What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking a Manager, R&D Science and Engineering

The Validation and Qualification Sciences Group (1530) is seeking a forward-thinking and motivated leader to manage and lead day-to-day execution for the Measurement Sciences and Engineering / Photometrics organization (1535). You will work closely with group and department leadership while directly leading a multidisciplinary team that delivers cutting-edge imaging, diagnostic measurements, data acquisition, data analysis, and electrical design/analysis in support of Sandia's National Security missions.

Our team supports large- and small-scale experiments across Sandia and at external test ranges. We plan and execute complex tests that may involve months of preparation as well as smaller tests completed in a matter of days. We deliver critical data for model validation, hardware qualification, and engineering development. Safe, secure, and high-quality operations are our priority, and we use disciplined work planning and controls (WP&C), systems engineering principles, and Conduct of Operations to deliver high-consequence work. The department is part of the Validation and Qualification Sciences Experimental Complex, which includes state-of-the-art research, testing, and analysis capabilities for large-scale thermal and mechanical environments. To learn more about the work we do, please visit: https://www.sandia.gov/vqsec/index.html

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Provide leadership, activity level work planning and approval, and oversight for a portfolio of large- and small-scale tests in hazardous work environments supporting Nuclear Deterrence and Strategic Partnership Programs
• Lead and oversee day-to-day test execution activities with daily engagement with test directors,staff, technologists, customers, and partner organizations
• Oversee imaging, photometrics, instrumentation/data acquisition systems, and electrical design/analysis activities supporting thermal, mechanical, and electrical test programs
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships across the 1530 leadership team to set strategic direction, align common processes, and maintain a strong business rhythm
• Develop and enforce lab standards to ensure safe, secure, and quality operations; lead the continual evolution of our safety and security culture
• Manage a large Accountable Controlled Work Station (CWS) across multiple departments, program areas, and operations, ensuring compliance with safety, security, inventory control, and quality standards related to VTR operations
• Coordinate with the CAS on a regular basis to oversee security, compliance, and audit activities; prepare for and respond to inspections and reviews and ensure adherence to all applicable federal, DOE, and Sandia security policies and procedures
• Manage budget, resources, and equipment maintenance for VTR operations
• Obtain and maintain a S15/S14 security clearance
• Partner with sponsors/customers to understand requirements, interpret results, and deliver solutions to complex problems
• Ensure rigorous test planning, documentation, WP&C implementation, and review/approval of test reports and deliverables
• Oversee workforce training, on-the-job training, and qualification programs; support recruiting, performance assessment, work assignments, and recognition
• Help track and manage budgets, schedules, scope, staffing, and deliverables across multiple concurrent efforts
• Oversee technical R&D efforts (as applicable) for management assurance, reporting, and capability maturation
• Support continuous development and improvement of the department measurement assurance plan and data quality practices
• Develop and execute annual investment plans to maintain and evolve a suite of world-class test and measurement capabilities

Work may include supporting test setup and data collection at Sandia facilities (outdoor and indoor) such as the Aerial Cable Facility, Superfuge/Centrifuge Complex, Vibration & Mechanical Shock Labs, Drop Towers, Thermal Test Complex, Sled Track Facility and Explosive Pads, as well as other sites across the country including, most frequently, Kauai Test Facility, Tonopah Test Range, White Sands Missile Range, Utah Test and Training Range, and EMRTC. Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite, have the experience to safely lead teams conducting work in hazardous environments, and travel in support of tests across the country.

Salary Range

$163,700 - $278,000

*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 and eight (8) years of directly relevant experience, 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
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance

Qualifications We Desire

The ideal R&D Science and Engineer Manager for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

• Two or more years of demonstrated leadership experience.
• A graduate degree in science or electrical or mechanical engineering (MS or Ph.D.).
• Outstanding interpersonal skills in developing trusting relationships with peers, staff, management, customers, and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in the development and delivery of presentations, proposals, reports and documentation.

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience

• 3 or more years of management or technical project leadership experience, including leading multi-discipline and/or multi-organization teams.
• Experience with imaging, instrumentation/data acquisition systems, and/or electrical systems supporting thermal, mechanical, and/or electrical test activities
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and build a positive work environment that delivers results
• Ability to plan imaging/instrumentation/data acquisition tests; document test plans; oversee WP&C for work in hazardous environments; and review test reports
• Experience with data analysis and statistical analysis; familiarity with modeling/analytics and data fusion workflows
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, deconflict and execute multiple concurrent tasks in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to allocate and manage resources to meet performance, cost, and schedule commitments
• Knowledge of Sandia ND programs and processes; experience building partnerships external to Sandia
• Willingness to develop vision, lead change, and continuously improve safety, security, and operational rigor along with experience interacting with safety, security, and environmental subject matter experts (SMEs)
• Experience applying systems engineering approaches to complex engineering/test activities
• Enjoy working outdoors/in the field in support of large-scale tests and experiments
• Ability to work with sensitive information and classified matter

About Our Team

The Measurement Science & Engineering department is a multi-disciplinary group that participates in large and small-scale transient event lab and field testing for systems of national importance. We are made up of electrical, systems, mechanical, and optical technical staff and technologists. Our work includes measurement R&D, electrical design, systems engineering, optical measurements, data collection and data analysis.

The Validation and Qualification Sciences Group leads a world-class testing capability responsible for large-scale experimental activities in Tech Area III, Lurance Canyon, and EMRTC in Socorro, NM. The group stewards unique facilities including the Aerial Cable Facility (ACF), Rocket Sled Track Facility (RSTF), Thermal Test Complex (TTC), Centrifuge Complex/Superfuge, Mechanical Shock Actuator and Gas Gun, Mobile Gun Test Complex, Lurance Canyon Burn Site, Drop Towers, and the Water Impact Facility. The Measurement Sciences and Engineering / Photometrics Department (1535) is a multidisciplinary organization that provides cutting-edge imaging, photometrics, diagnostics, instrumentation, data acquisition, analytics, and electrical design/analysis to support transient-event and environmental testing of national importance. We transform large volumes of experimental data into meaningful information to enable model validation, hardware qualification, and engineering development. We collaborate broadly across Sandia, other national laboratories, government agencies, and external test facilities to execute high-consequence tests safely and successfully.

Learn more about the large-scale tests we support: ttps://www.sandia.gov/vqsec/overview

Learn more about our capabilities: https://www.sandia.gov/vqsec/capabilities/

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.