Early Career R&D Computer Science - Space Grounds Systems Program, Onsite

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

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable housing

Reasonable cost of living

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Relocation assistance

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories seeks an enthusiastic R&D Computer Scientist for the Space Ground Systems Program. You will contribute to test design and system integration for USNDS satellite ground segments, collaborating with systems engineers to craft robust verification and testing strategies.

The role emphasizes Python development, software testing, and delivering technology solutions for national security missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance.
• Experience with Python, Java, or C++.
• Experience developing automated tests.
• Familiarity with Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and test software for simulated and real environments.
• Install, integrate, stabilize, and characterize the ground segment.
• Develop test infrastructure in Python to support verification.
• Enhance features for existing testing tools.
• Generate test plans and reports.
• Collaborate with Systems Engineers on test cases.

Skills

Python

Java

C++

Software testing

Automation testing

Linux

Ansible

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

Graduate degree (desired)

Tools

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

Red Hat Ansible

Job description

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Early Career R&D Computer Science - Space Grounds Systems Program, 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. 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 4 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 401(k), 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:

We are seeking a highly motivated R&D Computer Scientist with a passion for testing to join our growing dynamic team! You will be part of a test team responsible for system integration, requirement verification, and delivery of USNDS satellite ground systems for nuclear detonation detection missions. You will also be collaborating with Systems Engineers to design and modify test cases. Please join us to develop creative solutions to unique national security challenges!

On any given day, you may be called on to:

Participate in design and testing of specialized software in simulated and real environments.

Install, integrate, stabilize, and characterize the ground segment.

Develop software in Python to support the test infrastructure.

Enhance new features for existing testing tools.

Deliver technology solutions across the spectrum of mission area.

Propose and participate in internal R&D efforts.

Team with a diverse group across varied fields to support data processing and analysis.

Communicate effectively with internal and external customers to understand their technical needs.

Generate test plans and test reports.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicants must be able to work onsite. Some travel may be required.

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 a DOE Q clearance

Qualifications We Desire:

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

Graduate degree in Computer Science or a related STEM field.

Demonstrated software development skills and familiarity with modern software development practices and tools.

Proven verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and a passion to improve and expand technical skills.

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

Experience with Python, Java, and/or C++

Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)/Red Hat OS.

Experience in developing automated tests.

Familiarity with Red Hat Ansible

Ability to work effectively in a dynamic interdisciplinary team environment

Active DOE Q or DOD equivalent security clearance

About Our Team:

The Space Ground Systems Programs leads the design, development, and delivery of the operational ground segment of the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS). USNDS is a space‑based remote sensing system designed to meet national security needs for both the warfighter and the treaty monitoring community. The team provides leadership and advanced technical solutions throughout the life cycle of these systems, from inception of new systems to enhancing capability in currently operational systems.

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