Senior/Principal Space Systems RD 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 to support space system modeling, space system component design and build, space system component testing and analysis, and to interpret results from modeling, testing and analysis of space mechanical systems. These efforts are to help inform and train National Security Space customers and provide space capabilities to National Security Space customers.

• Provide an understanding of space mechanical components and sub-system design to space systems modelers
• Generate models of space mechanical components that are designed and built by others
• Design, build and test space mechanical components and mechanisms

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

Qualifications

We Require

• 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 obtain and maintain a DOE Q and SCI security clearance.

We Desire

• Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• 10 years or more of experience designing, building and/or testing of space electronics components that have then flown in space.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and execute a technical effort (e.g., Thesis/Dissertation, publications, work project, making space flight hardware deliveries, etc.)
• Experience on US Space Force, NASA and/or NRO satellite system programs.
• Active TS/SCI and TS/SAR clearances.
• Knowledge of and experience with SMC-S-016.
• Knowledge of space system mechanical structures, components, and mechanisms.

About the team

We provide architectures and enabling technologies for pathfinding space-based solutions to national security problems. Our focus is on expansion and evolution of mission capabilities for the Space Mission Engineering Program and the Science and Technology Advancing Resilience for Contested Space (STARCS) internal research and development campaign. Responsibilities include fostering research and developing solutions in the areas of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Control (SC) and nurturing strategic partnerships with various government agencies, universities, and industry partners operating and supporting space missions.

Pay

Salary range is estimated at $117,500 - $235,700. Actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Benefits

• Challenging work with impact contributing to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• State-of-the-art tools, equipment, and research facilities
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 compressed workweeks, part-time work, telecommuting)
• 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.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance and SCI access, both of which require US citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination. If you hold more than one citizenship, your ability to obtain these levels of access may be impacted.