Cleared Senior/Principal Weapon System Engineer - W87-1 Modernization Lead, Onsite

Sandia Corporation • Albuquerque, NM

35d • Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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 National Security Campus/New Mexico Operations (KCNSC/NMO).
• Experience working on engineering design, qualification, production, or related modeling/simulation projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Working knowledge of Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) processes and procedures for product realization.
• Proven ability to develop and lead large, cross-organization, multidisciplinary teams.
• Recent experience working on a nuclear deterrence modernization program.
• Demonstrated experience effectively networking and partnering with organizations both inside and external to Sandia.
• Experience with model-based definition (MBD) and/or model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Experience with Phase 6.X NSE program execution
• Ability to take initiative and be a self-starter in an ambiguous environment.

Responsibilities

• 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).

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: National Security and International Affairs
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees