Early Career Computer Engineer - Avionics Software, Onsite

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

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Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories invites applications for an entry level Avionics Software Engineer to join the Flight Systems and Avionics team. You will design, develop, and automate tests for advanced electronic systems, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure performance, safety, and quality.

The role emphasizes hands‑on development, fast learning, and adherence to industry standards, with onsite work required for this posting and opportunities for growth in a multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop software interfaces and features to automate component level and system level testing
• Analyze and extract detailed functional and software requirements from component datasheets
• Design and implement hardware systems to support fast and modular testing
• Collaborate with firmware, software, and hardware design teams to develop more robust test systems
• Develop and maintain embedded software on ARM Cortex‑M and/or other microcontroller platforms using C/C++
• Assist in the testing and validation of electrical designs, including creating test setups and analyzing results
• Troubleshoot complex hardware/software integration issues using debugging tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including software specifications, test reports, and user guides

Skills

C/C++

Python

Embedded software

Testing automation

GitLab

Docker

Linux

JTAG debugging

SPI/I2C/UART

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related

Graduate degree in Computer Engineering or related

Tools

GitLab

Docker

Linux

Xilinx PetaLinux

VxWorks

FreeRTOS

Job description

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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 four 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 passionate about advanced embedded computer systems, software, firmware, or testing of systems to ensure integrity of electronic components in support of our National Defense and security? If so, we invite you to explore this opportunity to join our impactful team and make a difference.

Department 5325, Flight Systems and Avionics, is seeking an entry level Avionics Software Engineer to enhance our engineering team. The position is ideal for individuals eager to design, develop, and create automated test systems for advanced electronic systems.

We are seeking a motivated, detail‑oriented, and creative entry level Software Engineer to join our engineering team. You will work under the guidance of experienced engineers, contributing to the creation of innovative solutions while ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in electrical or computer engineering principles, excellent problem‑solving skills, and a passion for technology. The position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and development in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop software interfaces and features to automate component level and system level testing

Analyze and extract detailed functional and software requirements from component datasheets (e.g., sensors, FPGAs, communication ICs)

Design and implement hardware systems to support fast and modular testing

Collaborate with firmware, software, and hardware design teams to develop more robust test systems

Develop and maintain embedded software on ARM Cortex‑M and/or other microcontroller platforms using C/C++

Assist in the testing and validation of electrical designs, including creating test setups, using laboratory bench equipment to conduct experiments, and analyzing results

Troubleshoot complex hardware/software integration issues using debugging tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers.

Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including software specifications, test reports, and user guides

Staying updated with the latest technologies, tools, and industry trends to enhance skills and knowledge

Work closely with senior engineers and cross‑functional teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, to ensure designs meet project requirements

Due to the nature of work, successful candidate must be able to work onsite.

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.

Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q level security clearance.

Qualifications We Desire:

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

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

Demonstrated ability to execute and deliver technical work products with application of appropriate rigor and pedigree documentation (design/code reviews, technical oversight/approvals, project team concurrence, artifact generation, etc.).

Experience in computer systems design and software development for real‑time and embedded processing systems, distributed processing systems, or real‑time client server implementations.

Familiarity with hardware/software requirements generation for verification, validation and qualification.

Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary, multi‑disciplinary team setting for a common purpose.

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

Software development experience using Python or C/C++

Experience with GitLab (or similar CM tool), Docker software containers, or Linux

Experience working various peripheral interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, RS‑422, Ethernet, or Highspeed backplane topologies)

Familiarity with messaging protocols (MQTT, AMQP, etc), databases, and real‑time visualization tools

Familiar with National Instruments Python Application Programming Interfaces: NI‑DAQmx or PyVISA

Familiar with embedded operating systems such as Xilinx PetaLinux, VxWorks, or FreeRTOS

Familiar with embedded software develop on the Xilinx ARM processors or MicroBlaze soft processors

Testing experience of electronic prototypes and electronics troubleshooting using standard laboratory equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or multimeters

Excellent problem‑solving skills, able to work both independently and in a team environment.

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast‑paced environment

About Our Team:

The Flight Systems and Avionics (5325) Department developments and delivers innovative advanced avionic flight components and systems in support of critical programs at Sandia National Labs. These avionics systems target multiple applications that include computing solutions for Vehicle Navigation, Pointing, Control, Hardware in the loop testing, Specialized Radars and Hypersonic systems. Our department specializes in reconfigurable modular digital signal processing systems utilizing state‑of‑the‑art electronics, FPGA technology and general‑purpose microprocessors.

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:

Sandia is required by DOE 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 obtain and 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
• At Sandia, recruiters manually review resumes on each job posting instead of using a resume screening software program
• By following the best practices outlined, this ensures that recruiters can accurately determine your qualifications for the position