Research Jobs in Albuquerque, NM

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

Are you passionate about national security and using systems analysis to inform decisions? If so, we are seeking a highly motivated individual to join us as an R&D Systems Research and Analysis professional.

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

• Perform nuclear stockpile scenario analysis; evaluate feasibility, risks and enablers across many Sandia Production Agency (PA) Design Agency (DA) and Environmental Test (Env Test) Domains
• Understand internal and external customer needs and analyze problems regarding current and proposed stockpile compositions
• Engage with Sandia PA, DA, Env Test stakeholders, (Sr. Managers, Managers and SMEs) on current and future workload (Program of Record and Rapid Capabilities); gather and analyze key insights; summarize into compelling analysis reports and briefings to Sandia and NNSA leadership
• Support key Cost Estimating efforts in support of NNSA, Sandia leadership and Weapon Programs: data gathering, manipulation and analysis; system design definition and complexity estimates; budget projections for department or SNL scope
• Support System Analysis studies: Nuclear Deterrence (ND) and non-ND independent, self-directed or Management requested analysis; cross-department collaboration
• Present results to Sandia and government executives through tailored briefings and reports
• Formally define problems, develop research approaches, gather and analyze quantitative and qualitative information, develop and assess options and tradeoffs, and support strategic and programmatic decisions
• Effectively communicate complex system issues and ideas to customers and stakeholders in a concise way that enables action
• Develop and manage relationships with internal and external customers to help anticipate needs and ensure projects are aligned with client needs.

Due to the nature of work, successful candidates must be able to work onsite and travel occasionally.

$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 relevant discipline, equivalent experience in lieu of degrees must be engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development. Plus, five years or more years of directly related experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the job.
• Active Q clearance or equivalent is required to start

The ideal R&D S&E, Systems Research and Analysis candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

• Graduate degree in a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• The ability to understand, synthesize, and draw insights from multiple types of data streams (e.g., technical, economic, policy) through the use of various analytical tools.
• Experience working as part of multi-disciplinary teams examining complex systems.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of good project management, especially as it pertains to the execution of federally-funded work (e.g., proposal development through annal review, final delivery, and closeout).
• Experience working with federal sponsors in the defense and intelligence sectors, as well as their domestic FFRDC partners, international partnering agencies, and foreign governments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams delivering critical information to customers in a succinct manner.

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

• Active clearance
• Knowledge of weapon system design and functionality, especially Sandia scope and non-nuclear components
• Experience contributing to or leading complex projects
• Experience with systems analysis, stockpile analysis, or related disciplines (problem definition, independent research, data analysis, and communication of information)
• Expertise in strategic foresight, complex systems analysis, decision support, risk analysis, and communication with non-technical audiences
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparing and delivering succinct presentations and building effective business relationships by anticipating and responding to customer needs
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills, with resourcefulness and initiative in managing ambiguity
• Proven ability to work effectively on multi-disciplinary teams across organizational boundaries
• Quick learner with enthusiasm for expanding knowledge beyond one's expertise.
• Ability to understand and analyze diverse viewpoints
• Broad perspective with well-developed critical thinking skills
• Diverse professional and personal experiences

The Nuclear Deterrence Analysis and Decision Support department, as part of the Strategic Analysis & Education group, delivers independent and objective analyses that enhance decision making in critical areas related to stockpile scenario analysis and cost estimation. Our mission is to advance Nuclear Deterrence through rigorous research, enhance decision making, and insightful analysis.

Our department plays a vital role in informing Sandia and the NSE about essential decisions concerning stockpiles, infrastructure, personnel, processes, and costs necessary to align with strategic and nuclear deterrence objectives. We focus on several key portfolio areas including:

• Nuclear Weapon & Non-Nuclear Component Analysis
• Stockpile Planning and Scenario Analysis
• Business Process & Capability Analysis
• Cost Estimation & Analysis
• Data Analytics & Visualization

As part of the Strategic Analysis & Education group, we generate insights through comprehensive systems analyses and research focused on nuclear weapons and non-nuclear component analysis and Sandia National Laboratories.

We collaborate with stakeholders across Sandia National Laboratories to analyze risks, opportunities, and enablers for weapon realization and rapid capability development; we support SNL's voice as the system integrator.

Our interdisciplinary teams conduct studies on critical topics, technologies, and policies relevant to the Laboratories, partners, and sponsors. Using advanced modeling, heuristic, and analytical tools, we synthesize data, insights, and expert judgements to represent complex and strategic domains effectively.

Focusing on nuclear stewardship, we empower the nuclear weapon community to make informed decisions about the people, processes, facilities, capabilities, and assessments that support both deployed legacy systems and those under development.

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.

Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive 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 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.

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.