Cleared senior principal r&d systems engineer - advanced & exploratory Job at Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque)

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer with a strong passion for nuclear weapon systems development. The successful candidate will become an integral member of a dynamic, cross-functional team dedicated to improving the system designs of Advanced & Exploratory (A&E) nuclear warheads and delivery systems. This role involves collaborating with technical teams to consider the complete lifecycle, leading the execution from preliminary conceptual stages through prototype demonstration to prepare future systems for modernization & production. This candidate will perform engineering and coordinate efforts across multiple Sandia organizations and external partners to ensure seamless engineering integration, leveraging the right expertise and capabilities. This individual will actively participate in and periodically lead teams of subject matter experts spanning diverse technical disciplines.

Job Responsibility

Analyzing and understanding viable trade spaces to make informed system architecture decisions
Innovating and evolving methods to modernize nuclear weapon systems and enhance Nuclear Deterrence realization processes
Developing technical robust designs supported by defensible production and qualification programs
Driving precise and accurate requirements development, balancing system constraints, evolving experimental data, and complex customer needs
Plan, lead, and conduct Sandia's science and engineering programs across fundamental research, development, and demonstration phases
Define and steer the development of weapons system architectures
Manage Sandia's Advanced & Exploratory (A&E) engineering programs, including preliminary research, technology development, and demonstrations within simulated environments
Analyze anticipated future deterrence requirements to synthesize weapon system and subsystem specifications
Develop advanced engineering demonstrators and test units
conduct testing, analyze results, and integrate findings to inform evolving development roadmaps
Continuously update and refine project plans in response to new data and insights
Lead or oversee system-level design architecture studies
Engineer integrated systems by combining components and subsystems into fully functional solutions
Collaborate with external partners and stakeholders to negotiate and align program requirements and objectives
Contribute to defining Sandia's future technology development priorities

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
Active DOE Q level security clearance or equivalent with ability to obtain and maintain additional clearances as needed
Demonstrated experience with nuclear weapons systems, nuclear deterrence (ND) components, Joint Test Assemblies, and Programs of Record
Proficiency in test and instrumentation methodologies, data acquisition, and data analysis
Solid background in fundamental design and engineering, particularly related to nuclear weapons systems and components
Proven ability to lead and conduct engineering activities within a systems engineering framework
Experience in weapons effects, penetration mechanics, or ground shock propagation
Experience developing prototype systems or components in the absence of week-defined requirements
Demonstrated success operating in ambiguous environments and comfort with managing uncertainty
Experience engaging with the modeling and simulation community to support engineering objectives
Willingness and ability to periodically travel up to 25%

Nice to have

Graduate degree in Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation)
Experience working with Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) laboratories and plants including Pantex, Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLNL) and Kansas City National Security Campus/New Mexico Operations (KCNSC/NMO)
Experience working on engineering design, qualification, production, or related modeling/simulation projects
Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
Proven technical background with experience in multiple of the following areas: Optimization methods and processes, trade space analysis, and decision-making tools
Multidisciplinary Design and Analysis methods
Electronics simulation environments (PSPICE, Cadence, VHDL, etc.)
1760, 1553 communication protocols
System 1 to System 2 familiarity
Computer Aided Design (Solidworks, CREO, etc.)
Model Based Systems Engineering (MagicDraw, Cameo, Genesys, etc.)
Design, development, and troubleshooting of electro-mechanical systems
Hands-on testing and debugging complex systems

What we offer

Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
Extraordinary co-workers
Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 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

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Cleared senior principal r&d systems engineer - advanced & exploratory

Job Description

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