R&D Nuclear Engineer - Applied Nuclear Technologies, 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 (80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (four 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*

* These benefits vary by job classification.

The Applied Nuclear Technologies department is seeking an early‑to‑mid‑career Nuclear Engineer to support technically challenging work in service of the nation's security missions. In this role, you will contribute to the development, execution, and analysis of experiments focused on radiation effects in materials and electronics. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting mission‑driven programs and be expected to contribute across a range of activities, including hands‑on experimental work, modeling and simulation, numerical data analysis, and technical and Work Planning and Control (WP&C) documentation.

The successful candidate will be a self‑motivated engineer or scientist who is excited to contribute to demanding experiments and take ownership and grow into a leadership role.

• Support the planning, setup, execution, and post‑test analysis of radiation effects experiments.
• Apply knowledge of radiation interactions with materials to interpret results and support the design of experiments.
• Work with a team to use MCNP and related computational tools to enhance understanding of experiments.
• Process, analyze, and visualize experimental or simulation data using Python, MATLAB, or similar technical tools.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and other documentation that clearly communicate methods, results, and recommendations.
• Work closely with scientists, engineers, and technologists in a collaborative team environment.
• Contribute to both hands‑on laboratory/test activities and office‑based work.

• 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.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑clearance.

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

• Graduate degree in Nuclear Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g. independent project, thesis, or dissertation)
• Operational experience with radiological and/or nuclear facilities
• Experience performing radiation transport modeling
• Knowledge of criticality safety and criticality analysis
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams

• Experience or background in radiation interactions with materials.
• Experience supporting or conducting experimental work, including test execution, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for numerical data processing, analysis, and visualization.
• Ability and interest to work in a role that combines hands‑on experimental activities with office‑based modeling, planning, analysis, and reporting.
• Demonstrated self‑motivation, strong work ethic, and ability to take initiative in a technically demanding environment.
• Familiarity with MCNP for radiation transport or related nuclear engineering analyses.
• Experience in nuclear engineering, radiation…