Senior/Principal R&D Systems Engineer - Nuclear Detonation Detection, 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. The lab offers challenging work with impact, extraordinary co-workers, state-of-the-art tools and facilities, and a commitment to work/life balance through flexible work arrangements, generous vacation, strong medical benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, and relocation assistance.

About the role

We are seeking a Systems Engineer to join our team developing operational monitoring systems in support of the US and International nuclear monitoring and non-proliferation mission, with a focus on the US Nuclear Detonation (NuDet) Detection System (USNDS) and other ground systems. The role involves software feature development, machine learning, analytics, algorithm development, and data analysis, with a focus on systems engineering, architecture, and project management of large, complex software systems.

On any given day, you may:

• Support a team of systems engineers on requirements engineering, system architecture and design, system integration and testing, and test data analysis, as well as deliverables for major programmatic milestones.
• Support system-level performance characterization, requirements verification, and system performance reporting through engineering and test activities.
• Provide leadership with work breakdown estimates, execution status, and risk mitigation activities.
• Collaborate with the Program Office, Mission, and system-level partners, as well as teams responsible for developing, testing, and implementing the system.
• Work with subsystem and competency teams to verify complex requirements through analysis and simulated environmental testing.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Responsibilities

• Perform systems engineering and technical analysis.
• Generate system requirements, interface definitions, verification and validation activities, and project documentation.
• Plan, execute, analyze, and report on tests.
• Use Hybrid/Agile software development methodologies and tools (e.g., Rally, Jira, GitLab).
• Work with requirements management tools (e.g., IBM DOORS Rational).
• Report and brief internal and external stakeholders.
• Review and understand end-to-end system engineering processes.
• Work on large, multi-organizational, multi-discipline projects, particularly satellite or aerospace systems.
• Develop, produce, and operate satellite ground systems.
• Work within Linux systems and environments.
• Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as GENESYS or MagicDraw.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and engineering/scientific experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and ability.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Engineering or a related field with an independent research project (e.g., thesis or dissertation).
• Experience working with Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) laboratories and plants (e.g., Pantex, KCNSC, LLNL, LANL, KCNSC/NMO).
• Experience in engineering design, qualification, production, or related modeling/simulation projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Background in systems engineering, technical analysis, and generating system requirements.
• Experience with test planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting.
• Familiarity with Hybrid/Agile methodologies and tools (e.g., Rally, Jira, GitLab).
• Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., IBM DOORS Rational).
• Experience briefing internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with large, multi-organizational, multi-discipline projects, particularly satellite or aerospace systems.
• Experience in design, development, production, and operation of satellite ground systems.
• Familiarity with ground systems development and operations.
• Experience with Linux systems and environments.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as GENESYS or MagicDraw.
• Desire to understand the system as a whole and anticipate system interactions.
• Passion for mission function and performance.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments with a dynamic team.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify creative solutions.
• Active DOE clearance.

Pay

Salary range: $117,500 - $235,700. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and approved geographic salary differential.

Schedule

• 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) options available.

Benefits

• Generous vacation.
• Strong medical and other benefits.
• Competitive 401k.
• Learning opportunities.
• Relocation assistance.
• Amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance.

Benefits vary by job classification.