Job Information
Sandia National Laboratories Senior/Principal R&D Computer Scientist - Space Operations, Onsite in Albuquerque, New Mexico
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 vacations, 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: http://www.sandia.gov*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like:
Sandia’s Space Operations and Data Analysis department is currently seeking an R&D Computer Scientist to perform research and development work focused on designing and integrating key software and algorithm solutions for current and future on-orbit USNDS capabilities. The successful candidate will use their technical experience in areas such as: image/signal processing, statistical modeling, computer vision, algorithm development and optimization, remote sensing, software engineering, and data analytics. Join us to develop creative solutions to unique national security challenges!
On any given day, you may be called on to:
Lead and contribute to cutting-edge research projects focused on satellite telemetry data, including the development of novel algorithms and systems.
Examine data gathered from sensors to identify and investigate potential quantitative methods for extracting information from the data and effectively contextualizing it to enhance understanding and decision-making.
Analyze existing solutions and develop new, innovative approaches to enhance USNDS space operations capabilities.
Team with a diverse group of internal and external scientists and engineers across various disciplines to support data processing, analysis, modeling and simulation, and testing and validation.
Communicate with internal and external mission stakeholders to understand key requirements and capabilities gaps of current and future systems.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected candidate must be able to work onsite. Some travel may be required.
Salary Range:
$109,300 - $217,400
*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:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, statistics, or relevant STEM field plus 8 years relevant experience; OR master’s degree in stated fields plus four (4) years’ relevant experience.
Experience in one or more of the following areas: AI/ML; applied statistics; software engineering; data analytics and big data; autonomous systems; computer vision; image/signal processing
Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: C/C++ or Python; modern version control such as Git; CI/CD; Docker or other containerization alternatives; high-performance computing.
Experience using Linux operating systems and ability to perform technical work in a Linux environment.
Ability to obtain and maintain active DOE Q-level clearance.
Qualifications We Desire:
Active SCI clearance
Experience with image and signal processing, computer vision, and data analytics.
Experience with conceiving, proposing, and conducting both basic and applied research projects; assembling and leading multi-disciplinary project teams; and interacting directly with internal and external project sponsors, mission partners, and stakeholders.
Demonstrated software development skills and familiarity with modern software development practices and tools.
Experience performing rigorous analysis and algorithm development with large volumes of data.
Ability to understand mathematically complex systems, develop and analyze models, and draw concise conclusions from them.
Interest in pursuing professional development opportunities focused on increased USNDS and space domain expertise, increased software engineering proficiency, and increased technical and programmatic leadership.
Proficiency with varied communication methods, including presentations, preparation of high-impact visual presentations, written reports, and the ability to communicate scientific and technical information at a level tailored the audience.
About Our Team:
The Space Operations and Data Analysis department (6794) is primarily focused on the monitoring and management of the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) Global Burst Detector (GBD) payloads. Our core mission involves state-of-health monitoring, anomaly detection, lifetime degradation assessment, and sensor/system configuration to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of the GBD.
In addition to our primary mission, the department leverages its capabilities to support secondary missions by providing advanced data analytics on satellite sensors and state-of-health metrics for various other initiatives. We conduct early on-orbit testing of new systems and collaborate closely with mission stakeholders and customers to ensure that the NuDet capability remains operational and meets national requirements. Through our expertise in data analysis and operational oversight, we contribute significantly to national security and the broader landscape of satellite mission support.
Posting Duration:
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) 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.
Job ID: 694218
Job Family: RD
Regular/Temporary Position: R
Full/Part-Time Status: F