Computer Scientist - Integrated Data Exploitation & Analysis, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 102,400 - 199,700; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories in the United States is seeking an R&D S&E Computer Science Software Developer to support USNDS Space Flight Systems and USNDS Space Ground Systems programs. Develop, test, and maintain software in C#, C++, Python, Java and other languages.

Responsibilities include gathering requirements, designing solutions, testing, and integrating data from satellite ground systems; on-site collaboration to meet design, development, and quality goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to perform independent research and development.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance (current or ability to obtain).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with relational databases and version control.
• Experience with CI/CD tools and testing frameworks.
• Experience programming in Python and C#; C/C++/Java.

Responsibilities

• Gather requirements, design, and develop software applications.
• Conduct testing, perform maintenance, and enhance existing software.
• Write scripts to ingest data from satellite ground systems.
• Participate in a high-visibility program managing remote sensing space system payloads and ground system software.
• Collaborate onsite to ensure design, development, realization, and quality goals are met.

Skills

Python

C#

C++

Java

Git

Docker

CI/CD

Testing frameworks

SQL databases

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

MySQL

PostgreSQL

Oracle

Git

Maven

Jenkins

GitLab

GitHub

Docker

Job description

Role Overview

R&D S&E Computer Science Software Developer to support the USNDS Space Flight Systems and USNDS Space Ground Systems programs. Duties include developing, testing, and maintaining software applications using C#, C++, Python, Java, and other modern languages.

Responsibilities

• Gather requirements, design, and develop software applications.
• Conduct testing, perform maintenance, and enhance existing software.
• Write scripts to ingest data from satellite ground systems.
• Participate in a high‑visibility program managing remote sensing space system payloads and ground system software.
• Collaborate onsite to ensure design, development, realization, and quality goals are met.

Salary

$102,400 – $199,700 (estimated; final salary depends on qualifications and geographic differential).

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research and development.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance (current or ability to obtain).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle).
• Experience with version control tools such as Git in a configuration‑controlled environment.
• Experience with CI/CD tools (Maven, Jenkins, GitLab, GitHub, Docker).
• Experience with testing frameworks (UnitTest, JUnit).
• Experience programming in Python and C#.
• Experience developing software in C, C++, Java, or equivalent languages.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Computer Science or a highly related field with an independent research project requirement.
• Knowledge of modern software development practices and tools (e.g., Agile).
• Passion for improving and expanding technical skills.
• Current active DOE “Q” or “L” clearance with capability to obtain a “Q” clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required DOE security clearance.

About Our Team

The Integrated Data Exploitation & Analysis department monitors and manages satellite payloads, focusing on the Global Burst Detector sensors integrated with GPS satellites. Core responsibilities include pre‑launch testing, on‑orbit testing, state‑of‑health monitoring, sensor configuration, anomaly detection, lifetime degradation assessment, and data‑management via ETL activities.

Security Clearance

Applicants must obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Background investigations include reference, credit, law enforcement, and employment/education verifications. Substance abuse or other disqualifying factors may result in denial or termination of clearance.

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.

NNSA MedPED Requirements

If employed with a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker or implant, employees must comply with NNSA security requirements. Additional steps may be required for on‑site interviews and work at Sandia National Laboratories.