R&D Materials Science - Welding Engineering Lab Process Development & Qualification, Onsite

R&D Materials Science - Welding Engineering Lab Process Development & Qualification, Onsite

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.

The Metallurgy and Welding Engineering team is seeking a motivated and technically strong R&D Staff Member to support and expand Weld Lab capabilities in process characterization, development, qualification, and mission-relevant welding support. This role will contribute to the advancement of laser welding processes and related laboratory capabilities in support of Sandia's critical component development and production-relevant activities.

• On any given day you will support and lead selected R&D process development and characterization activities within the Weld Lab, including independent technical planning, experimentation, and execution.
• Develop and execute designs of experiments (DOE) for laser welding and related process characterization efforts, evaluating variables such as power, beam intensity, focal position, focal length, travel speed, and other parameters.
• Support beam characterization and process capability studies for existing and new laser welding tools, including wobble laser systems and new IPG laser platforms.
• Work with customers, stakeholders, and production partners to define technical needs, align priorities, and support planning for funded development work.
• Contribute to process qualification, process validation, and production-relevant welding support, including collaboration with KCNSC and other NSE partners.
• Assist in the development of process documentation, technical reports, procedures, presentations, and other deliverables that capture knowledge and support long-term lab capability.
• Support troubleshooting, process optimization, and improvement of welding processes, tooling, and system performance.
• Collaborate with technologists, interns, and other staff to strengthen team bench depth, transfer knowledge, and maintain sustainable lab operations.
• Evaluate and present technical data clearly through graphs, figures, summaries, and oral/written communication.
• Contribute to strategic planning for Weld Lab capability growth and help identify technical gaps, opportunities, and future needs.

• 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 a DOE Q clearance.

• Master’s degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Familiarity with welding, materials processing, or related manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience in process development, experimental design, technical analysis, or applied R&D in a laboratory, engineering, or manufacturing environment, in relationship to laser welding.
• Ability to independently develop technical work plans and carry them through to completion with minimal oversight.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with customers, stakeholders, and technical partners.
• Experience with engineering or data analysis tools such as Solid Works, AutoCAD, MATLAB, Excel, or similar software.
• Demonstrated experience designing bespoke laser welding fixturing for R&D test specimens and prototypes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also taking ownership of assigned technical efforts.
• Direct engagement with KCNSC and/or other NSE production partners.
• Knowledge of metallurgy, weldability, and materials characterization.
• Experience with advanced laser welding process characterization tools including beam profilers, beam analysis software, high-speed videography, power/energy meters, laser photodiodes, interferometers, etc.
• Familiarity with laser welding systems, wobble beam welding, or precision joining…