Senior/Principal R&D Electrical Engineer - Weapons Interface & Controllers, 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*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at:

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like

The Weapon Interface & Controllers Department is seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated Electrical Engineer to join our dynamic, high-impact team. In this role, you will play a critical part in the design, troubleshooting, testing, qualification, and evaluation of weapon controller based electronic systems, which are the brains of a nuclear weapon, as well as supporting existing production systems. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge nuclear deterrence programs that demand exceptional performance, reliability, and rigor. The role emphasizes hands-on implementation, system-level integration, and continuous improvement of design and qualification.


As a successful candidate, you will collaborate closely across multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust electrical design and qualification solutions. You will actively engage in the design and trade space assessment of weapon interface and controller type of products. You will collaborate closely with the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) Production Agency (PA), Sandia Design Agency (DA) PRT, and Subject Matter Experts (SME) to understand and influence functional and interface requirements, design elements, qualification testing, analysis, and production capabilities. In addition, you will have the opportunity to influence and shape product realization strategy. This position is ideal for someone who values ownership, technical leadership, and continuous learning in a challenging and meaningful environment where no two days are the same.

Why Join Us


Our team thrives in a positive, inclusive environment where mentors and learners work side by side. We believe the best ideas emerge through collaboration, shared knowledge, and mutual respect, and we actively invest in each others technical growth and career development.


By joining Department 5357, you'll be part of a high-performing, mission-driven organization solving complex, meaningful engineering challenges that directly support national security. Your work will matter, your expertise will be valued, and your contributions will have real impact.


If you're seeking a role where your electrical engineering skills enable cutting-edge systems, where your voice and leadership are encouraged, and where you can grow alongside talented peers, we invite you to apply and build your future with us.

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


Salary Range

$117,500 - $235,700

*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.

Qualifications We Require

• 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-level security clearance.

Qualifications We Desire

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

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Ability to work independently and collaborate well in a multidisciplinary team of designers and test engineers.
• Outstanding verbal and written skills, including the ability to develop and present briefings that are clear and compelling.

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

• Active DOE Q-level security clearance or equivalent.
• Hardware design engineer with experience in the design, testing, and prototype development of digital and analog mixed signal circuit boards for high reliability microelectronics and products.
• Experience with communication protocols (UART, RS-232/422/485, SPI, etc.).
• Proficiency in circuit design software and simulation tools (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB, Mentor Graphics).
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, IEC-61000-4-2, Etc.)
• Experience working with lab equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multi-meters, etc.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Perform detailed circuit analysis to evaluate performance, troubleshoot and identify issues, and recommend improvements
• Assist in the design of electrical circuits, focusing on functionality, efficiency, and manufacturability
• Conduct qualification testing on electrical systems and components to ensure compliance with industry standards and specifications
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and troubleshooting efforts
• Document test results, analysis, and design modifications in clear and concise reports
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in electrical engineering practices

About Our Team

The Weapon Interface & Controllers Department is responsible for the development and delivery of arming and fuzing controllers that interface with nuclear warheads/bombs and their delivery platforms. Currently, the primary focus of the department is on the design and qualification of the W80-4 Warhead Controller Unit (WCU) and the W80-5 Warhead Interface Unit (WIU). Our technical expertise encompasses the entire product realization lifecycle, including weapon controller architecture and design, prototyping, testing, and qualification. We specialize in radiation-hardened electronics, test development, and integration of flight-test modules.

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.


If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.