Cleared Senior/Principal R&D Technologist - Environmental Testing

About the role

The Environmental Test Laboratory (ETL) team at Sandia's Livermore, CA site supports high-consequence mechanical and environmental testing to qualify and certify critical national security components and systems. The role involves executing test procedures, handling test articles, maintaining hazard awareness, communicating with engineering partners, and participating in Pre‑Work and Test Readiness Reviews. ETL works with large‑capacity electrodynamic shakers, temperature and altitude chambers, shock testers, a drop shock tower, centrifuges, modal analysis equipment, and an inertial properties measurement laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Execute test procedures with disciplined adherence to safety, security, and operational protocols.
• Handle test articles carefully and maintain strong hazard awareness.
• Communicate effectively with engineering partners.
• Participate in formal Pre‑Work Reviews and Test Readiness Reviews to confirm hazards, security requirements, mitigations, and procedural controls.
• Complete required training (chemical safety, hazardous waste, radiological worker, vault‑type room security) for Activity Level Work in ETL facilities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma plus twelve (12) years of verifiable and directly applicable experience in laboratory instrumentation, data acquisition/control, and test execution.
• Active DOE Q‑level security clearance or equivalent DoD Top Secret level clearance.

Skills

• Associate’s degree in engineering technology or a BS in engineering (mechanical, electrical, aerospace, materials, chemical, computer, or physics).
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience setting up instrumentation (fixturing, placement, attachment, connections for accelerometers).
• Experience using signal processing online to improve data quality and offline to extract important features.
• Proven ability to identify test anomalies in real time and troubleshoot them.
• Experience programming and operating DAQ software/hardware for recording vibration and shock accelerations with correct parameters.
• Ability to identify and support solutions for building/facility problems (electric circuits, HVAC, compressors, piping, sensors, alarms, etc.).
• Can‑do attitude, motivation to take initiatives, and drive for continuous learning and improvement.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements include 9/80 and 4/10 compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting; generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at a solid work/life balance.

Pay

Salary range: $88,900 – $171,900 (actual salary based on experience, qualifications, and any approved geographic differential).

Schedule

Onsite work required 100% of the time.