Early-Career, Embedded Software Engineer - Advanced RF Systems, Onsite

Early-Career, Embedded Software Engineer – Advanced RF Systems (Onsite)

Sandia National Laboratories seeks a Computer Science/Software Engineer to implement software processing in specialized RF communications systems for national security applications. The role involves a mix of urgent, rapid‑response projects and longer‑term, life‑critical development with rigorous requirements.

• Develop new and maintain existing software code using standard industry methodologies.
• Design and implement software for ultra‑low power, size‑embedded RF receiver/transmitter tags and signal‑processing RF interrogators.
• Enhance development processes and products through innovative solutions.
• Assist project leads with schedule estimates based on current backlog of tasks.
• Maintain a big‑picture awareness to guide technical direction.
• Develop test/acceptance procedures and document design definitions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams; occasional travel may be required.

$102,400 – $199,700

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four (4) or more years of systems‑level programming in C/C++.
• Strong organizational skills and experience with agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban.
• Excellent working knowledge of Git and related branching models.
• Extensive experience with real‑time operating systems (RTOS) and bare‑metal programming.
• Experience using GPUs to implement DSP algorithms.
• Experience with embedded systems.
• Experience with automation and CI/CD, particularly Ansible and Git Lab CI.
• Experience writing unit tests that integrate into CI pipelines.
• Knowledge of general test and measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, DVM, logic analyzers) and RF test equipment (network analyzer, spectrum analyzer).
• Knowledge of RF, digital communications, radar, and/or EW systems and principles.
• Ability to work effectively on small and large development teams (2–8 members).
• Graduate degree in Computer Science or a highly related field preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Active DOE Q or DOD TS security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI.
• Interest in languages such as Rust and Go.
• Track record of continuous improvement and strong leadership skills.
• Motivated by working with a highly successful, dynamic project team delivering systems that impact national security.

Applicants must be able to acquire and maintain a DOE Q‑level clearance and SCI access; polygraph may be required. US citizenship is mandatory.

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.

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401(k), learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance.

If you possess a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED) such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug‑releasing pump, hearing aids, or other monitoring equipment, you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs upon employment and prior to on‑site interview.