Early Career Computer Engineer - Avionics Software, 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. This role offers 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.

About the role

Department 5325, Flight Systems and Avionics, is seeking an entry-level Avionics Software Engineer to enhance our engineering team. This position is ideal for individuals eager to design, develop, and create automated test systems for advanced electronic systems. You will work under the guidance of experienced engineers, contributing to innovative solutions while ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in electrical or computer engineering principles, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for technology.

Responsibilities

• Develop software interfaces and features to automate component-level and system-level testing
• Analyze and extract detailed functional and software requirements from component datasheets (e.g., sensors, FPGAs, communication ICs)
• Design and implement hardware systems to support fast and modular testing
• Collaborate with firmware, software, and hardware design teams to develop more robust test systems
• Develop and maintain embedded software on ARM Cortex-M and/or other microcontroller platforms using C/C++
• Assist in the testing and validation of electrical designs, including creating test setups, using laboratory bench equipment to conduct experiments, and analyzing results
• Troubleshoot complex hardware/software integration issues using debugging tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including software specifications, test reports, and user guides
• Stay updated with the latest technologies, tools, and industry trends to enhance skills and knowledge
• Work closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, to ensure designs meet project requirements

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

Qualifications

We Require

• 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
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance

We Desire

• Graduate degree in Computer Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation)
• Demonstrated ability to execute and deliver technical work products with application of appropriate rigor and pedigree documentation (design/code reviews, technical oversight/approvals, project team concurrence, artifact generation, etc.)
• Experience in computer systems design and software development for real-time and embedded processing systems, distributed processing systems, or real-time client-server implementations
• Familiarity with hardware/software requirements generation for verification, validation, and qualification
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary, multi-disciplinary team setting for a common purpose
• Software development experience using Python or C/C++
• Experience with GitLab (or similar CM tool), Docker software containers, or Linux
• Experience working with various peripheral interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, RS-422, Ethernet, or High-speed backplane topologies)
• Familiarity with messaging protocols (MQTT, AMQP, etc), databases, and real-time visualization tools
• Familiar with National Instruments Python Application Programming Interfaces: NI-DAQmx or PyVISA
• Familiar with embedded operating systems such as Xilinx PetaLinux, VxWorks, or FreeRTOS
• Familiar with embedded software development on the Xilinx ARM processors or MicroBlaze soft processors
• Testing experience of electronic prototypes and electronics troubleshooting using standard laboratory equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or multimeters
• Excellent problem-solving skills, able to work both independently and in a team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

• 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

These benefits vary by job classification.

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.

About Our Team

The Flight Systems and Avionics (5325) Department develops and delivers innovative advanced avionic flight components and systems in support of critical programs at Sandia National Labs. These avionics systems target multiple applications that include computing solutions for Vehicle Navigation, Pointing, Control, Hardware in the loop testing, Specialized Radars, and Hypersonic systems. Our department specializes in reconfigurable modular digital signal processing systems utilizing state-of-the-art electronics, FPGA technology, and general-purpose microprocessors.

U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a DOE Q-level security clearance. Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet requirements for access to classified information or matter.