Cleared Senior/Principal R&D Mechanical Evaluation and Qualification Test Engineer - W93/Mk7 Program, Onsite

About the role

We are seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer to join the W93/Mk7 program as a Mechanical Evaluation and Qualification Test Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical systems testing for both the W93/Mk7 and the UK Replacement Warhead programs.
• Collaborate closely with the W93 systems team, internal organizations, external design agencies, and key customers and stakeholders.
• Bridge technical and programmatic domains by building strong partnerships across multidisciplinary teams and external collaborators.
• Lead technical discussions with partnering design agencies to clearly define program test objectives and integrate modeling, simulation, and physical testing approaches to achieve those goals.
• Serve as the primary interface between Sandia, Lockheed Martin, and Los Alamos National Laboratory for planning and executing mechanical environments testing, including ground and flight configurations.
• Coordinate proactively with customers and stakeholders to align expectations, track progress, and resolve issues related to evaluation and qualification efforts.
• Manage complex logistics with testing facilities, ensuring smooth scheduling, timely hardware delivery, and on-site support for successful test execution.
• Develop mechanical test unit concepts, architectures, and physical layouts, including defining test hardware pedigree.
• Collaborate on the design of ground and flight test bodies and design fixtures necessary to configure test units during mechanical testing.
• Perform trade studies balancing performance, cost, risk, materials, functionality, and technology maturation.
• Develop specifications and documentation for dynamic test and modeling strategies, laboratory and field test activities, test and analysis plans, test execution, and data analysis.
• Engage with experts in structural dynamics, modal analysis, shock, and vibration testing within Sandia and partner agencies to support the mechanical evaluation and qualification program.
• Inform the development of the W93 mechanical qualification plan.
• Prepare presentations and support documentation for technical reviews.
• Affiliate with Cost Account Management and Earned Value Management.
• Represent the program while collaborating regularly with partners at Sandia, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lockheed Martin Space, Applied Physics Lab, Navy Strategic Programs, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Atomic Weapons Establishment, and the UK Ministry of Defense.
• Travel to testing locations.

Requirements

• A 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.
• Active DOE Q clearance required to start.

Qualifications We Desire

• A graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with accelerometers, strain gauges, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Familiarity with dynamic effects testing facilities and their equipment.
• Experience with shock response spectra, power spectral densities, and signal processing.
• Experience in system engineering of complex systems.
• Experience with nuclear weapon (NW) component or system design, development, or production.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute technical work while navigating constraints and trade-offs.
• Ability to manage testing interfaces and negotiate competing requirements to achieve optimal system-level outcomes.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, showing initiative and leadership.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of working with a diverse team ranging from skilled laborers to PhD engineers and scientists.
• Commitment to operational safety, security, and quality.

What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer to join the W93/Mk7 program as a Mechanical Evaluation and Qualification Test Engineer. In this role, you will lead mechanical systems testing for both the W93/Mk7 and the UK Replacement Warhead programs. You will become an integral part of our mission-driven team, collaborating closely with the W93 systems team, internal organizations (such as test facilities, experimentalists, and analysts), external design agencies, and key customers and stakeholders. The successful candidate will effectively bridge technical and programmatic domains by building strong partnerships across multidisciplinary teams and external collaborators.

About Sandia

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. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs: Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide Extraordinary co-workers Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world Career advancement and enrichment opportunities Flexible work arrangements for many jobs include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home) Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance* World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

Salary Range

$117,500 - $235,700

Security Clearance

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).

NNSA Requirements For MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs. If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.