Early Career W87-1 Weapon R&D Electrical Engineer - Drive Next-Generation National Security Tec[...]

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 121,900 - 237,800; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories is seeking an Early Career W87-1 R&D Electrical Engineer to shape the W87-1 Warhead design through development engineering, qualification, production, and fielding on the U.S. Navy nuclear security program.

This onsite role in Livermore involves close collaboration with national security partners and a strong emphasis on MBSE and electrical design proficiency. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, ability to obtain DOE Q clearance, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support system engineering activities across electrical and mechanical domains.
• Develop MBSE models using CAMEO to support system design and analysis.
• Design, review, and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and related docs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to resolve technical challenges.
• Lead meetings and coordinate SMEs to ensure timely resolution of system-level issues.
• Represent Sandia on multi-organizational teams to foster collaboration.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MBSE

Job description

Early Career W87-1 Weapon R&D Electrical Engineer – Drive Next‑Generation National Security Technologies, Onsite

Job Overview

Join our Systems Engineering Team as a W87-1 R&D Electrical Engineer for the W87-1 Modification Program. This rare opportunity allows you to shape the W87‑1 Warhead design through development engineering, qualification, production, and fielding as an ICBM leg of the nuclear triad, deployed on the USAF Sentinel missile within the Mk21A reentry vehicle.

The program collaborates closely with national security partners, including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Kansas City National Security Complex, Pantex, and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Responsibilities

• Support system engineering activities, including component requirements generation and verification, ensuring alignment across electrical and mechanical domains.
• Assist in developing and maintaining model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) models using CAMEO to support system design and analysis.
• Design, review, and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and related technical documentation.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams—including system leads, quality, test, and environment—to solve technical challenges.
• Participate as a systems representative on Product Realization Teams, contributing to design reviews, product releases, and hardware deliveries.
• Advance technology and manufacturing readiness levels.
• Develop burn‑down plans, implement risk mitigation strategies, and manage programmatic aspects as needed.
• Troubleshoot and resolve test failures, including electrical and electromagnetic issues, coordinating with SMEs and test teams.
• Lead meetings and coordinate SMEs under guidance to support timely resolution of system‑level issues.
• Present technical findings and program updates to diverse audiences with support from senior team members.
• Represent Sandia on multi‑organizational teams, including NNSA, DoD, LLNL, and others, fostering collaboration across the Nuclear Security Enterprise.
• Understand hardware nonconformances and determine acceptability for system tests, negotiate hardware pedigree and delivery dates with test leads.
• Participate in training and mentorship programs designed to develop your skills and expertise.

Location and Travel

Must work onsite in Livermore, California. Occasional travel of up to 25% of the time may be required.

Salary Range

$121,900 – $237,800 (actual salary determined after review of experience, qualifications, and approved geographic differential).

Qualifications We Require

A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (or equivalent) and the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q clearance.

Qualifications We Desire

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field with an independent research project requiring a thesis or dissertation.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate well within multidisciplinary teams.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to develop and present clear, compelling briefings.
• Basic understanding of systems engineering principles and processes.
• Familiarity with MBSE and electrical design tools.
• Strong problem‑solving skills for complex system development and integration tasks.
• Effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated initiative and capacity for independent work in a dynamic environment.
• Interest or exposure to nuclear deterrence or defense‑related programs is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a mission‑critical environment with multiple stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast‑paced, evolving technical setting.

About Our Team

The W87‑1 System Engineering Departments, part of the Nuclear Deterrence Systems Engineering Centers, ensure safety, reliability, and security of U.S. nuclear weapons, supporting national defense through strategic deterrence.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level clearance. A pre‑employment drug test and background review (including personal references, credit, law‑enforcement records, and employment/education verifications) will be conducted. Substance abuse, falsification, criminal activity, or other indicators of untrustworthiness may result in denial or termination of the 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, or any other protected class under state or federal law.

• Affordable housing and reasonable cost of living.
• Minimal traffic congestion compared to larger cities.
• Applicants with medical portable electronic devices (MedPEDs) will be required to comply with NNSA security requirements if employed on site.
• Recruiters manually review resumes on each posting, allowing accurate assessment of qualifications.