Sandia National Laboratories · 9 hours ago
Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer - Ballistic Missile Tester Development, Onsite
Albuquerque, NM
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$118K/yr - $236K/yr
5+ years expSandia 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. The role involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to design and implement test bed assemblies, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapon stockpile.
GovernmentInformation TechnologyNational Security
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to distill customer requirements into functional designs, ensuring that all aspects of the product realization process are addressed
Design and implement test bed assemblies that will experience various mechanical environments, including centrifuge and shaker table test environments, as well as explosive containment assemblies (boom boxes)
Engage in solid modeling using Creo to create conceptual designs that meet rigorous testing standards, including vacuum testing and assessments under extreme thermal conditions
Conduct first-cut analyses to evaluate material strength, derive explosive constituents into TNT equivalents, and assess expected blast pressures to ensure design viability
Develop and implement innovative solutions to solve technically complex challenges, while partnering to clarify and refine system and subsystem-level requirements for testers
Create detailed drawings and documentation, utilizing Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and generating build-to-print design definition drawings to facilitate the manufacturing process
Oversee the inspection and testing of hardware, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and complete prior to qualification, confirming that designs can perform their intended functions
Troubleshoot test equipment that may be based on legacy or the latest pioneering technologies and participate in peer reviews of design efforts and concepts within the Labs
Adapt to various projects at different stages of development to support the dynamic needs of the organization
Qualification
Required
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 clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Sigma 15 access, which may require a polygraph
Preferred
Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the Nuclear Security Enterprise
Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
Active DOE Q clearance
Formal education and/or experience in the design, development and qualification of mechanical systems and components
Demonstrated experience in the design, development, and qualification of complex test beds
Experience in requirements analysis, qualification plan development, and supporting large scale testing of complex systems
Solid modeling experience, with a preference for experience using Creo
Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Working knowledge of generating build to print design definition drawings
Experience in conducting finite element analyses, including structural, thermal, and modal assessments
Familiarity with component failure analysis techniques, such as FMEA and Fishbone diagrams
Proven ability to maintain strong attention to detail and apply creative problem-solving skills while navigating the complexities of design and testing processes
Proven experience in leading or contributing to high performance teams
Benefits
Generous vacation
Strong medical and other benefits
Competitive 401k
Learning opportunities
Relocation assistance
Amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance
Company
Sandia National Laboratories
Sandia is a conducts research and development into the non-nuclear components of nuclear weapons.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$4.4MKey Investors
US Department of EnergyARPA-E
2023-09-21Grant· $0.5M
2023-07-27Grant
2023-01-10Grant· $3.7M
Leadership Team
Laura McGill
Deputy Laboratories Director - Nuclear Deterrence, and Chief Technology Officer
Maria Gallardo
CFO Enterprise Risk Management Program Lead
Recent News
Inside HPC & AI News | High-Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence
2026-01-13
2026-01-11
Inside HPC & AI News | High-Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence
2026-01-09
Company data provided by crunchbase