Cleared Senior​/Principal Mechanical Engineer - Ballistic Missile Tester Development, Onsite

Cleared Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer - Ballistic Missile Tester Development, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is a leading national security and technology innovation laboratory. This role is part of the Ballistic Missile and Air Delivered Tester Development teams, contributing to the Stockpile Surveillance Program by ensuring the reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.

As an R&D Mechanical Engineer, you will work onsite in Albuquerque, NM (with some travel required), and play a critical role in:

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to translate customer requirements into functional designs.
• Designing and building test bed assemblies that endure mechanical environments such as centrifuge, shaker table and explosive containment.
• Creating solid models in Creo for conceptual designs that meet vacuum, thermal and other testing standards.
• Performing first‑cut analyses to evaluate material strength, derive explosive constituents into TNT equivalents, and assess expected blast pressures.
• Developing innovative solutions to technically complex challenges and refining system and subsystem‑level requirements.
• Producing detailed drawings and documentation using GD&T, and generating build‑to‑print design definition drawings for manufacturing.
• Overseeing inspection and testing of hardware to ensure accurate documentation prior to qualification.
• Troubleshooting mechanical test equipment and participating in peer reviews within the lab.
• Adapting to projects at different development stages to support organizational needs.

Qualifications We Require

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and engineering or scientific experience.
• Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent with ability to obtain and maintain Sigma‑15 access; polygraph may be required.

Qualifications We Desire

• Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with an independent research project.
• Experience in mechanical engineering and product realization within the NNSA complex.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven design, development and qualification of mechanical systems, components and complex test beds.
• Skilled in requirements analysis, qualification plan development, and support of large‑scale testing.
• Proficient in solid modeling (preferably Creo) and finite element analysis (structural, thermal, modal).
• Knowledge of GD&T, build‑to‑print drawings, FMEA and failure analysis methodologies.
• Detail oriented, creative problem‑solver, and proven team leadership or contribution.

Salary Range

$117,500 – $235,700

* Salary range is estimated; actual salary determined by experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements (9/80, 4/10, part‑time, telecommuting).
• Generous vacation and strong medical and other benefits.
• Competitive 401k with matching.
• Learning opportunities and relocation assistance.

Security Clearance

The position requires a DOE Q security clearance (or equivalent) to start, and the ability to maintain that clearance throughout employment.

EEO Statement

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.