What Your Job Will Be LikeWe are seeking an R&D Computer Scientist (job title: R&D S&E, Computer Science) with interdisciplinary skills and a passion for developing the next generation of Solar Thermal technologies and advanced expertise in complex software development, image processing, and solar optics to lead research and development efforts supporting the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) optical program. This role focuses on advancing metrology tools and systems to support the concentrating solar industry.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn from experienced staff regarding how to apply deep knowledge of solar optics, physics, and metrology techniques to develop robust tools including Python-based software solutions leveraging Sandia's world class computing environments and our OpenCSP toolset to improve concentrating solar optical metrology, and overall solar thermal system performance. They will be expected to lead multidisciplinary teams, perform excellent technical work, manage DOE-funded projects, and collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Lead the development and deployment of high-performance optical metrology tools including SOFAST 2.0, LOOKFAST, ground truth, and others.
- Maintain and advance Sandia's OpenCSP framework for collaborative development of tools for the Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) community. This framework includes software, data, CAD designs, and documents (see https://opencsp.sandia.gov).
- Lead teams developing advanced Python-based software, computational models, and algorithms.
- Develop and refine methods for evaluating and measuring heliostats and solar concentrators; note that this includes significant experimental field work.
- Manage DOE funded projects, including technical planning, budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder communications.
- Collaborate closely with experimental teams to integrate optical diagnostics and control systems at the NSTTF.
- Effectively communicate results, both in writing and presented verbally in front of large audiences.
- Engage with National Lab partners and industry to develop standard methodologies.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
Salary Range$117,500 - $235,700
*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- Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) 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 DesireThe ideal R&D S&E, Computer Science candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:
- Graduate degree in Computer Science or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
- Demonstrated software development skills and familiarity with modern software development practices and tools (e.g., Agile).
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and a passion to improve and expand technical skills.
Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:
- PhD in Computer Science, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience with concentrating solar optical metrology and concentrating solar thermal technologies.
- Experience with computational geometry, image processing, and computer vision.
- Experience or interest in optics, especially geometric and the optics of light interacting with surfaces.
- Experience or interest in experimental work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Experience with advanced image processing techniques with consideration for applied deflectometry knowledge
- Experience with geometrics optics, design, and simulation. For example the use of commercial optical simulation tools such as Zemax, Code V, or Ray Optics.
- Experience with writing sophisticated code in Python (preferred) or C++, including object-oriented programming, and experience with collaborative code development tools such as git.
- Experience with mechanical design and SolidWorks.
- Proven ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary projects and teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing, publications, and presentations at conferences and to stakeholders.
- Familiarity with U.S. Department of Energy project management and reporting requirements.
About Our TeamThe Solar Thermal Test & Demonstration department operates Sandia's National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF), a globally unique, multi-mission R&D capability that enables pioneering research and technology development for energy and aerospace applications. Using concentrated sunlight, our team creates extreme thermal and combined harsh environments for tests ranging from small-scale coupons to full-scale, multi-story components and systems. We develop and test advanced thermal protection materials, optical metrology systems, innovative solar thermal energy technologies, and heat transfer technologies, including heat exchangers and heat pumps.
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.
