Senior Space Hardware R&D Mechanical Engineer – Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 118,000 - 236,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories invites applications for a Senior/Principal R&D Mechanical Engineer focused on product realization for space hardware. You will translate concepts into detailed designs, manage build-to-print components, and oversee suppliers to deliver flight hardware.

The role requires CAD expertise, GD&T, and experience in high-reliability environments, with opportunities for advancement and onsite work. Strong collaboration across teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with 5+ years of directly relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and engineering experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q level security clearance.
• Graduate degree and related experience in mechanical engineering or high-reliability hardware are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for space payloads across the full product lifecycle.
• Develop and interpret mechanical drawings, tolerances, and CAD models (Creo or equivalent).
• Support fabrication, assembly, inspection, qualification, and test of flight hardware.
• Manage mechanical suppliers including selection, development, performance, quality, and delivery.

Skills

CAD tools

Supplier management

GD&T

DFM

Aerospace hardware

High-reliability

Earned value

Configuration management

Quality control

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Creo CAD

AS9100/QMS

Job description

Sandia National Laboratories invites applications for a Senior/Principal R&D Mechanical Engineer focused on product realization for space hardware. You will translate concepts into detailed designs, manage build-to-print components, and oversee suppliers to deliver flight hardware.

The role requires CAD expertise, GD&T, and experience in high-reliability environments, with opportunities for advancement and onsite work. Strong collaboration across teams is essential.