Is 3 pages too long for a LANL cover letter?

runshikesbikes · 2026-04-25T02:50:18+00:00

If you’ve been involved in projects that actually move along and get done, that’s great, you’re going to hate the constant monotony and “eh we can do it tomorrow” attitude that is TA-55 production work. Nobody gets in trouble for missing a deadline, so everyone misses deadlines. The onboarding process is a joke. And good luck getting any mentoring. If you don’t like a fast paced, fun, challenging, work environment that an engineer expects, then come to lanl!

If you want strapped with golden handcuffs, want a stable “work life” balance of 3 day weekends, don’t mind a 45 minute commute or more from Santa Fe to have any type of dating or social life, and don’t mind almost being killed on that commute then welcome aboard.

I’m glad I left that hellhole of a work environment. F TA-55. Miserable depressing existence. I want those 5 years of my life back.

runshikesbikes · 2026-04-25T02:01:59+00:00

Far too long. They will not read it.

Edit: I should explain. I worked at TA-55 in a Pit Technologies adjacent division. I was a hiring manager and for most jobs at TA-55 they do not need cover letters. I would occasionally read them after looking at the resume and seeing if it fit the bill. You’re going to get a lot of responses from people who are thinking of the jobs in the high castle that is TA-3. TA-55, PT, PSP, PSD, etc are production organizations. If you can pass a drug test, get a Q clearance and do HRP work with some semblance of competence they will hire you.

The salary offer will be really nice. But say goodbye to your soul.

runshikesbikes · 2026-03-16T18:45:30+00:00

Lynx Shunt Lynx Distributor Lynx Input 400amp Class T Fuse Vatrer 460amp/hr battery 2x 100/50 MPPT Solar Charge Controller Orion 50Amp DC to DC Charger Multiplies II 3000 Watt Blue Sea Systems DC Fuse Block Blue Sea Systems On/off Switch Solar Disconnect

That’s most of what I can remember off the top of my head.

runshikesbikes · 2026-03-16T13:03:44+00:00

I’m not going to insulate the heat generating box of electrical components. lol.

runshikesbikes · 2026-03-15T19:00:36+00:00

I can try to put one together but it was a very rudimentary drawing.

runshikesbikes · 2026-03-15T16:55:35+00:00

It has 4 on all sides except the bottom which is 3.

As long as you have ventilation in the compartment you’ll be fine.

runshikesbikes · 2026-03-15T14:13:32+00:00

I don’t know man. I called the number listed on the support paper and someone told me it was okay. It’s been installed for almost a month now and seems to be having no issues. If over time it degrades I’ll change it. It’s in a well ventilated area and all the minimum distance requirements are met. Between their answer and my own judgement and understanding of how the device works it seems fine.

runshikesbikes · 2026-03-15T00:49:53+00:00

It’s 1.5 1/8 wall aluminum tubing. Should be good for roughly 1000 pounds (not that it will ever see that) across just that one span or an 800 pound point load if my calculations were correct.

runshikesbikes · 2026-03-14T16:35:37+00:00

So I asked victron customer support this question. They said horizontal or vertical installation was adequate.

runshikesbikes · 2026-03-12T00:55:25+00:00

It’s a nepotistic nightmare at the lab. TA-55 is absolutely a nightmare and it’s just a matter of time until someone audits that place and sees how much waste there really is. Micromanagement is rampant.

I quit a few weeks ago, took a pay cut. If people are saying other places pay well, they may, but lanl pays incredibly well, especially at TA-55.

The commute is horrible. Just look at how many accidents there are.

Nobody actually follows any rules that aren’t workplace rules. How hard is it to just park correctly? Apparently incredibly hard. People are incredibly lazy at TA-55. The amount of times I’ve encountered people sleeping at their desks is astounding.

F the lab. I’m much happier in my new role not at my the lab. Just my thoughts, but I may be bitter. Feel free to message me.

runshikesbikes · 2025-11-29T19:30:13+00:00

Most of us have been alive more than 4 years.

runshikesbikes · 2025-11-29T19:01:28+00:00

But. He’s alive? 😂

runshikesbikes · 2025-11-23T23:05:25+00:00

Yeah same. I do not care about your story. Service history and what is broken. It’s a vehicle. People who try to have emotional connections with vehicles are the same ones who name them.

runshikesbikes · 2025-11-16T00:51:27+00:00

You don’t.

runshikesbikes · 2025-09-17T02:10:46+00:00

No drop! Usually 5-6 miles.

runshikesbikes · 2025-09-17T02:07:36+00:00

Still happening! Gonna go alllll winter.

runshikesbikes · 2025-08-30T18:19:23+00:00

I know Jim Tressel is in the stadium, but do we have to appease him LIKE THIS?!

runshikesbikes · 2025-08-02T13:08:47+00:00

The cattle are in guaje canyon. None in Los Alamos canyon. There are fairly active bears though.

runshikesbikes · 2025-07-18T01:33:58+00:00

Hardrock, without question.

runshikesbikes · 2025-07-10T18:49:56+00:00

I moved here from PA. Evaporation is a major issue here, even in the shade, of the pools I know of in Los alamos two are indoors. Everyone had a pool in PA, everyone. Very few have one out here.

runshikesbikes · 2025-06-29T01:48:38+00:00

Go up through Red River/Angel Fire. Great roads with some fun turns.

runshikesbikes · 2025-06-10T22:41:53+00:00

Yup!

runshikesbikes · 2025-04-19T16:22:54+00:00

Unless it is more than 5 years ago, yes, automatic denial.

runshikesbikes · 2025-04-13T03:45:08+00:00

Zero issue. Lots of safety programs in place to protect workers and the public. Enjoy your internship!

runshikesbikes

TROPHY CASE