Senior​/Principal R&D Mechanical Engineer - Process Engineering, 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. 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

We are seeking a highly motivated R&D S&E, Mechanical Engineer within the Ferro-Electric Neutron Generator (FENG) and Electronic Neutron Generator (ELNG) Value Stream to enable and sustain the entire manufacturing life cycle. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to enhance their technical expertise in a dynamic manufacturing environment with challenging product design requirements, stringent quality standards and innovative manufacturing processes.

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

• Participate in the product realization process in evaluating components that support nuclear weapon systems
• Lead the identification, development and qualification of production processes in meeting nuclear weapon system requirements
• Lead efforts to improve fundamental understanding of NG requirements, defining and conducting experimental work to close knowledge gaps and improve design definition
• Anticipate and lead risks (i.e., process and technology development, etc.) and lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead product and manufacturing infrastructure design definitions through the product life cycle
• Employ quality management systems and ability to implement mistake-proofing techniques
• Handle multiple organizational interfaces; internally and externally
• Train Production Trades and Technologists to perform processes effectively and consistently

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

$117,500 - $235,700

• 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 obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance

The ideal R&D S&E Mechanical Engineer candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

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

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:

• Experience applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Working knowledge of Nuclear Deterrence programs and processes
• Strong Analytical Skills
• Experience with:
• Machine shop and tooling equipment
• Performing dimensional inspections as well as working in a machine shop and interpreting results in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in application of the scientific method; gathering, analyzing and presenting technical data for decision making/problem solving purposes
• Desire to enhance engineering expertise in the weapons product realization process; cradle to grave
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work in a fast-paced/schedule driven environment
• Basic knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM), Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement and their application
• Willingness to become a certified Root Cause Analyst
• Green Belt or Black Belt certified
• Experience of design for additive manufacturing and use of additive manufacturing equipment and/or 3D printers
• An active DOE Q-level security clearance or DOD equivalent

The Ferro-Electric Neutron Generator (FENG) and Electronic Neutron Generator (ELNG) Value Stream Department (02566) develops, qualifies, and integrates state-of-the-art technologies to realize a broad range of components and related assemblies used in the design, development, and production of neutron generators for the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE). We deploy technical leadership in various engineering disciplines to identify, develop and mature technology solutions using demonstrated rigorous product and…