Senior/Principal R&D RF Subsystem Engineer - Radar Fuzing, Onsite

About the role

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. Some of the main reasons employees love their jobs include challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide; extraordinary co‑workers; access to some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world; career advancement and enrichment opportunities; and flexible work arrangements for many positions, including 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work four ten‑hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home).

At Sandia you will be part of a world‑class team dedicated to solving some of the nation’s most critical challenges in national security, energy, and advanced science. The environment is collaborative and inclusive, fostering innovation where your contributions have a direct impact on cutting‑edge technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design microwave Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs) and Assemblies (PWAs) for transmitters and receivers, incorporating custom integrated circuits.
• Provide feedback on lower‑level assembly designs such as integrated circuits.
• Work closely with radar engineering teams and production agencies to ensure designs meet requirements and resolve issues throughout development and production.
• Conduct laboratory testing of RF transmitters and receivers.
• Support development of test requirements and acceptance testing protocols.
• Provide technical consultation, present at design reviews, and develop design documentation.
• Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary engineering teams to make technical decisions and guide technology maturation.

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.
• Ability to attain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance.

Preferred 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).
• Laboratory skills and knowledge of RF and digital test equipment.
• Knowledge of RF, Digital Communications, Electronic Warfare, and Cyber Security systems and principles.
• Ability to work successfully in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, teaming environment.
• Experience with radiation‑hardened electronics and high‑consequence applications (space, weapons, medical).
• Proficiency with RF/microwave design and simulation tools (HFSS, ADS, CST, etc).
• Familiarity with test development and data processing software such as Python, MATLAB/Simulink, NI LabView, NI TestStand, etc.
• Familiarity with general test and measurement equipment and RF test equipment (network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, etc.).
• Design for manufacturing and production experience.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Active Q clearance.

Team

The Radar Fuzing Department is responsible for design, development, qualification and production support of Radar Fuzes and RF technologies for both gravity and reentry‑based nuclear weapons systems. This includes overseeing RFIC design, development, qualification, and production support for Radar Fuzes. A current example of a Radar Fuze is the Joint Radar Module supporting the B61‑12 LEP, W88 Alt 370, and Mk21 AFA and soon to be modified to support the W93 program. Essential capabilities include advanced RF and radar architectures, RFIC design and test, RF and radar testing, product qualification, production realization, and radar stockpile stewardship.

Benefits

• Meaningful impact: work on high‑consequence projects that advance national security and scientific discovery.
• Innovative environment: access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and tools, with opportunities to explore new ideas and technologies in microwave and sensor systems.
• Professional growth: support for continuous learning, including training, conferences, and advanced education.
• Collaborative culture: join a diverse, multidisciplinary team that values creativity, open communication, and teamwork.
• Work‑life balance: flexible work schedules, generous paid time off, and comprehensive benefits.
• Competitive compensation: attractive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Security clearance: work on sensitive, impactful projects that require and maintain a DOE Q clearance, providing unique career opportunities in national security.
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance.

Pay

Salary Range: $117,500 - $235,700 (salary range is estimated; 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 are available for many positions, including 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work four ten‑hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home).

Location & Travel

This position requires onsite work in Albuquerque, NM, with relocation assistance available for qualified candidates. Occasional travel (up to 25%) supports collaboration with production and partner teams.