Cleared Member/Senior R&D Systems Engineer - W87-1 Test and Environment Engineer, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 102,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable housing

Minimal traffic congestion

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories is seeking a Cleared Member/Senior R&D Systems Engineer for the W87-1 Test and Environment team. This onsite role focuses on system-level tests, environment specification derivations, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to ensure safe, effective modernization weapons systems.

You will engage with NSE partners, manage ES documents, and contribute to test planning, execution, and reporting. DOE Q clearance is required; travel up to 25% may be necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent.
• Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent to start.
• Experience with environment specifications and system testing.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute electrical and mechanical system-level tests across the test lifecycle.
• Manage Environment Specification documents with ModSim integration.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across NSE labs and partners.
• Integrate WR, JTA, and Trainer components at system level.
• Engage with NSE labs, Design Agencies, and program partners.
• Work onsite with travel up to 25% as needed.

Skills

System testing

Environment specs

Cross-functional teamwork

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Cleared Member/Senior R&D Systems Engineer - W87-1 Test and Environment Engineer, 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.

What Your Job Will Be Like:

Are you ready to step into a pivotal role as a Systems Test Engineer or a Systems Environment Specification Engineer, where your expertise will directly contribute to the development and qualification of advanced modernization weapons systems? We are seeking W87-1 System Test Engineers and Systems Environment Specification Engineers to join our dynamic W87-1 System Test Team, where you will be at the forefront of environments, system test, and evaluation. Your contributions will ensure the safety and security of our nation.

In this exciting position, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and tackle complex engineering challenges that push the boundaries of innovation. You will engage with leading experts across the Nuclear Security Enterprise, making an impact on national defense.

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

Actively Engage: Contribute to the planning and execution of electrical and mechanically representative system-level tests, guiding them through the entire test lifecycle from kickoff to execution and reporting. Your participation will ensure that each test meets rigorous standards and contributes to the success of modernization efforts.

Own, Facilitate, and Release: Take charge of one or more Environment Specification (ES) documents, engaging with ModSim for the latest derivation and integrating with the System design and qualification teams to ensure the released product represents the System approach.

Dynamic Problem-Solving: Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across the Nuclear Security Enterprise to address real-time challenges. Your ability to think critically and adapt to changing circumstances will be key as you navigate the complexities of testing and environment derivation.

Collaborative Partnerships: Partner with Components, Systems, Mod/Sim, Test Facilities, and subject matter experts to foster a collaborative environment. Your role will involve coordinating efforts across multiple sites and time zones, ensuring seamless integration and execution of tests.

Innovative Integration: Apply your critical thinking skills to integrate Weapon Response (WR), Joint Test Assessment (JTA), and Trainer components at a system level through various iterations of design and testing. Your insights will be invaluable during the early phases of development programs, shaping the future of our systems.

Engage with Key Stakeholders: Interact closely with the National Nuclear Security Administration and partner Design Agency Labs to ensure that technical and programmatic requirements are met. Your contributions will play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our national security initiatives.

Drive System Excellence: Each day will present new challenges and opportunities for innovation.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Some travel may be required, up to 25% throughout the year.

Salary Range:

$102,400 - $199,700

*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.

Qualifications We Require:

A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, 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 clearance or equivalent to start.

Qualifications We Desire:

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

Graduate degree in Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).

Experience working with Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) laboratories and plants including Pantex, Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLNL) and Kansas City National Security Campus/New Mexico Operations (KCNSC/NMO).

Experience working on engineering design, qualification, production, or related modeling/simulation projects.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

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

Experience in a weapon system or related department with knowledge of Nuclear Deterrence (ND) Product Realization.

In-depth knowledge of safety and security requirements for activity‑level work, including experience in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Experience in system-level testing and integration, including the execution of tests through the entire lifecycle from planning to reporting.

Experience in deriving Environment Specifications or writing Environment Specification documents.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within fast‑paced, multidisciplinary teams, fostering strong partnerships across various systems and sites.

Strong adaptability and problem‑solving skills, with a proactive approach to navigating ambiguity and addressing challenges as they arise.

About Our Team:

The W87-1 System team is responsible for designing and qualifying the W87-1 warhead. We are a multidisciplinary team made up of electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering. The team includes core partners in project management, reliability, quality, nuclear safety, surveillance, engineering sciences, and material sciences. We collaborate closely with LLNL as Design Agencies for the program and the System Test Team work closely with LLNL, LANL, and LM to execute joint system tests.

Posting Duration:

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance:

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.

EEO:

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.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs:

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.

• Affordable housing, reasonable cost of living
• Minimal traffic congestion compared to larger cities