R&D Mechanical Tooling Engineer, Onsite

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

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories is seeking an R&D, Mechanical Engineering professional to join the PPVS Tooling Team. The role centers on design, drafting, rapid prototyping, and procurement of custom tooling, gauges, fixtures and molds for center‑wide production activities.

The position emphasizes technical leadership in product realization, supplier development, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams to meet weapons-related requirements in a state‑of‑the‑art polymer laboratory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Responsibilities

• Primary tooling point of contact for at least one production area.
• Interface with vendors and procurement to ensure production needs are met.
• Lead supplier identification and qualification for weapon design projects.
• Support product realization from design through delivery; define requirements early.
• Develop and manage verification plans and acceptance criteria.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Leadership

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Graduate degree preferred

Tools

GD&T knowledge

Additive manufacturing / 3D printing

Experience with NNSA complex projects

Job description

Job Overview

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation. We are seeking an R&D, Mechanical Engineering professional to join the 07567‑1 Purchased Product Value Stream (PPVS) Tooling Team. The team provides technical leadership in the design, drafting, rapid prototyping, and procurement of custom tooling, gauges, fixtures, and molds for center‑wide production activities.

Responsibilities

Primary tooling point of contact for at least one production area. Manage requests, set expectations, and provide updates throughout the lifecycle of each request.

Interface with vendors, design/production agencies, procurement and other PPVS members to ensure production needs are met.

In a state‑of‑the‑art polymer laboratory, utilize various printer technologies, schedule, provide machine maintenance, and assist in adopting new equipment and technologies.

Technical interface to product realization teams and the commercial supply base for the design and delivery of mechanical parts/components used in nuclear weapon design and development.

Participate in the product realization process (design through delivery); including early engagement to define, validate, and clarify requirements.

Lead identification, development, and qualification of suppliers; assess technical capabilities to meet weapons requirements.

Lead efforts to improve fundamental understanding of material requirements, define and conduct experiments to close knowledge gaps.

Anticipate and manage risk (e.g., sole source suppliers, sunset materials, technology development); identify viable alternatives and lead evaluations.

Manage product design definition (drawings, specifications, etc.) through the product life cycle.

Employ quality management systems and techniques; develop and manage verification/qualification plans and acceptance criteria.

Manage multiple organizational interfaces, internally and externally.

Some travel may be required. The selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Qualifications We Require

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience demonstrating knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.

Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Qualifications We Desire

Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement.

Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization within the NNSA complex.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Demonstrated leadership skills.

Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced / schedule‑driven environment.

Experience in application of the scientific method; gathering, analyzing and presenting technical data for decision making/problem solving.

Basic knowledge of design for manufacturing (DFM), Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement and their application.

Basic knowledge and/or exposure to Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).

Knowledge of statistically based tolerance analysis.

Experience with design for additive manufacturing and use of additive manufacturing equipment and/or 3D printers.

Desire to use engineering expertise in the weapons product realization process, cradle to grave.

Working knowledge of Nuclear Deterrence programs and processes.

About Our Team

The PPVS Tooling & Planning Team (7567‑1) is a dynamic, highly integrated team responsible for design, drafting and procurement of custom tooling, gauges, fixtures and molds in support of Center 7500 production activities and NG Product Realization Teams. The team also supports TGFM certification and qualification efforts and serves as subject matter experts and trainers for GD&T. Our state‑of‑the‑art polymer 3D‑printing and additive manufacturing lab supports FDM, Polyjet, SLA, and DLP capabilities.

Salary Range

$102,400 - $199,700

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 pre‑employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Holding more than one citizenship may impact clearance. Applicants offered employment are subject to a federal background investigation. Substance abuse or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause clearance denial or termination, resulting in inability to perform duties and employment termination.

NNSA MedPED Requirements

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED) such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug‑releasing pump, hearing aids, or other diagnostic equipment, 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, additional steps may be necessary to ensure compliance prior to the interview date.

EEO Statement

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.