R&D Computer Science Engineer, Autonomous Sensing and Perception - Onsite

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas.

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co‑workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements such as 9/80, 4/10 compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401(k), learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance* (benefits vary by job classification)

Autonomous Sensing and Perception is currently seeking an R&D Computer Scientist to join their team.

The selected candidate will perform software/algorithm research and development focused on making orbital, aerial, and terrestrial sensors and their associated platforms and support equipment more autonomous through remote sensing and perception methods. The emphasis is on analyzing confidence scores and metrics and enhancing the confidence calibration processes and tools associated with autonomous sensing frameworks. The candidate will help design, construct, and exercise scalable internal verification and validation frameworks for autonomous sensing systems.

The successful applicant will have experience in relevant technical areas such as image and signal processing, applied mathematics, software development, remote sensing, data exploitation, high‑performance computing, statistics, algorithm development, and/or radar sensor data.

• Conduct analysis of sensor data collections using advanced statistical methods and mathematical techniques to extract meaningful insights
• Identify and explore potential quantitative approaches for autonomous information extraction/analysis suitable for higher‑confidence decision making
• Develop algorithms that enable autonomous processing of multiple live sensor streams in real time in both data center and edge environments
• Implement and deploy high‑potential approaches in software, working closely with diverse teams of scientists and engineers from across Sandia and external partners (government, academia, industry) designing and building multiple sensor systems, platforms, and ground stations

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Some travel is required.

$102,400 - $199,700

* Salary range is estimated; actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.

• 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 level clearances

• Graduate degree in Computer Science or a highly related field with an independent research project as a graduation requirement
• 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
• Experience working with radar or optical sensor‑based measurements and exploitation
• Ability to work successfully in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, teaming environment
• Experience in analysis and algorithm development with large volumes of sensor data, including knowledge of relevant programming languages such as Python, C, C++, MATLAB, etc.
• Experience designing and developing robust software solutions, utilizing best software engineering practices and programming to enhance data processing efficiency, user interface functionality, and overall system performance
• Familiarity with data analytics and visualization, sense making, and multimodal data fusion
• Experience…