Senior/Principal Electromechanical Technologist - Photovoltaic Power Systems Research, 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 experienced electromechanical technologist to join our team in photovoltaic (PV) power systems research. This role will support the Photovoltaic Systems Evaluation Laboratory's (PSEL) operations, maintenance, and continuous improvement program for our test capabilities. The work performed will help our team to improve our process for scheduling and performing testing, maintaining the facility, and improving our ability to deliver for our DOE and industry partners. This position requires the ability to work outdoors and the ability to physically lift and manipulate test devices.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Support the PSEL site operations and maintenance program and reporting.
• Support large scale testing, including operating indoor PV characterization tools.
• Support and conduct our outdoor PV system installation, instrumentation, and maintenance
• Monitor experiments, including making and recording observations in support of the development and testing of PV systems.
• Work with facilities to improve our capabilities.
• Plan and coordinate experimental setup and testing schedules with project leads.
• Oversee site inventory (e.g., propane inventory, programmatic equipment inventory, etc).

Due to the nature of the work, the selected candidate must be able to work onsite. This position is located in Albuquerque, NM. For more information about the PSEL, please see https://energy.sandia.gov/facilities/photovoltaic-systems-evaluation-laboratory-psel/.

$74,700 - $144,400

*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.

• Bachelor's degree in electronics, electro-mechanical technologies, engineering, or other relevant technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the job
• Demonstrated ability to work in a laboratory setting, as evidenced by experience performing tasks such as test setup, equipment operation, data collection and storage, etc.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance

• Demonstrated experience working in a team environment
• Demonstrated experience with mechanical assembly and common hand tools
• Demonstrated experience with Data Acquisition Systems (DAS), laboratory instrumentation and basic laboratory data management
• Demonstrated experience with DC measurement and data acquisition systems
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical schematics and engineering specifications
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to various experimental environments and learn quickly
• Demonstrated ability to interface with multiple engineers and scientists, and to perform work with a sense of urgency and focus on quality
• Experience with control systems, including low-voltage/low-current measurement systems and motor controls
• Experience with light shop equipment (bench grinders, band saws and drill presses) and basic portable power tools
• Experience with electrical Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), including procedures applied to systems with multiple sources of energy
• Experience with PV systems and components
• Programming and control of DAS systems using Labview, Python, or embedded languages
• Experience with data processing, analysis and reporting

The Photovoltaics and Materials Technology (PMT) department develops and validates materials and technologies that improve the performance, reliability, and safety of photovoltaic systems for energy and national security applications. Sandia focuses on emerging PV technologies and collaborates with dozens of companies and universities to develop and test new module architectures, tracking systems, integrated power electronics, encapsulants, and specialized coatings. We also develop materials, such as thermally stable polymers, electrodes, and electrolytes for advanced batteries and other applications. Our team applies HPC modeling and advanced indoor and outdoor testing capabilities to evaluate and predict system performance, degradation, and failure mechanisms.

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.

If offered the position, you may be required to demonstrate your fitness to perform certain physical aspects of the position, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.