Early Career Electrical Engineer - Space Systems, Onsite

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

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories’ Space Mission Engineering Program Office seeks an early career electrical engineer to contribute to space flight efforts in optical remote sensing, space control, and rapid realization.

The successful candidate will collaborate with DoD/IC sponsors, mature enabling technologies, and execute payloads through the full lifecycle, working with a multidisciplinary team across Sandia.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with ability to perform independent research and development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q and SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support or lead multidisciplinary internal teams to realize new flight payloads.
• Engage with external sponsors and Sandia leadership.
• Generate and deliver proposals, reports, or presentations.
• Independently design or develop solutions to complex technical problems.
• Build and test space flight systems or prototypes.
• Identify gaps and opportunities to drive innovation.
• Travel occasionally and work onsite as required.

Skills

Space systems design

Electrical engineering

System integration

RF systems

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Overview

Sandia National Laboratories’ Space Mission Engineering Program Office (SMEPO) strives to enhance national security by creating the future of space. We seek the toughest unmet, space-based mission challenges for our DoD and IC partners. Our work requires acting as a trusted resource, leveraging innovative ideas, applying differentiating technologies, and harnessing the strength of Sandia’s unique capabilities.

What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking an early career electrical engineer with experience in space systems electrical design to join our space flight efforts in optical remote sensing, space control, and rapid realization. The successful candidate will strengthen partnerships, work with DoD or IC sponsors, mature enabling technologies, and execute space flight payloads through the full lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Support or lead diverse, multidisciplinary internal teams to realize new flight payloads
• Engage with external sponsors and Sandia leadership
• Generate and deliver proposals, reports, or presentations
• Independently design or develop solutions to complex technical problems
• Build and test space flight systems or associated prototypes
• Identify gaps and opportunities to drive innovation
• Work in a secure environment, protecting information and results as required
• Travel occasionally and work onsite as required

Salary Range

$102,400 - $199,700

*Salary range is estimated. 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

• 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 and SCI clearance.

Qualifications We Desire

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field with an independent research project (thesis or dissertation).
• Ability to work independently and collaborate well in a multidisciplinary team of designers and test engineers.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including clear and compelling briefings.
• Two or more years of experience with DOD or IC communities.
• Two or more years of hands‑on experience with space flight systems (design, architecture, realization, testing, and deployment).
• Experience with RF systems for space applications.
• Two or more years of project leadership experience with DOD or IC communities.
• Experience implementing and leading SCI and/or Special Access Program (SAP) level technical projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a diverse, multidisciplinary teaming environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration with external and internal partners.
• Ability to develop and present proposals (cost, schedule, scope, conceptual design) to internal and external stakeholders.
• Leadership of small teams and dedication to positive teaming dynamics.
• Design experience with optomechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Ability to develop simple code to interface with mechanisms, components, testers, etc.
• Willingness to travel to engage with sponsors, conferences, and other events.

About Our Team

The Emerging Flight Technologies department develops space-based payloads in the nation's security interests, including rapid prototype development, resilient space electronic architectures, and payload maturation in remote sensing, space control, domain awareness, and cyber.

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 need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance and SCI access, requiring U.S. citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination. Multiple citizenship may impact clearance levels.

Applicants offered employment are subject to a federal background investigation to meet requirements for access to classified information or matters if the duties require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse, falsification, criminal activity or other indicators of untrustworthiness can lead to denial or termination of clearance and 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, 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, you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs at Sandia. If selected for an on‑site interview, additional steps may be necessary to ensure compliance before the interview date.