Senior​/Principal Solutions Architect - Ground System Site Engineer, Onsite in Denver

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. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• 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 for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten‑hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World‑changing technologies. Life‑changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

* These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking a Ground System Site Engineer (GSSE) to play a vital role in the United States Nuclear Detonation (NUDET) Detection System (USNDS) program, which supports the United States Space Force in its nuclear detonation detection and monitoring missions.

The USNDS system relies on space‑based sensor payloads that transmit data to satellite ground systems for mission processing. The role requires a multi‑faceted individual who has experience in software systems and hardware platforms.

The GSSE's responsibilities are outlined in these four main areas:

• Sandia Technical Liaison:
  • Act as the primary Sandia technical interface and primary point of contact to onsite military personnel responsible for the real‑time operations of the USNDS missions.
• System Engineering:
  • Support sustainment activities, validations, certifications, and special testing.
  • Manage test planning, coordination, resource allocation and scheduling for test activities.
  • Focus on the operational application of system engineering and perform functions such as hardware and software installations.
• Onsite Ground System Support:
  • Troubleshoot and resolve mission hardware, software, networking, and ground antenna/receiver issues promptly.
  • Share 24/7 on‑call support with other GSSEs and reach back to subject matter experts at Sandia for abnormal issue resolution.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the operational mindset and genuine passion for service in the national interest.
• Conduct Anomaly Research and Resolution:
  • Monitor and mitigate long‑term anomalies, and effectively resolve incoming issues through collaboration with USNDS stakeholders and the technical development team.

• Coordinate across multiple DoD sites and users to ensure ongoing system availability during upgrades.
• Support customer verification of multiple system software and hardware deliveries each year.
• Analyze customer requirements and understand development constraints to design solutions that streamline the deployment of new software and hardware capabilities to various operational sites.
• Interface with local users and Sandia development teams to identify and mitigate risks associated with system deliveries.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite in Denver, CO.

* 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.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or other relevant STEM related discipline plus 5 years' experience or equivalent.
• Experience determining system status, diagnose problems, and return the system to operational capability.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q and TS/SCI clearances.

• Computer hardware and software operations, troubleshooting and maintenance of computer systems.
• Computer hardware, software, networks, and Linux operating system.
• Experience with antenna and receiver…