Cleared Senior/Principal R&D Mechanical Engineer - Development Hardware Team (DHT), Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 117,500 - 235,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Relocation assistance

401(k) plan

Learning opportunities

Healthy work-life balance

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories seeks a Cleared Senior/Principal R&D Mechanical Engineer to join the Development Hardware Team (DHT) onsite in New Mexico. The role interfaces with Product Realization Teams and hardware procurement to deliver development hardware for weapon modernization programs.

You will negotiate product definitions, schedules, quantity, quality, and security; evaluate definitions before fabrication or procurement; collaborate with weapon modernization teams and engineers to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Five (5) years of directly relevant engineering experience, or an equivalent combination that demonstrates independent research and development capability.
• Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent security clearance upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main liaison among the DHT, PRTs, hardware management, and planning teams to ensure timely delivery of development hardware.
• Review product definitions, specifications, and drawings to confirm completeness and clarity before fabrication or procurement.
• Collaborate with military, government, and private sector vendors to monitor production progress, resolve schedule delays, and address technical concerns.
• Communicate design and build status, risks, and issues to stakeholders.
• Support rapid acquisition of machine‑made and additive‑manufactured parts, cables, connectors, coatings, and other treatment processes.
• Interface with Sandia’s procurement processes and ensure compliance with security and safety requirements.
• Maintain DOE Q clearance or equivalent and comply with all related security and background investigation procedures.
• Work onsite at Sandia National Laboratories.

Job description

Cleared Senior/Principal R&D Mechanical Engineer - Development Hardware Team (DHT), Onsite

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Weapons Modernization Hardware Assembly and Laboratory Operations Development Hardware Team (DHT). The DHT focuses on delivering development hardware that reduces risks, shortens development build time, and accelerates hardware availability for weapon modernization programs.

Job Summary

The successful candidate will serve as the primary interface between the DHT, Product Realization Teams (PRTs), and hardware procurement and fabrication assets. Key tasks include negotiating product definition, schedule, quantity, quality, inspection, and security; evaluating product definitions before fabrication or procurement; collaborating with weapon modernization PRTs and Weapon System Engineers to resolve development issues; and supporting rapid acquisition and delivery of hardware components for testing.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main liaison among the DHT, PRTs, hardware management, and planning teams to ensure timely delivery of development hardware.
• Review product definitions, specifications, and drawings to confirm completeness and clarity before fabrication or procurement.
• Collaborate with military, government, and private sector vendors to monitor production progress, resolve schedule delays, and address technical concerns.
• Communicate design and build status, risks, and issues to stakeholders.
• Support rapid acquisition of machine‑made and additive‑manufactured parts, cables, connectors, coatings, and other treatment processes.
• Interface with Sandia’s procurement processes and ensure compliance with security and safety requirements.
• Maintain DOE Q clearance or equivalent and comply with all related security and background investigation procedures.
• Work onsite at Sandia National Laboratories.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Five (5) years of directly relevant engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates independent research and development capability.
• Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent security clearance upon hire.

Qualifications Desired

• Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with independent research or thesis completion.
• Experience in mechanical engineering, product realization, and program management within the NNSA complex.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of CAD, GD&T, tolerance stack‑up analysis, and design for manufacturability.
• Experience with electrical engineering concepts, such as wiring schematics, SMT, cables, and connectors.
• Manufacturing engineering expertise in additive manufacturing, machining, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly processes relevant to development hardware.
• Knowledge of metallurgy, material properties, and nuclear weapon product realization.
• Experience managing hardware acquisition schedules, mitigating risks, and working with vendors and internal fabrication facilities.
• Proficiency with configuration management systems such as PDMLink, PRIME, or equivalent PDM tools.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within geographically dispersed multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience handling classified information and accountable or hazardous materials in a secure environment.

Salary Range

$117,500 – $235,700 (salary will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and geographic differential).

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements, including 9/80, 4/10, part‑time, and telecommuting options; generous vacation; comprehensive medical and other benefits; competitive 401(k); learning opportunities; relocation assistance; and amenities that support a healthy work/life balance.

Team Overview

The Development Hardware Team (DHT) directly supports and executes lab operations for weapon systems such as the B61, W80, W87, and W93. The mission includes hardware management, assembly/disassembly operations, component fabrication, PRT support, quality assurance activities, and test unit management across environmental, electrical, thermal, and flight qualification tests.

EEO Statement

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