of the program, participants may be considered for placement into positions such as Project Manager 1 (PM-1), Construction Specialist 1 (CS-1), Project Controls Engineer 1 (PCE-1), or Subcontract Technical Representative 1 (STR-1), based on organizational needs, demonstrated performance, qualifications, and available opportunities.
Project Specialist 2 ($72,800 - $115,400)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the candidate would be expected to mentor entry level Project Specialists. Assists in planning and establishing schedules, forecasts, budgets, parameters, etc., and monitors progress to ensure schedules are met and work is performed within budget.
Because the Pipeline Program is intended to prepare participants for future project delivery positions, applicants must meet the educational requirements associated with one or more of the target career paths (PM, CM, STR, CAM, or PCE) at the time of application. Candidates should carefully review the educational requirements associated with these disciplines prior to applying.
This posting supports the October 5, 2026 Project Management Pipeline Program cohort.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

• Familiarity with project management, project controls, and/or construction activities with the ability to become proficient and assist with project planning and execution.
• Ability to successfully execute scheduling responsibilities (planning, coordinating, and monitoring milestone deliverables) for multiple project elements.
• Understand basic subcontract structure and assist developing/reviewing subcontract documents.
• Ability to independently research, assemble and analyze information or data related to assigned area.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, Project, OneNote, SharePoint, Teams, and the ability to learn new software and document management systems to perform job duties.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of personnel and customers.
• Ability to obtain DOE Q Clearance, see additional details.

Additional Job Requirements for higher level

• Knowledge of project management, project controls, and/or construction activities with the ability to become proficient and assist with project planning and execution.
• Experience to successfully execute scheduling responsibilities (planning, coordinating, and monitoring milestone deliverables) for multiple project elements.
• Understand basic subcontract structure and assist developing/reviewing subcontract documents.
• Ability to independently research, assemble and analyze information or data related to assigned area.

Education for Project Specialist 1: This position is expected to be entry level into construction related fields. One to two years of construction or engineering related experience required. May prefer a bachelor's degree (management, project management, operations management, engineering, or related field).
Education for Project Specialist 2: This position is expected to be entry level into construction related fields. Three or more years of construction or engineering related experience required. May prefer a bachelor's degree (management, project management, operations management, engineering, or related field).
Desired Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge developing and maintaining project plans, including work scope, interpreting schedules, budgets, priorities, and performance milestones; managing change control; and managing risk.
• Understanding project management tools and processes.
• Project Management Institute Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.

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.
Notes to applicants: Please include a comprehensive resume to outline the minimum and desired skills of the of the job posting.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position. Personnel will work a 9/80 or 4/10 day shift. Shift assignments are at the discretion of the manager.
Location: Onsite located in Los Alamos, NM, USA.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): lifting, sitting, climbing, walking etc.
*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.

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 opt. 3.