Senior/Principal R&D Mechanical Engineer - Process Engineering, 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

We are seeking a highly motivated R&D S&E, Mechanical Engineering within the Ferro-Electric Neutron Generator (FENG) and Electronic Neutron Generator (ELNG) Value Stream to enable and sustain the entire manufacturing life cycle. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to enhance their technical expertise in a dynamic manufacturing environment with challenging product design requirements, stringent quality standards and innovative manufacturing processes.

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

• Participate in the product realization process in evaluating components that support nuclear weapon systems
• Lead the identification, development and qualification of production processes in meeting nuclear weapon system requirements
• Lead efforts to improve fundamental understanding of NG requirements, defining and conducting experimental work to close knowledge gaps and improve design definition
• Anticipate and lead risks (i.e., process and technology development, etc.) and lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead product and manufacturing infrastructure design definitions through the product life cycle
• Employ quality management systems and ability to implement mistake-proofing techniques
• Handle multiple organizational interfaces; internally and externally
• Train Production Trades and Technologists to perform processes effectively and consistently

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

$117,500 - $235,700

• 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 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

The ideal R&D S&E 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 wea re seeking individuals with the following experience:

• Experience applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Working knowledge of Nuclear Deterrence programs and processes
• Strong Analytical Skills
• Experience with:
• Experience in application of the scientific method; gathering, analyzing and presenting technical data for decision making/problem solving purposes
• Desire to enhance engineering expertise in the weapons product realization process; cradle to grave
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work in a fast-paced/schedule driven environment
• Basic knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM), Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement and their application
• Willingness to become a certified Root Cause Analyst
• Green Belt or Black Belt certified
• Experience of design for additive manufacturing and use of additive manufacturing equipment and/or 3D printers
• An active DOE Q-level security clearance or DOD equivalent

The Ferro-Electric Neutron Generator (FENG) and Electronic Neutron Generator (ELNG) Value Stream Department (07566) develops, qualifies, and integrates pioneering technologies to realize a broad range of components and related assemblies used in the design, development, and production of neutron generators for the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE). We deploy technical leadership in various engineering subject areas (e.g., mechanical, materials science, industrial, chemical and electrical) to identify, develop and mature technology solutions using demonstrated meticulous product and process realization methodologies. Our capabilities range from component assembly and fabrication, abrasive blasting/cleaning, inspection, laser welding and marking, soldering, encapsulation, final dimensioning and machining, x-ray radiography, thermal spraying, conformal coating, environmental conditioning and functional testing. Integrated planning for product realization, manufacturability, and certification of neutron generators and neutron generator-related products enables us to meet the needs of our customers and the security of the nation. We strive to achieve agility and valuable processes through continuous utilization of the Lean/Six Sigma methodology.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) 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.