Cleared Senior/Principal Electromechanical Technologist - Terminal Ballistics Facility, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 74,700 - 144,400; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories is seeking a Cleared Senior/Principal Electromechanical Technologist to support the Terminal Ballistics Facility at Sandia’s TA-III. The role focuses on explosives handling, testing operations, and collaboration with multiple teams to assemble and test weapon components.

The ideal candidate will have a DOE Q clearance, hands-on experience with explosives, tools and diagnostic equipment, and a proven ability to work onsite under safety‑driven protocols.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus 3 years of related experience.
• Experience using hand & shop tools, welding equipment, and other ancillary tools/equipment.
• Experience utilizing electrical diagnostic equipment.
• An active DOE Q clearance, or equivalent is required to start.

Responsibilities

• Support operations of the TBF including site maintenance and fielding of both indoor and outdoor ballistics and explosives tests that support nuclear deterrence and strategic planning partnership programs.
• Support the assembly and testing of weapon components and system sub-assemblies in cooperation with other Sandia organizations.
• Contribute to critical thinking in novel test setups, realizing the setup, as well as enabling safe operations for this unique testing.
• Work both individually and with a coordinated team on projects.
• Team with Principal Investigators and other staff and technologists to set-up and perform standardized and non-standardized testing, diagnostic application, data acquisition, and reporting of results.
• Operate in a very meticulous, detailed environment with attention to worker health and safety, and safeguards and security.
• Perform hands-on work with explosive and pyrotechnic materials
• Demonstrate time management and excellent communication skills
• Some travel may be required, up to 25%
• Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Skills

Explosives handling experience

Electrical diagnostic equipment

Safety procedures

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand & shop tools

Welding equipment

Job description

Cleared Senior/Principal Electromechanical Technologist - Terminal Ballistics Facility, 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.

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance

What Your Job Will Be Like

The Explosive Testing, Fabrication and Operations Department is seeking an R&D Explosives Technologist to support explosive handling and testing operations at various Sandia facilities including the Terminal Ballistics Facility (TBF) located in TA-III. TBF resources are used primarily to conduct interior ballistics, terminal ballistics, and explosive testing.

• Support operations of the TBF including site maintenance and fielding of both indoor and outdoor ballistics and explosives tests that support nuclear deterrence and strategic planning partnership programs
• Support the assembly and testing of weapon components and system sub‑assemblies in cooperation with other Sandia organizations
• Contribute to critical thinking in novel test setups, realizing the setup, as well as enabling safe operations for this unique testing
• Work both individually and with a coordinated team on projects
• Team with Principal Investigators and other staff and technologists to set‑up and perform standardized and non‑standardized testing, diagnostic application, data acquisition, and reporting of results
• Operate in a very meticulous, detailed environment with attention to worker health and safety, and safeguards and security
• Perform hands‑on work with explosive and pyrotechnic materials
• Demonstrate time management and excellent communication skills
• Some travel may be required, up to 25%.
• Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Salary Range

$74,700 - $144,400

*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

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus 3 years of related experience
• Experience using hand & shop tools, welding equipment, and other ancillary tools/equipment
• Experience utilizing electrical diagnostic equipment
• An active DOE Q clearance, or equivalent is required to start

Qualifications We Desire

• Ability to use communication and surveillance equipment such as radios, intercoms, and scanning cameras
• Ability to work in a physically‑demanding environment, including at remote locations and during inclement weather
• Knowledge of NW Systems and/or components
• Demonstrated ability to safely handle and shoot with firearms
• Experience implementing and following established documented safety procedures
• Demonstrated experience working independently according to work instructions or procedures
• Experience using engineering drawings or schematics to maintain or build electromechanical equipment
• Experience in hand loading of metallic cartridges and shotgun shells
• Experience driving forklifts and handling material with forklifts

About Our Team

Department 07456 conducts validation and surveillance large‑scale explosives testing within Sandia's remote technical areas in support of Nuclear Weapons (NW) and Work for Others (WFOs) programs. It supports other Explosive Technology Group (ETG) operations through fabrication of explosive and non‑explosive weapons parts/components. In addition, the department has a cross‑cutting role within the ETG for explosives handling, shipping, receiving, inventory and machining and for all facility upgrades and maintenance. The Department operates and maintains remote testing facilities including the Terminal Ballistics Facility (TBF), Light Initiated High Explosives (LIHE) Facility and the Explosive Machining Facility (EMF).

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.

Essential Functions

If offered the position, you may be required to demonstrate your fitness to perform certain physical aspects of the position, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.