Early Career R&D Mechanical Engineer - Weapon Compatibility, Hybrid

What Your Job Will Be Like:

Are you passionate about mechanical engineering and eager to contribute to critical weapon compatibility efforts within a dynamic and collaborative environment? Join our mechanical engineering team composed of highly experienced subject matter experts who are dedicated to innovation and excellence.

This role offers a unique opportunity to advance your career by gaining hands‑on experience in state‑of‑the‑art laboratory settings while expanding your technical expertise in weapon system compatibility. As a key member of the team, you will work closely with senior staff, taking ownership of important technical tasks such as test plan development, lab testing and analytical tool code development, making meaningful contributions to the team’s success.

• Define and Document Technical Strategies – develop and document comprehensive technical strategies to ensure weapon system compatibility with delivery platforms, applying Test, Demonstration, Inspection, and Analysis methodologies, with a focus on data acquisition, aerosol science, and thermal analysis techniques.
• Collaborate Across Organizations – work closely with multiple weapon systems organizations to maintain traceability to overarching systems engineering efforts, such as weapon qualification and certification.
• Lead Hands‑On Tests – design, execute, and close local mechanical test campaigns in the laboratory environment, including vibration and thermal testing.
• Expand the Knowledge Base – contribute to Sandia’s Compatibility Engineering knowledge base by developing and maintaining formal training materials, coordinating lab tours and workshops for partners across the NSE, and staying current with novel tools and engineering practices to enhance test and analysis methods.

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

$102,400 - $199,700

* 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, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

The ideal R&D Mechanical Compatibility Engineer candidate 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, dissertation).
• Experience with mechanical engineering and product realism in the NNSA complex.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

• Proven experience working as part of a Weapon System Team.
• Experience working directly with the Department of Defense.
• Demonstrated knowledge of systems engineering tools, techniques, and management – including familiarity with configuration management concepts and systems (e.g., PDMLink, PRIME).
• Experience with Project Management.
• Hands‑on experience designing and conducting local mechanical or thermal tests.
• Hands‑on experience with data acquisition hardware/software, aero‑science analyses (e.g., aerodynamic load assessment, CFD), and thermal analysis methods (steady‑state, transient, coupled fluid‑structure).
• Collaborative problem‑solving mindset with the ability to influence and work through others in a team setting.

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.

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