What Your Job Will Be LikeAre you a technical expert who thrives on turning complex engineering concepts into a physical reality? We are looking for an experienced R&D Laboratory Support Technologist to join our Non-Destructive Environments and Diagnostics (1529) team. Our work is critical in developing and employing transformative non-destructive evaluation methods for national security applications. We are recognized leaders in the field, specializing in capabilities such as radiography, computed tomography, ultrasound, eddy current, dye penetrant, and shearography. Our group balances laboratory and field testing with state-of-the-art equipment to support our mission. In this role, you will serve as a technical anchor for the science and engineering research, development, and application activities in support of Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) missions.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Partner with engineers to realize innovative ideas and designs, working together to accomplish project goals.
- Lead the execution of complex experiments using different NDE techniques, such as Ultrasonic, Eddy Current, Magnetic Particle, Penetrant while gaining hands-on experience in field testing experiments.
- Oversee experiments using non-destructive techniques including a wide variety of experiments using different radiography techniques, such as digital radiography and computed tomography, while gaining hands-on experience in high-speed field experiments.
- Manage the identification, installation, operation, maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment including data acquisition systems.
- Diagnose and resolve complex equipment malfunctions; design and implement long-term corrective actions and system upgrades to prevent recurrence.
- Design and fabricate specialized instrumentation and fixturing that supports unique test articles for non-destructive evaluation.
- Review and interpret complex drawings, specifications, tolerances, and acceptance criteria (e.g., ASME, AWS, ASTM, customer requirements).
- Perform advanced data analysis, organization, and interpretation of results.
- Support documentation and publication efforts, including documenting results for customers and contributing to conference proceedings and peer-reviewed journal papers.
- Optimize operational procedures, implement new solutions and improvements to the group's technical workflows.
- Mentor and train early-career technologists and students on lab safety, equipment operation, and NDE best practices.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant will be required to work onsite.
Salary Range$74,700 - $144,400
*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require- Associate's degree in an applicable STEM discipline (8 years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree)
- Current DOE Q-level security clearance
Qualifications We Desire- Undergraduate degree in a related STEM discipline
- Advanced certification or deep expertise in NDE methods such as radiography, ultrasound, or eddy current
- Proven track record with data acquisition system setup, operation, and maintenance
- Strong working knowledge of structural dynamics and the physics of non-destructive evaluation techniques
- Proficiency in computer coding (MATLAB and/or Python), as well as computer hardware maintenance and modification
- Demonstrated leadership in operational safety, security and quality assurance within a laboratory environment
About Our TeamThe Non-Destructive Environments and Diagnostics (1529) department is an integral part of the Experimental Solid Mechanics and Structural Dynamics group (1520) at Sandia National Laboratories. Our mission is to develop and employ innovative non-destructive evaluation methods to support national security applications. We provide comprehensive support through design assistance, environment simulation, diagnostics, qualification activities, field testing, and engineering discovery. Our team collaborates closely with other departments and external entities to ensure accurate and reproducible data in mission-relevant mechanical environments. We maintain a robust R&D portfolio focused on advancing non-destructive testing methodologies and enhancing the qualification of systems critical to our nation's security.
Posting DurationThis 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.
