Early Career Electrical Engineer - Space Systems, Onsite

Overview

Sandia National Laboratories’ Space Mission Engineering Program Office (SMEPO) strives to enhance national security by creating the future of space. We seek the toughest unmet, space-based mission challenges for our DoD and IC partners. Our work requires acting as a trusted resource, leveraging innovative ideas, applying differentiating technologies, and harnessing the strength of Sandia’s unique capabilities.

We are seeking an early career electrical engineer with experience in space systems electrical design to join our space flight efforts in optical remote sensing, space control, and rapid realization. The successful candidate will strengthen partnerships, work with DoD or IC sponsors, mature enabling technologies, and execute space flight payloads through the full lifecycle.

• Support or lead diverse, multidisciplinary internal teams to realize new flight payloads
• Engage with external sponsors and Sandia leadership
• Generate and deliver proposals, reports, or presentations
• Independently design or develop solutions to complex technical problems
• Build and test space flight systems or associated prototypes
• Identify gaps and opportunities to drive innovation
• Work in a secure environment, protecting information and results as required
• Travel occasionally and work onsite as required

$102,400 - $199,700

* Salary range is estimated. Actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

• 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 and SCI clearance.

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field with an independent research project (thesis or dissertation).
• Ability to work independently and collaborate well in a multidisciplinary team of designers and test engineers.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including clear and compelling briefings.
• Two or more years of experience with DOD or IC communities.
• Two or more years of hands‑on experience with space flight systems (design, architecture, realization, testing, and deployment).
• Experience with RF systems for space applications.
• Two or more years of project leadership experience with DOD or IC communities.
• Experience implementing and leading SCI and/or Special Access Program (SAP) level technical projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a diverse, multidisciplinary teaming environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration with external and internal partners.
• Ability to develop and present proposals (cost, schedule, scope, conceptual design) to internal and external stakeholders.
• Leadership of small teams and dedication to positive teaming dynamics.
• Design experience with optomechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Ability to develop simple code to interface with mechanisms, components, testers, etc.
• Willingness to travel to engage with sponsors, conferences, and other events.

The Emerging Flight Technologies department develops space-based payloads in the nation's security interests, including rapid prototype development, resilient space electronic architectures, and payload maturation in remote sensing, space control, domain awareness, and cyber.

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre‑employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance and SCI access, requiring U.S. citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination. Multiple citizenship may impact clearance levels.

Applicants offered employment are subject to a federal background investigation to meet requirements for access to classified information or matters if the…