Senior/Principal R&D Mechanical Engineer - Polymer Composites Research, Hybrid

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: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking a R&D Mechanical Engineer (job title: R&D S&E, Mechanical Engineering) to support research activities related to structural modeling and characterization of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The position will include the use of multi-fidelity structural analysis toolsets including development of failure models related to plasticity and high cycle fatigue damage. Finite element analysis tools will be used to simulate micro-mechanical domains to estimate the impact of fiber morphology in various composite applications, including those with continuous length, unidirectional fibers as well as randomly oriented, discontinuous fiber.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Work with a dynamic team of researchers working to solve challenging problems in support of the Department of Energy mission.
• Tackle computational model and algorithmic development and implementation tasks.
• Work on tasks related to the design and assessment of large composite structures.

The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.

$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.

• 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 L-level security clearance.

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

• Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

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

• A Ph.D. in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computer science or equivalent field.
• Experience in the application of finite element analysis for structural applications and understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying these analysis tools.
• Research experience in modeling the micro-mechanics of composite materials, particularly for fiber-reinforced polymer systems.
• Understanding of composite material design and processing.
• Experience collaborating on institutional software tools with demonstrated computer programming skills, including C++, python, and/or MATLAB.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify research objectives and develop clear solutions to complex problems while using sound judgment in drawing conclusions.
• Ability to work well in teams with diverse skills and backgrounds and be proactive and creative in solving problems that arise.
• Excellent time-management skills including the ability to prioritize work and set and meet reasonable deadlines.

The Aerodynamic Technology & Energy Systems department conducts advanced research in airflow and structural dynamics, and develops innovative wind energy technologies. We apply deep expertise in engineering, materials, and data science, including AI/ML, to evaluate aerostructural and aeroelastic properties of aerodynamic systems, with a focus on high-fidelity modeling and simulation and verification & validation (V&V). Our expertise also includes data analytics, advanced manufacturing of aero and hydro rotor technology, composite materials applications, advanced instrumentation development, novel remote power generation, and energy systems integration. Through partnerships with industry, academia, other National Labs, and public dissemination of results, Sandia serves an important role in energy security for the nation.

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.

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 L-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 the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

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.

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.

This Limited Term Employee (LTE) position is a temporary position for one year term, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to a maximum of seven years.

Individuals in LTE positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.