Senior/Principal R&D Microwave & Sensor Engineer - RF and Radar, 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 a highly motivated research and development technical staff member to serve as an RF Communication and Radar Engineer within the Space Mission Engineering Program Office (6350). The selected applicant will join our team as an R&D S&E Microwave and Sensor Engineer for Radar ISR missions and will employ differentiating technologies and capabilities to meet unmet space-based mission needs of our partners. Emphasis will be placed on developing or incorporating innovative RF and radar technologies into new architectures.

Sandia's Space Mission Engineering Program Office (SMEPO) enhances and protects the nation's space enterprise. We innovate across the spectrum of space infrastructure—from ground stations to flight payloads, new materials to advanced algorithms, modeling and simulation to hardware realization—using the full strength of Sandia to create the future.

As part of SMEPO, you will advance national security in space through science and engineering projects with real-world impact. You will build relationships with partners and influencers, represent Sandia within the technical community, and mentor junior staff. Occasional travel is expected.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, and develop radar systems, subsystems, and modules
• Develop or mature RF technologies to enable new mission capabilities
• Utilize Sandia's internal scientific research programs and partnerships
• Support customer-funded advanced development needs
• Incorporate new RF technologies into remote sensing mission solutions
• Define performance requirements and provide engineering and programmatic documentation
• Apply knowledge and experience to evaluate and review work quality, performance, and alignment with customer expectations
• Interact with customers, stakeholders, and commercial or industry partners
• Work with technical teams to ensure expectations and requirements are met

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
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q with SCI security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a directly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation)
• Laboratory skills and knowledge of RF and digital equipment
• Knowledge of RF, digital communications, electronic warfare, and cyber security systems and principles
• Strong space-related experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• Strong foundation in radar fundamentals and digital signal processing
• Advanced knowledge of microwave and RF sensor design, including radar, radiometers, and related microwave instrumentation
• Proficiency in designing, analyzing, and optimizing RF circuits and systems, including amplifiers and filters
• Understanding of satellite communication principles, including modulation techniques, link budgets, and ground station design
• Experience with digital signal processing techniques and tools for RF signal analysis and enhancement
• Familiarity with RF simulation software (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST) and programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++, Java) for modeling and analysis
• Skills in using RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and oscilloscopes for performance evaluation
• Understanding of FCC regulations and standards related to satellite communications and RF emissions
• Hands-on experience realizing a remote sensing subsystem through its lifecycle (design/architecture, implementation/build, testing, and deployment)
• Demonstrated ability to develop new methods and processes by identifying innovative approaches for solving complex technical problems
• Project leadership experience and demonstrated ability to deliver results
• Expertise with space systems engineering, remote sensing, or space control
• Experience realizing space-based payloads through its lifecycle
• Experience implementing and leading SCI and/or Special Access Program (SAP) level technical projects
• Strong dedication to positive teaming dynamics, customer service, and detail orientation
• Experience with development for satellite payloads and/or aerospace programs

Benefits

• Challenging work with impact contributing to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers and some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions, including 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. Actual salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Schedule

This position is based in Albuquerque, NM, and requires work to be done onsite. Occasional travel is expected.