Early Career R&D Mechanical Engineer - Structural Dynamics, Onsite

Position Overview

We are seeking a R&D Mechanical Engineer to join our System-Level Vibration Testing Laboratory team to strengthen our position as a recognized leader in the field of Structural Dynamics and help tackle some of the most complex issues facing our nation’s security. Our group has a unique balance of research and programmatic work which will allow opportunities to pursue your relevant interests while making a difference in the world.

• Conceive, plan, and conduct technical work spanning fundamental research, development, and application to support Sandia National Laboratories customers and sponsors.
• Contribute to the advancement of the field through collaboration and presenting work at technical conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
• Use engineering principles to create new understanding and capability in the field of structural dynamics (Modal and/or Shock & Vibration testing).
• Develop and implement new solutions and improvements to the group’s technical and operational procedures.
• Understand our mission partner requests and map them to technical test requirements.
• Perform structural dynamics testing on an ever-changing assortment of projects including weapon systems, aerospace structures & payloads, and civil structures. Depending on focus area, this will include Experimental Modal or shaker Shock & Vibration testing (traditional single-degree-of-freedom and advanced multi-input/multi-output/6-DOF).
• Assist in technical planning, execution, and reporting of complex test series within large multidisciplinary teams.
• Be available to work onsite and be willing to work on nuclear deterrence systems.

$102,400 - $199,700

• A 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 a DOE Q security clearance.

• Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

• Prior relevant experience in any of the following fields of Structural Dynamics:
  Shock & Vibration Testing;
  Experimental Modal Analysis;
  Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH);
  Experience in Python and/or MATLAB;
  Experience with dynamic sensors and instrumentation such as accelerometers;
  Experience with data acquisition system setup, operation, and maintenance;
  Demonstrated skills in digital signal or image processing techniques;
  Demonstrated ability to plan and execute large test series in partnership with multiple stakeholders;
  Experience with hazardous testing, such as explosives, and associated work planning and control processes.

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. U.S. citizens with multiple citizen ships may face additional clearance considerations.

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.

Employees with a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED) such as pacemakers, defibrillators, drug-releasing pumps, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs. Additional steps may be necessary to ensure compliance prior to interview.