Cleared R&D Systems Engineer - Product Engineer, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas.

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional product engineer to support our ferroelectric neutron generator (FENG) design team. As a member of the team, you will serve in various roles including improving our product definition and manufacturability and performing design activities to help establish the technical basis for our modernization work. The successful candidate will regularly interact with technical peers of diverse technical backgrounds within the department as well as co-workers in the development, production, and science and technology areas of the neutron generator organization, as well as a network of experts throughout Sandia.

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

• Provide engineering support for the local production agency by analyzing the impacts of changes/exceptions to the manufacturing process, incoming materials, maintaining process specifications, and assisting with the development of work instructions
• Work with PA counterparts to identify process improvements
• Collaborate with test leads in Systems to understand their needs and PRT's qualification needs to ensure appropriate hardware is provided
• Support build and tracking of hardware throughout the development and production floors, ensuring appropriate documentation of deviations and exceptions as well as timely delivery
• Coordinate and track the pedigree of multiple experimental test units, document test results, and communicate through presentations
• Facilitate the update of product definition and corresponding engineering authorizations using configuration management
• Work with systems partners to further refine product requirements and definition
• Coordinate with product engineers in the production agency to understand and evaluate the trade between producibility and performance
• Partner with technologists to build and develop prototypes of initial concepts and prepare transitioning process to production (design for manufacturing)
• Interface and coordinate design efforts with design peers in subcomponent PRTs and next-level assembly
• Provide design support for qualification planning, execution, and documentation

Due to the nature of work, successful candidate must be able to work onsite.

Requirements

• 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-level Security Clearance or equivalent.
• A willingness to obtain Sigma 15 access which may require random polygraph tests.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Graduate degree in Engineering or a highly related field
• 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
• Experience supporting a deployed product, assessing its performance, identifying concerns and addressing issues, and reporting status to customers
• A firm working knowledge of neutron generators, how they function, and the processes employed to fabricate them
• Experience with the ND product development cycle (i.e. Phase X or 6.X) and a working knowledge of the engineering documentation system (e.g., PRIME, PDMlink)
• Demonstrated ability to successfully coordinate complex work activities, document & present results, and manage resources
• Experience with component environmental testing and qualification processes
• Demonstrated ability to execute development activities with evolving requirements in a fast-paced environment

About the team

The FENG and Tube Lifecycle Engineering Department (7584) is responsible for the design and development of Neutron Tubes (NTs) and Ferroelectric Neutron Generators (FENGs) for War Reserve, Laboratory, and Field Test applications of Nuclear Weapons. Within the department resides expertise in nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, and electrical engineering. These diverse areas work together to innovate and mature technology in the areas of NT and NG physical and electrical design, NT and NG modeling/simulation, active ceramic and insulative ceramic materials. We also work closely with the explosive component organization and the local NG production agency.

Team members are responsible for assessing the health and performance of the current Nuclear Stockpile and contributing to the Annual Assessment Report for the Nuclear Stockpile. We provide stewardship of our designs and products from delivery to the stockpile through disposal at end of life. By working together our department is flexible and resourceful, allowing us to contribute to our nation's need for a reliable deterrent.

Pay

Salary range is estimated at $102,400 - $199,700. Actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Position 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). U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.