Job DescriptionMSTS is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer for our Special Technologies Laboratory to support advanced R&D focused on understanding, exploiting and protecting operational technology systems. This role blends hands-on engineering with adversarial thinking - evaluating how systems can fail, be disrupted or subverted, and developing sensing and monitoring approaches to detect and mitigate those risks. You will work across embedded systems, industrial controls, and custom instrumentation in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. The ideal candidate is technically strong, curious and creative - someone who enjoys probing system weaknesses, building novel solutions and contributing to defensive engineering efforts.
Located in Santa Barbara, California, the laboratory is a key satellite location within the NNSS and is responsive to NNSA nuclear security mission requirements and broader national security objectives. At STL "problem solving is in the DNA," using a diverse team of experts composed of scientists, engineers, technicians, facilities specialists, academic collaborators, and professional support staff.
Key Responsibilities- Assess vulnerabilities in operational technology systems, including industrial controls, embedded devices, and sensors networks, using both analytical and hands on approaches.
- Design and develop sensing and data collection systems to monitor system behavior, detect anomalies and validate system integrity.
- Develop and test techniques to emulate, induce and detect system faults or disruptions, supporting red team and resilience efforts.
- Implement and integrate embedded and control systems solutions, including firmware, interfaces, and communication with industrial hardware.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate findings into actionable improvements in system design, monitoring and protection.
- Perform other duties assigned by Management.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) required for Civil, Mechanical and Electrical engineering degrees
- Or, Calculus-based STEM bachelor's degree in engineering
- Or, for Architects, Certification from the National Council or Architectural Registration Board (NCARB)
- Or Professional Engineer license
- Plus at least 5 years' relevant experience. Skill building experience must demonstrate either deeper technical specialization or additional cross-disciplinary knowledge; graduate research experience may be recognized.
- Demonstrated desire to learn and innovate.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems, with a curiosity for identifying system vulnerabilities across failure modes
- Should be self-motivated and able to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
- Ideally, the applicant will have strong time-management skills. Be well organized, maintain safe work habits and have a broad range of technical interests and education.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write reports and technical documents.
- The primary work location will be at the Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) located in Santa Barbara, CA.
- Work schedule for this position will be negotiated with the supervisor; employees can work 5-8, 9-80, or 4-10 work-weeks.
- Pre-placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
Annual salary range for this position is:
$101,524.80 - $152,297.60.Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate education and experience and internal equity.
