Cleared Senior/Principal Software Engineer - Special Programs, NM/CA, 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 experienced Software Engineer to design and implement cutting-edge solutions for high-consequence national security challenges. In this role, you will collaborate with U.S. government customers to develop impactful capabilities that directly support warfighters, strengthen national security, and deliver measurable results for critical missions. Your contributions will foster innovation, leverage teamwork, and cultivate creativity while addressing key mission needs.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite 100% of the time at either the Albuquerque, NM or Livermore, CA location. Ability and willingness to travel, up to 25%, required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and collaborate with technical design teams and subject matter experts to create innovative solutions that meet mission requirements and address end-user needs.
• Utilize your skillset in software system architecture, software system implementation, technical documentation, unit and integration testing, reliability and performance assessment, and/or systematic technology insertion.
• Collaborate with Software Engineers, System Engineers, Information Technology staff, management, and customers to implement solutions that address requirements.
• Architect software systems, develop code, write unit tests, and create software tools to support the mission.
• Provide on-call support for software discrepancy resolution in the production environment.
• Develop and execute test plans/procedures, create reports, and write software documentation.
• Perform system integration and testing.
• Apply system design principles to architect scalable, reliable, and secure solutions for critical missions.
• Incorporate software design methodologies to proactively address cybersecurity considerations throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Develop and refine system CONOPS (Concept of Operations) to ensure technical solutions address operational needs.

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-level clearance (or equivalent) and the ability to obtain a SCI-level security clearance, which may require a polygraph test.
• U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Demonstrated experience with object-oriented programming using Java.
• Hands-on experience with web application development using JavaScript, JQuery, or Spring Boot.
• Proven experience with Tomcat, Linux, Typescript, HTML5/CSS, Angular, Dust, or Oracle Database.
• Proven experience with Test-driven development and testing methodologies.
• Knowledge of secure software engineering practices, including vulnerability assessment and software supply chain management methodologies such as Nexus scanning.
• Experience with Web Services, including WSDL, SOAP, and REST.
• Experience with any of the following: Apache Karaf, Apache Camel, Mina/Netty, OSGI, JMX, JDBC, Apache Aries, Log4J2, Apache CXF, Docker, Hazelcast, or Apache Ignite.
• Hands-on experience with Relational Databases (e.g., Oracle PL/SQL, SQLite) and Non-Relational Databases (e.g. NoSQL, Cassandra).
• Experience designing software systems with a minimum cyber-attack surface while avoiding and mitigating Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) risks.
• Proven ability in partnering with security stakeholders to create patching and mitigation strategies.
• Ability to analyze technology stacks to identify opportunities for optimization, security enhancements, and risk reduction.
• Demonstrated expertise in cyber risk management, including identifying, mitigating, and documenting risks associated with software systems and architectures.
• Familiarity with using defensive security principles to take proactive approaches in mitigating cybersecurity threats.
• Ability to navigate ambiguous situations, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders and internal/external mission partners.
• Active DOE SCI security clearance or equivalent DOD SCI security clearance.

Benefits

• Challenging work with impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide.
• Extraordinary co-workers and some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world.
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions 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.

*Benefits vary by job classification.

Pay

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.

About Our Team

The Special Programs group (8480) is responsible for developing high-impact and high-consequence national security projects that support a broad range of US government sponsors. Our projects span numerous technical disciplines, including software engineering, systems engineering, network and infrastructure design, and information assurance. These projects encompass all phases of the system development lifecycle from inception to operations, and range in duration from days to years. Special Programs' success stems from the team's ability to create innovative, end-to-end capabilities that support the most demanding missions. We partner closely with our customers to understand their mission needs and quickly develop and deploy robust solutions.