Cleared Senior​/Principal JTA Systems Engineering Lead - W80-4​/W80-5 JTA Systems, Onsite

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is a leading science and engineering laboratory focused on national security and technology innovation.

The W80-4/W80-5 JTA Systems Engineering Department has an opening for an experienced Systems, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineer as the JTA Systems Engineering Lead (R&D S&E Systems Engineer). The role involves working closely with the department manager, the JTA team, and broader program communities for the W80-4 program, including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and DoD partners.

• Lead engagement with the W80-4 program community to ensure sound systems engineering principles are applied to the development and qualification of JTA1 and JTA2 flight test assets.
• Conduct technical planning and reviews for W80-4 JTA designs, including development of derived requirements and systems engineering tools.
• Problem‑solve with multidisciplinary teams across the Nuclear Security Enterprise.
• Specify, review, and integrate activities involving all aspects of the W80-4 JTA systems; design and integrate components developed in other organizations.
• Support design, development, and qualification of the JTA system to closely simulate weapon performance; develop requirements, design and assemble test units; provide production support; test development ground and flight test units.

The position requires up to 25% travel and onsite work 100% of the time.

$117,500 – $235,700 (salary determined after review of experience and qualifications).

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Active U.S. DOE Q level security clearance, or equivalent DOD Top Secret clearance.

• Graduate degree in Engineering or related field with an independent research project.
• Experience with NSE laboratories and plants (e.g., Pantex, LLNL, LANL).
• Experience in engineering design, qualification, production, or simulation projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Master’s degree in Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated leadership on a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with Nuclear Deterrence Product Realization and NSE processes.
• Experience with systems engineering development tools, techniques, and management.
• Coaching/mentoring skills; desire to develop team members.
• Proven project management skills.

• Competitive 401k and strong medical and other benefits.
• Generous vacation and flexible work arrangements.
• Learning opportunities and relocation assistance.
• Work/life balance amenities (subject to classification).

The W80-4/W80-5 JTA Systems Engineering Team partners with Groups 2330 and 8240/8260 on program scope. The team focuses on design and development of JTA systems to simulate weapon performance for future surveillance programs; contributions support weapon system safety, reliability, and security.

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, or any other protected class under state or federal law.