Cleared Senior​/Principal Weapon System Engineer - W87-1 Modernization Lead, 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 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 401(k), 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 highly experienced and motivated W87‑1 Weapon System Engineer to join our team focused on the modernization of the W87‑1 warhead, which will replace the W78. This role involves fielding the W87‑1 on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) new USAF Sentinel missile within the Mk21A Reentry Vehicle (RV), as part of concurrent acquisition programs.

As a key member of the W87‑1 Systems team, you will collaborate with organizations in New Mexico and California, as well as external partners, including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), the Kansas City National Security Complex (KCNSC), Pantex, and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Near‑term deliverables will include engaging with Product Realization Teams (PRTs) to complete component Baseline Design Reviews (BDR) and executing the second development build.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the W87‑1 Systems team and component Product Realization Teams (PRTs), facilitating completion of program milestones (e.g., design reviews and hardware deliveries).
• Support various aspects of the program, including System Test & Qualification, Mechanical & Electrical Design Teams, Requirements, and DoD Integration.
• Manage system requirements and component verification activities.
• Collaborate with other Weapon System Engineers (WSE) and component engineers on complex technical problems, providing mentorship on system engineering principles.
• Provide technical guidance to PRTs to advance technology readiness levels (TRLs) and manufacturing readiness levels (MRLs).
• Collaborate with program leadership and Sandia’s executive management on metrics and burn down plans.
• Prepare for and present to diverse audiences at technical design reviews and programmatic meetings.
• Attend technical meetings with mechanical, electrical, and qualification teams.
• Assist in integration activities with various teams and PRTs.
• Represent Sandia on multi‑organizational project teams (e.g., NNSA, DoD, LLNL, SNL).

Due to the nature of the work, the selected participant must be able to work onsite.

$114,000 - $227,500

* 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.
• Active U.S. DOE Q‑level clearance or equivalent.

• Graduate degree in Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Experience working with Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) laboratories and plants including Pantex, Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLNL) and Kansas City…