Early Career Computer Science - Satellite Ground Stations, Onsite

Early Career Computer Science - Satellite Ground Stations, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation. We focus on cutting‑edge satellite ground station technologies that enhance global security through innovative software solutions.

• Collaborate with team members to develop new software using Java and C++ for sensor and payload scheduling, commanding, state‑of‑health monitoring, and constellation management.
• Work closely with architects, developers, technical leads, customers, and end users to gather requirements, design solutions, and deliver scalable software applications.
• Enhance user experience to support operational environments effectively.
• Utilize debugging tools, static analysis, test harnesses, and other capabilities to troubleshoot and resolve complex software applications and libraries.
• Conduct research to optimize scheduling algorithms, improve geolocation accuracy, and support feasibility studies.
• Engage with specialists in data fusion, signal and image processing, analytics, cloud computing, machine learning, modeling and simulation, service‑oriented architectures, data management and visualization, and pattern recognition.
• Support on‑site work requirements due to the nature of the role.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, 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 DOE Q and SCI clearances, which may require a polygraph test.

• Graduate degree in Computer Science or a highly related field with an independent research project (e.g., thesis, dissertation).
• Demonstrated software development skills and familiarity with modern software development practices and tools (e.g., Agile).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and a passion to improve and expand technical skills.
• Proficiency in object‑oriented programming with Java and Python.
• Experience with Unix/Linux operating environments.
• Familiarity with the design and integration of distributed systems deployed across heterogeneous platforms.
• Experience in developing software for satellite ground stations or related aerospace applications.
• Knowledge of command and control technologies, including experience in building telemetry processing software and automated vehicle health management systems.
• Familiarity with Docker, Jenkins, and CI/CD practices.
• Experience with web‑based front‑end development.
• Experience in algorithm development for near real‑time systems.
• Active DOE Q security clearance.

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401(k), learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating an excellent work/life balance. Benefits vary by job classification.

$99,400 - $193,600 (actual salary will be determined after consideration of experience and qualifications, and geographic salary differential).

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance and SCI access, both requiring U.S. citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination.

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.

Eligible candidates must comply with NNSA security requirements for any Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED) such as pacemakers or defibrillators if employed at Sandia.