Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer – National Security Hardware

Sandia Corporation; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 140,000 - 281,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM is seeking motivated mechanical engineers to design and validate complex hardware for national security programs. The role focuses on hands-on development across the full product lifecycle, from concept through fielded systems.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, use CAD tools, conduct testing, and support manufacturing and qualification activities. Onsite work with occasional travel is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or equivalent combination that demonstrates the knowledge and ability to perform independent R&D.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components, assemblies, tooling, fixtures, handling gear, or structural components.
• Develop concepts and mature them into producible engineering designs.
• Create, interpret, review, and redline engineering drawings and specifications.
• Apply GD&T to support design definition, inspection, and manufacturability.
• Use CAD tools to model parts, assemblies, tooling, and mechanical systems.
• Support fabrication, prototypes, and production activities; troubleshoot hardware.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to resolve production challenges and improve design manufacturability.
• Develop and execute test plans to evaluate performance, reliability, and qualification readiness.
• Conduct various testing (mechanical, environmental, pressure, structural, materials).
• Collect and interpret experimental data to inform design decisions.
• Use simulations and analysis tools to support technical recommendations.
• Document work through reports, reviews, and presentations.
• Support project planning, cost/schedule estimates, and risk management.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM is seeking motivated mechanical engineers to design and validate complex hardware for national security programs. The role focuses on hands-on development across the full product lifecycle, from concept through fielded systems.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, use CAD tools, conduct testing, and support manufacturing and qualification activities. Onsite work with occasional travel is required.