Senior/Principal Space Systems R&D Mechanical Engineer - 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 an Experienced Space Systems R&D Mechanical Engineer to fulfill the role of a subject matter expert supporting space system modeling, space system component design and build, space system component testing and analysis, and interpreting results from modeling, testing, and analysis of space mechanical systems. These efforts help inform and train National Security Space customers and provide space capabilities to them.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Provide expertise on space mechanical components and sub-system design to space systems modelers
- Generate models of space mechanical components designed and built by others
- Design, build, and test space mechanical components and mechanisms
Responsibilities
We provide mission analysis and modeling, architecture studies, and prototype enabling technologies for pathfinding space-based solutions to national security problems. The team’s focus is on expansion and evolution of mission capabilities for the Space Mission Engineering Program, fostering research and developing solutions in Space Cyber Resilience and Space Control (SC), while nurturing strategic partnerships with government agencies, universities, and industry partners operating and supporting space missions.
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 demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development
- Knowledge of space system mechanical structures, components, and mechanisms
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment from modeling to hardware build and testing
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance
- U.S. citizenship
Qualifications We Desire
- Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field
- 10 years or more of experience designing, building, and/or testing space electronics components that have flown in space
- Demonstrated ability to lead and execute a technical effort (e.g., thesis/dissertation, publications, work project, making space flight hardware deliveries)
- Experience on US Space Force, NASA, and/or NRO satellite system programs
- Current TS/SCI and TS/SAR clearances
- Knowledge of and experience with SMC-S-016
Benefits
- Challenging work with significant impact contributing to national security and global peace
- Extraordinary co-workers and access to some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements, 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 is estimated at $138,600 - $235,700. Actual salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Security clearance: Sandia requires a pre-employment drug test and background review, including checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance and SCI access, both requiring U.S. citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination.