Cleared Senior/Principal R&D Electrical Engineer - Systems Electrical Design, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking an R&D Electrical Engineer to join our team working on the W87-1 program, where you will play pivotal role advancing cutting-edge nuclear weapon systems and components. You will leverage your expertise in electrical engineering to design, analyze, and validate innovative solutions that meet stringent performance and safety standards.

Your expertise in analyzing test data, identifying root causes, and collaborating closely with Product Realization Teams (PRTs) and testing and qualification organizations will be essential in addressing challenges central to the program in Phase 6.3. In this role, you will have the opportunity to leverage your programming skills in MATLAB and Python to enhance data analysis and support the program in developing the technical basis for the W87-1.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Partner with the test, quality, and qualification and component teams to identify test objectives, collaborate in the planning of system-level test activities, partner with data analysis developers to automate data review, review data, and resolve anomalies using automated system data analysis tools.
• Design and develop electrical systems and components for the W87-1 program, with a focus on troubleshooting and optimizing existing designs while resolving technical and programmatic design, development, qualification, and production challenges in a collaborative manner across multiple internal and external agencies.
• Analyze test data and system performance against requirements, collaborating with testing and qualification organizations to ensure system performance and effectively identifying and resolving issues.
• Conduct simulations and modeling using MATLAB or Python to support design decisions.
• Write Engineering Authorizations and maintain documentation in compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring clarity and accuracy in all communications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate electrical systems into larger projects, working with engineers, technologists, and technicians from Sandia National Labs (SNL), Department of Defense (DoD), Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), Pantex (PX), and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) organizations to solve technical challenges.
• Demonstrate technical leadership in identifying and managing technical risks.

You will be empowered to propose innovative ideas and improvements, contributing to the continuous advancement of our technologies. Join us in a role that not only challenges your technical skills but also offers opportunities for professional growth and development in a critical field.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant will be required to work onsite full-time in Livermore, CA, or Albuquerque, NM. Some travel is required for this position.

$139,900 - $280,600

*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and seven (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
• Active DOE Q or DOD TS security clearance.

The ideal R&D Electrical Engineer candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Ability to work independently and collaborate well in a multidisciplinary team of designers and test engineers.
• Outstanding verbal and written skills, including the ability to develop and present briefings that are clear and compelling.

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:

• Experience working on nuclear weapon systems or components, with a solid understanding of nuclear weapon design and familiarity with DOD or DOE programs.
• Proven ability to analyze test data and collaborate with testing and qualification organizations to resolve issues and conduct trade-offs for system solutions.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and effectiveness in dynamic environments with competing priorities and firm deadlines.
• Proficient in programming platforms such as MATLAB or Python.
• Experienced in writing Engineering Authorizations and working with qualification activities.
• A self-directed, customer- and partner-oriented individual with strong interpersonal, teamwork, leadership, and analytical skills.

The W87-1 Systems team is responsible for designing and qualifying the W87-1 warhead as well as working with the Sentinel Missile System Project Officer to integrate the warhead with the missile. The team comprises advanced-degree technical staff with backgrounds in electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering. Additionally, the team includes core partners in project management, reliability, quality, nuclear safety, surveillance, engineering sciences, and material sciences. The W87-1 Systems team collaborates closely with LLNL as design agencies for the program. The Systems team also participates in multiple subgroups supporting the USAF Project Officers Group.

The W87-1 Systems Engineering departments at SNL/CA and SNL/NM are jointly responsible for the W87-1 Modification Program. These departments are part of the Weapon Systems Engineering Centers, which are responsible for assuring the safety, reliability and security of U.S. nuclear weapons that enable the defense of our nation through nuclear strategic deterrent. The W87-1 program restarted in Q1FY19 in Phase 6.2 after a four-year pause, and Sandia is actively building the team to successfully execute the program.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.