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Computer Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Computer Aided Design and Drafting Technologist to join our Design Engineer Group. In this role, you will be at the forefront of innovation, transforming customer concepts into ...

Controls Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word. SharePoint experience a plus ... Schneider Unity programming experience * Allen Bradley ControlLogix programming (PlantPAx a plus ...

Controls Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

$80K - $104K/yr

Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word. SharePoint experience a plus ... Schneider Unity programming experience * Allen Bradley ControlLogix programming (PlantPAx a plus ...

Control Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word. SharePoint experience is a plus ... Schneider Unity programming experience * Allen Bradley ControlLogix programming (PlantPAx a plus ...

Control Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site +1

$80K - $104K/yr

Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word. SharePoint experience is a plus ... Schneider Unity programming experience * Allen Bradley ControlLogix programming (PlantPAx a plus ...

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Computer Engineer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$43.7K

$109.6K

$124K

How much do computer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer engineer in Rio Rancho, NM is $109,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,600.00 and $118,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and hardware/software design, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as C/C++ or Python), circuit design tools, and industry certifications like CompTIA or Cisco are highly valuable. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure that computer engineers can design, implement, and optimize systems that meet technical requirements and business goals.

What is the difference between Computer Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectComputer EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related field; certifications like Cisco, CompTIABachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering; certifications like Microsoft, AWS
Work EnvironmentDesigning hardware, embedded systems, and software integration in labs or officesWriting, testing, and maintaining software applications in offices or remote setups
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, telecommunications, embedded systemsIT firms, software companies, startups, enterprise software development

Computer Engineers focus on both hardware and software systems, often working on embedded systems and hardware integration. Software Developers primarily create and maintain software applications. While their roles overlap in programming, Computer Engineers have a broader scope including hardware design, whereas Software Developers specialize in software solutions.

What Is a Computer Engineer?

A computer engineer designs, researches, tests, and develops computer equipment and software such as circuit boards, chips, routers, and application programs. Computer engineers analyze complex equipment and systems to understand the best way to improve it. They create new types of information technology devices and use logic and reasoning to hone in on goals, test assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems. Engineers often work in teams and have to be able to communicate with other types of engineers, including non-technical team members. Computer engineers make sure that components fit together properly and function according to the latest software developments.

What are computer engineers?

Computer engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain computer hardware and software systems. They work at the intersection of electrical engineering and computer science, focusing on how computer systems function and how they can be improved. Their roles can involve creating microprocessors, designing circuit boards, developing embedded systems, and optimizing software for hardware performance. Computer engineers play a crucial role in advancing technology across industries, from consumer electronics to aerospace and healthcare.

What are common challenges computer engineers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Computer engineers often collaborate with software developers, hardware designers, and project managers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and communication styles. Ensuring that everyone has a clear understanding of system limitations and integration points is crucial, as miscommunication can lead to project delays or rework. Staying adaptable and proactively clarifying expectations helps computer engineers navigate these collaborative environments successfully.
What job categories do people searching Computer Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Computer Engineer jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Computer Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Engineer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,595 per year, or $52.7 per hour.
Experienced, Computer Science - Onsite

Experienced, Computer Science - Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories

Albuquerque, NM

$117K - $235K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Sandia National Laboratories rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Apply for Job
Job ID
698000
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
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: http://www.sandia.gov

  • These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like

Autonomous Sensing and Perception is currently seeking an R&D Computer Scientist to join their team.

The selected candidate will perform software/algorithm research and development work focused on making orbital, aerial, and terrestrial sensors and their associated platforms and support equipment more autonomous through the application of cutting-edge remote sensing and perception methods, with specific emphasis on research and development of precision geolocation capabilities. The selected candidate will research, develop, and deploy automated photogrammetric software solutions within autonomous sensing systems.

The successful application will have experience in relevant technical areas such as programming (C++ and python), GPU acceleration of algorithms, image processing and exploitation as well as strong technical communication skills, leading project teams and sponsor engagement.

On any given day you may be called upon to:

  • Conduct analysis of sensor data collections employing advanced statistical methods and mathematical techniques to extract meaningful insights
  • Identify and explore potential quantitative approaches for autonomous information extraction/analysis suitable for higher-confidence decision making.
  • Develop algorithms that will enable the autonomous processing of multiple live sensor streams in real time, in both data center and edge environments.
  • Implement and deploy high potential approaches in software, working closely with diverse teams of scientists and engineers from across Sandia and external partner organizations (government, academia, industry) that are designing and building multiple sensor systems, platforms, and ground stations.
  • Provide technical input on existing and future designs and documents for geospatial intelligence working groups, standards bodies, and sponsors.
  • Produce feasibility and level-of-effort estimates for project proposals and contract solicitations.
  • Coordinate research and development efforts across internal and external teams to achieve programmatic goals.
  • Assist in upholding best software practices by contributing to CI/CD pipeline design, implementation, maintenance, and documentation using GitLab CI/CD and other DevOps tools
  • Investigate and remediate problems in real time within operational systems and workflows
  • Work onsite due to the sensitive and classified nature of the work environment
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 an active DOE Q and/or SCI level clearance or equivalent.
Qualifications We Desire

The ideal R&D Computer Science candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will, in addition, possess the following:

  • Graduate degree in Computer Science or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
  • Demonstrated software development skills and familiarity with modern software development practices and tools (e.g., Agile).
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and a passion to improve and expand technical skills.

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

  • Experience leading projects or project teams to successful results
  • Experience in analysis and algorithm development with large volumes of sensor data, including knowledge and experience in relevant programming languages such as C++ and Python.
  • Experience designing and developing robust software solutions, utilizing software engineering best practices and programming to enhance data processing efficiency, user interface functionality, and overall system performance, including experience using version control systems, using CI/CD systems, knowledge of software containerization, and knowledge of DevSecOps best practices.
  • Experience taking algorithms from literature and applying them to new contexts or datasets
  • Experience with automated software testing
  • Experience working on Unix systems
  • Experience with relational databases
  • Experience in GPU acceleration of algorithms
  • Experience using agile software development paradigms
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently and make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through technical writing or presentations as evidenced by journal article publications, conference proceedings and presentation, white papers and technical reports, etc.
  • Active DOE Q and/or SCI level clearance or equivalent
About Our Team

The Autonomous Sensing & Perception Departments at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) specialize in developing and deploying quantitative methods for detecting, identifying, classifying, localizing, and contextualizing objects of interest across a variety of sensor data. This expertise spans a wide range of sensor modalities, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR), Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), and Full Motion Video (FMV), among others. We leverage advanced algorithms that blend classical statistical methods with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to create robust solutions for automated sensing applications.

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 and SCI access, both of which require US citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain these levels of access may be impacted.

Applicants offered employm...


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About Sandia National Laboratories

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Albuquerque, NM, US

Year founded

1949