Entry Level Laser Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What You Will Do
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a skilled professional to join our Engineering Services (ES) Division as a Reality Capture Technician within our Weapons Facilities Operations (ES-WFO) Group. This team supports the development of digital representations of facilities through terrestrial laser scanning and building information modeling. The program focuses on delivering accurate and reliable building data to support operations, planning, and engineering efforts across Laboratory facilities.
As a Reality Capture Technician at the entry level, you will support field scanning operations and structured data workflows. This includes assisting with scan setup, organizing collected data, and performing initial quality checks to ensure completeness and accuracy. You will work closely with engineers and designers while developing foundational skills in laser scanning, data processing, and digital modeling workflows.
Designer/ Drafter 1 ($49,600 - $76,700)

• Assist with terrestrial LiDAR scanning operations using Leica systems
• Set up tripods, scanners, targets, and field equipment
• Support control point setup and scan logistics
• Ingest, organize, and maintain scan data and metadata
• Prepare scan data for processing in appropriate software tools
• Perform initial quality checks such as coverage validation and file integrity
• Follow established procedures, safety protocols, and structured workflows
• Collaborate with engineers and designers to support facility documentation efforts

Designer/Drafter 2 ($54,900 - $84,300)
In addition to the responsibilities outlined at the lower level, you will:

• Perform more advanced quality assurance and quality control checks, including basic error evaluation and validation of datasets.
• Independently support portions of field data collection and processing workflows
• Help define data organization standards and improve workflow efficiency
• Participate in coordination with stakeholders to support project requirements and data deliverables
• Apply working knowledge of design and drafting principles to support downstream modeling and engineering use

This position will be filled at either the Designer/Drafter 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the
candidate is hired at the higher level.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements

• Experience (0-2 years) in field data collection, surveying, GIS, facilities documentation, or related technical work
• Ability to learn and apply laser scanning, Revit, and building information modeling workflows
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured processes and procedures
• Ability to work in field environments and comply with safety and security requirements
• Basic experience with computer-based tools for data handling and organization
• Foundational understanding of design/drafting or engineering concepts
• Ability to work both independently on routine tasks and collaboratively in a team environment
• Exposure to technical standards, structured workflows, or data management practices

Additional Job Requirements for Designer/ Drafter 2:

• Working-level experience supporting technical data collection, drafting, or design workflows
• Ability to apply drafting or modeling principles to support engineering-related deliverables
• Experience performing quality checks and resolving basic technical/ data issues
• Ability to work with minimal direction on non-routine tasks and contribute to problem solving
• Familiarity with Revit tools or product/ data management systems
• Working knowledge of technical standards and ability to support more complex assignments

Education/Experience for Designer/Drafter 1: Position requires a High School diploma or equivalent and 1 year of related experience.
Education/ Experience for Designer/Drafter 2: Position requires a High School diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with terrestrial Laser scanning system (Leica BLK360 and RTC360)
• Familiarity with Autodesk ReCap, Revit, CloudCompare, or similar tools
• Exposure to CAD and 3D modeling environments
• Experience working in controlled or secure environments
• Understanding of industry standards (such as ASME or related drafting standards)
• Exposure to point cloud processing or digital twin workflows

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 - 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.
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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2.