What Your Job Will Be LikeAre you ready to step into a pivotal role as a Systems Test Engineer or a Systems Environment Specification Engineer, where your expertise will directly contribute to the development and qualification of advanced modernization weapons systems? We are seeking W87-1 System Test Engineers and Systems Environment Specification Engineers to join our dynamic W87-1 System Test Team, where you will be at the forefront of environments, system test, and evaluation. Your contributions will ensure the safety and security of our nation.
In this exciting position, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and tackle complex engineering challenges that push the boundaries of innovation. You will engage with leading experts across the Nuclear Security Enterprise, making an impact on national defense.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Actively Engage: Contribute to the planning and execution of electrical and mechanically representative system-level tests, guiding them through the entire test lifecycle from kickoff to execution and reporting. Your participation will ensure that each test meets rigorous standards and contributes to the success of modernization efforts.
- Own, Facilitate, and Release: Take charge of one or more Environment Specification (ES) documents, engaging with ModSim for the latest derivation and integrating with the System design and qualification teams to ensure the released product represents the System approach.
- Dynamic Problem-Solving: Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across the Nuclear Security Enterprise to address real-time challenges. Your ability to think critically and adapt to changing circumstances will be key as you navigate the complexities of testing and environment derivation.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Partner with Components, Systems, Mod/Sim, Test Facilities, and subject matter experts to foster a collaborative environment. Your role will involve coordinating efforts across multiple sites and time zones, ensuring seamless integration and execution of tests.
- Innovative Integration: Apply your critical thinking skills to integrate Weapon Response (WR), Joint Test Assessment (JTA), and Trainer components at a system level through various iterations of design and testing. Your insights will be invaluable during the early phases of development programs, shaping the future of our systems.
- Engage with Key Stakeholders: Interact closely with the National Nuclear Security Administration and partner Design Agency Labs to ensure that technical and programmatic requirements are met. Your contributions will play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our national security initiatives.
- Drive System Excellence: Each day will present new challenges and opportunities for innovation.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Some travel may be required, up to 25% throughout the year.
Salary Range$102,400 - $199,700
*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- A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
- Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent to start.
Qualifications We DesireThe ideal R&D Systems Engineer candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following: - Graduate degree in Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
- Experience working with Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) laboratories and plants including Pantex, Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLNL) and Kansas City National Security Campus/New Mexico Operations (KCNSC/NMO).
- Experience working on engineering design, qualification, production, or related modeling/simulation projects.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience: - Experience in a weapon system or related department with knowledge of Nuclear Deterrence (ND) Product Realization.
- In-depth knowledge of safety and security requirements for activity-level work, including experience in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Experience in system-level testing and integration, including the execution of tests through the entire lifecycle from planning to reporting.
- Experience in deriving Environment Specifications or writing Environment Specification documents.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within fast-paced, multidisciplinary teams, fostering strong partnerships across various systems and sites.
- Strong adaptability and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to navigating ambiguity and addressing challenges as they arise.
About Our TeamThe W87-1 System team is responsible for designing and qualifying the W87-1 warhead. We are a multidisciplinary team made up of electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering. The team includes core partners in project management, reliability, quality, nuclear safety, surveillance, engineering sciences, and material sciences. We collaborate closely with LLNL as Design Agencies for the program and the System Test Team work closely with LLNL, LANL, and LM to execute joint system tests.
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.
Security ClearancePosition requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which 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.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
