Senior​/Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Advanced RF Systems, Onsite

Senior/Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Advanced RF Systems, Onsite

Our team is seeking a highly motivated Computer Science/Software Engineer. Your primary focus will be to implement the software processing in specialized RF communications systems for National Security applications. Projects range from very urgent, quick‑reaction requests in response to real‑world driven needs to longer‑term, life‑critical efforts with rigorous development requirements. You will become a member of a multi‑discipline, success‑oriented high‑performance team.

Our special communication systems include highly optimized, ultra‑low DC power, size‑embedded RF receiver/transmitter tag designs, as well as groundbreaking signal‑processing RF interrogators. These systems are deployed as battery‑powered field sensors, small satellite payloads, and manned and unmanned aircraft (UAV/UAS) applications. Projects range from fast‑paced, quick‑reaction requests in response to real‑world needs to longer‑term, life‑critical efforts with rigorous development and quality requirements.

You will be part of a multi‑disciplinary, success‑oriented high‑performance team, with occasional travel required.

On any given day, you may be called upon to:

• Develop new and contribute to existing software code bases using standard methodologies.
• Find innovative ways to enhance our processes and products.
• Contribute to improvement of development processes and techniques.
• Assist project leads with schedule estimates based on current backlog of tasks.
• Gain and maintain a big picture awareness to help guide technical direction.
• Develop test/acceptance procedures and document design definition.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Relocation will be provided for those that qualify.

Applicants on this requisition may be interviewed by multiple organizations at Sandia National Laboratories.

$117,500 - $235,700

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

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience 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 acquire and maintain a DOE Q clearance and SCI clearance, which may require a polygraph.

• Graduate degree in Computer Science or a highly related field with extensive programming experience.
• 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.
• Active DOE Q or DOD TS security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain an SCI.
• Eight (8) or more years' experience with systems level programming using C/C++.
• Strong organizational skills and experience with agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban.
• Excellent working knowledge of Git and related branching models.
• Extensive experience with Realtime Operating Systems (RTOS) and bare metal programming.
• Track record of continuous improvement and strong leadership skills to see it implemented.
• Interest in other languages like Rust and Go.
• Experience using GPUs to implement DSP algorithms.
• Experience working with embedded systems.
• Experience with automation and CI/CD, particularly Ansible and Gitlab CI.
• Experience writing unit tests that integrate into the CI pipeline.
• 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 both small and large development teams (two-to-eight members).
• Motivated by working with a highly successful, dynamic project team…