R&D Mechanical Engineer - Environmental Testing, 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. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• 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*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer to plan and conduct environmental tests including mechanical vibration, mechanical shock, acceleration, and thermal testing. These tests are used for the development and qualification of Nuclear Deterrence (ND) components, assemblies, and full systems. Additionally, there are opportunities to make characterization measurements such as inertial/mass properties and experimental modal analysis.

On any given day, you may:

• Review and understand test planning and implement test execution.
• Conduct environmental testing as described above, with technologists support.
• Troubleshoot and document test anomalies.
• Maintain understanding of safety and security relates to the operations and facility needs of the department.
• Present results and needs to customers and management.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including the development and implementation of new technologies and processes.

This opening provides an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual with a structural dynamics or environmental test background to make significant contributions to weapon stockpile and modernization programs at Sandia National Labs in California.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite 100% of the time at the Livermore, CA facility.

Applicants on this requisition may be interviewed by multiple organizations at Sandia National Laboratories.

$121,900 - $237,800

*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, 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 DOE Q-level security clearance, or equivalent DoD clearance.
  

The ideal R&D Mechanical Engineer candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

• 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.

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and three (3) years of directly relevant experience.
• Proficiency in Python, Matlab, C++, or another programming language
• Experience with structural dynamics tests: vibration, shock, experimental modal analysis, or NVH
• Experience with data acquisition, signal processing, accelerometers, load cells, laser Doppler vibrometers, computer vision, and other relevant sensors
• Familiarity with test setups such as climatic chamber, drop tower, centrifuge, or mass property measurement
• Ability to plan and execute tests in partnership with multiple stakeholders
• An active DOE Q-level security clearance, or equivalent DoD clearance.
  

Our department consists of Engineers and technologists that provide environmental test capabilities and expertise for the Sandia California site in support of both ND mission partners and other programs. We are an agile group able to plan and conduct a wide range of different test and measurement capabilities from mechanical shaker-driven vibration tests, drop shock tests, centrifuge, climatic tests replicating extreme temperature and humidity environments, to measurement of mass properties quantities and experimental modal analysis.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.