Cleared Design and Test Engineer - Weapon Subsystems, Onsite

Job Overview

We are looking for a high performing design and test engineer (R&D S&E Mechanical Engineer) to join our team and support investigative and experimental efforts for a novel structural component being evaluated. This critical role will require the ability to demonstrate that product design intent will be met with ample margin by identifying and carrying out a thoroughly vetted approach strategy.

• Define and plan comprehensive mechanical testing activities
• Apply hands‑on experimental test methods, including data acquisition, signal conditioning, transducer theory, and measurement‑system uncertainty
• Collect, interpret, and correlate data to assess component performance
• Document results thoroughly and present technical findings
• Communicate clearly and effectively with a multidisciplinary team

• 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.
• Active DOE Q Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Sigma 14/15.

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

• Developing comprehensive test plans and designing custom test fixtures.
• Applying machining techniques and implementing design‑for‑manufacturing principles.
• Collecting, processing, and analyzing experimental data.
• Coordinating efforts among hardware teams, test facilities, and customers.
• Managing product qualification workflows, from test scoping through execution and documentation.
• Planning and executing shock, random vibration, and thermal tests to evaluate performance under extreme conditions.
• Conducting mechanical testing using strain gauges, accelerometers, and other instrumentation.
• Conveying technical findings clearly and effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience assessing integrity and durability of advanced composite materials and structurally bonded interfaces.

Work Location: Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite full time in California.

Travel: This position requires occasional travel to Albuquerque, NM, and Kansas City, MO, but the travel will be less than 25% of the time.

$121,900 - $237,800

* 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.

Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug‑releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on‑site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.