R&D System Electrical Engineer - W88 Environmental Measurement Unit, 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 looking for a motivated R&D Electrical Engineer to take on a unique and impactful role as the sole System Electrical Lead for the W88 Environmental Measurement Unit (EMU) team, as well as contribute to the broader D5LE2 program. This is an exciting opportunity to lead electrical engineering efforts in a critical national security program while growing your technical and leadership skills.

In this role, you will be responsible for planning and executing a diverse portfolio of technical work that supports certifying the W88 system for deployment on the next-generation Navy Trident D5 missile. Your primary focus will be developing electrical system diagrams and supporting the design, build, and testing of the EMU for both ground and flight tests. You will work closely with the W76 EMU team and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) design teams to ensure reliable data collection and analysis, while identifying opportunities to reduce costs by leveraging common design concepts where appropriate.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant will be required to work onsite in Albuquerque, NM. Some travel may be required for this position (up to 25%).

Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis of electrical system and subsystem architectures, including detailed circuits and schematics, providing technical guidance on critical design elements.
• Develop, reconcile, and track requirements with upstream and downstream interfaces, supporting requirements management, interface mapping, and schedule tracking.
• Collaborate with experts to plan, execute, and analyze data from advanced experiments, modeling, and simulations.
• Integrate and test subsystems, contributing to test activities that demonstrate system compatibility and performance.
• Plan and execute testing for environmental, functional, and safety certification.
• Investigate and troubleshoot anomalies within cross-functional teams, resolving technical issues in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across the Nuclear Security Enterprise.
• Present findings at technical design reviews and other forums, representing Sandia on internal and external multi-organizational project teams.
• Engage with the National Nuclear Security Administration and Department of Defense to ensure their requirements are met and incorporated.

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

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• 3-5 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Proven track record of contributing to and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to plan, execute, assess, and verify complex system functionality in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with circuit design and analysis, cable and interconnect design and qualification, and electrical integration of subsystems.
• Experience planning and executing system and subsystem electrical testing, analyzing electromagnetic (EM) environments through modeling and simulation, fabricating prototypes, and performing functional tests.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate effectively with colleagues across various technical disciplines, including electrical engineering, quality engineering, materials science, chemistry, and physics.
• Project management skills and experience.
• Ability to take initiative and be a self-starter in an ambiguous environment.
• Ability to develop trusting partnerships.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and inclusion within the workforce.
• Outstanding verbal and written skills, including the ability to develop and present briefings that are clear and compelling.

About Our Team

We are responsible for the Stockpile Support and Stockpile Maintenance activities associated with the W88/Mk5 SLBM-based nuclear weapon system. This Systems Engineering organization leads the planning, development, integration, and coordination with the Department of the Navy (DoN) customer to support the Department of Energy’s mission in safeguarding the nation’s defense.

Our team performs detailed design and analysis of structures, design and analysis of electrical subsystems, conducts experimentation and qualification of systems, subsystems, and components, and provides direction to supporting organizations within the laboratory and the production complex. The department is comprised of electrical, mechanical, systems, and nuclear engineers, technologists, and administrative support staff. The multidisciplinary team leverages expertise from both inside and outside of the Department to accomplish its mission, employing modern quality methodologies.

In addition to the secure office space, the Department has mechanical high bay and electrical laboratory space.

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.

Schedule

• 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).

Benefits

• 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.