Postdoctoral Appointee - Experimental Solid Mechanics, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation

Strong medical benefits

Competitive 401k

Relocation assistance

Learning opportunities

Amenities for work-life balance

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee for Experimental Impact Mechanics to advance high‑rate testing of materials using Hopkinson‑bar methods and advanced diagnostics, collaborating with multiple labs and publishing work.

A PhD in mechanical, civil, aerospace engineering or related field and DOE L clearance eligibility are required; candidates should show strong experimental background, teamwork, independence and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Engineering or related field with an emphasis in solid mechanics.
• Solid background and experience in experimental mechanics.
• Experience working both independently and as part of a team and multi‑task skills.
• Good communication skills as evidenced by a history of publication of results in peer‑reviewed journals and external presentations at appropriate scientific conferences.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform experimental mechanics research with an emphasis on high‑rate/impact testing of materials and structures, with, but not limited to, split Hopkinson bar (or Kolsky bar) techniques implemented with advanced diagnostic techniques.
• Work with research engineers in EIML and collaborate with research engineers in other groups including the Structural Mechanics Lab, Mechanical Shock Lab, and computational solid mechanics group.
• Support research activities in the following areas: mechanical characterization of materials in normal and abnormal environments, rate‑dependent material model development, dynamic failure and fracture, shock mitigation, and advanced experimental methods/diagnostic technique development.
• Perform experimental design, execution, and analysis.
• Produce technical reports, peer‑reviewed journal articles, and conference presentations.
• Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant will be required to work onsite.

Skills

Experimental mechanics

Independent work

Teamwork

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

PhD in Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Engineering or related field with emphasis in solid mechanics

Job description

Postdoctoral Appointee - Experimental Solid Mechanics, 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.

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee for the Experimental Impact Mechanics Laboratory (EIML).

In this role, you will:

• Perform experimental mechanics research with an emphasis on high‑rate/impact testing of materials and structures, with, but not limited to, split Hopkinson bar (or Kolsky bar) techniques implemented with advanced diagnostic techniques.
• Work with research engineers in EIML and collaborate with research engineers in other groups including the Structural Mechanics Lab, Mechanical Shock Lab, and computational solid mechanics group.
• Support research activities in the following areas: mechanical characterization of materials in normal and abnormal environments, rate‑dependent material model development, dynamic failure and fracture, shock mitigation, and advanced experimental methods/diagnostic technique development.
• Perform experimental design, execution, and analysis.
• Produce technical reports, peer‑reviewed journal articles, and conference presentations.
• Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant will be required to work onsite.

Qualifications We Require:

• PhD in Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Engineering or a related field with an emphasis in solid mechanics.
• Solid background and experience in experimental mechanics.
• Experience working both independently and as part of a team and multi‑task skills.
• Good communication skills as evidenced by a history of publication of results in peer‑reviewed journals and external presentations at appropriate scientific conferences.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L clearance.

Qualifications We Desire:

• Experience on mechanical testing, including MTS, Drop table, split Hopkinson bar, etc.
• Experience with advanced optical methods such as digital image correlation (DIC), high‑speed imaging, or other optical metrology.
• Knowledge and experience with impact mechanics, engineering mechanics, or materials sciences.
• Commitment to operational safety, security and quality.

Position Information:

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia’s discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Essential Functions:

• May be required to demonstrate your fitness to perform certain physical aspects of the position, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

Security Clearance:

Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L‑level security clearance. The position 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.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs:

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED) such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug‑releasing pump, hearing aids, or other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions, and you are 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.

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.