Reality Capture Technician (Entry-Level LiDAR Support)

About the Role

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a skilled professional to join the Engineering Services (ES) Division as a Reality Capture Technician within the Weapons Facilities Operations (ES-WFO) Group. This team supports the development of digital representations of facilities through terrestrial laser scanning and building information modeling, 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, including assisting with scan setup, organizing collected data, and performing initial quality checks. You will work closely with engineers and designers while developing foundational skills in laser scanning, data processing, and digital modeling workflows.

This position may be filled at either the Designer/Drafter 1 ($49,600 - $76,700) or Designer/Drafter 2 ($54,900 - $84,300) level, depending on skills and experience. Additional responsibilities will apply if hired at the higher level.

Responsibilities

Designer/Drafter 1

• 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

In addition to the responsibilities outlined for Designer/Drafter 1, 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

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements

• 0-2 years of experience 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 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

Qualifications

Education/Experience for Designer/Drafter 1

High School diploma or equivalent and 1 year of related experience.

Education/Experience for Designer/Drafter 2

High School diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with terrestrial laser scanning systems (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

Schedule

The work location for this position is hybrid, located in Los Alamos, NM. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite and partially offsite but within a 2-hour ground commute of the location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change with appropriate notice.

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service (1 year for this position) in their current role to be eligible to apply for other posted jobs throughout the Laboratory.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a 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

This position requires a Q clearance, which necessitates U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government. Foreign nationals are subject to similar requirements under DOE Order 142.3A.

Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), 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 supporting national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although marijuana use is legal in some states, it remains illegal under federal law, and a positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment.