The Telemetry (TM) team at Sandia National Laboratories is seeking an experienced R&D Mechanical Engineer to serve as a Mechanical Lead within our dynamic team. We are responsible for the design, development, testing, and qualification of multiple telemetry products across the ND portfolio.
As the Mechanical Lead, you will provide technical leadership for mechanical design and qualification of highly integrated electro-mechanical telemetry units that must operate effectively in severe environments. You will drive mechanical development from concept through qualification and delivery leading requirements definition, design execution, environmental test planning, verification, documentation, and coordination across the broader multi-disciplinary team. This role includes hands-on engineering, fixture development, hardware assembly support, and oversight of fabrication/procurement activities.
A successful candidate will have skills and experience with:
- Technical leadership/mentorship: guiding mechanical engineers and influencing cross-functional teams to achieve program deliverables
- Mechanical environmental testing (shock, vibration, temperature, pressure, humidity) and associated data analysis
- Strong design skills in CAD (CREO preferred) and configuration/data management tools (e.g., PDMLink)
- GD&T knowledge and experience applying it to production drawings
- Experience designing for multiple manufacturing processes including machined aluminum, sheet metal, and 3D printing (FDM)
- Demonstrated strong product development documentation within a quality management system
- Strong, methodical approach to problem-solving, including root-cause and corrective-action thinking
On any given day, you may:
- Lead collaboration with stakeholders to understand, document, and manage system needs and requirements for Telemetry hardware
- Set direction with a cross-functional team to establish long-term vision and near-term priorities for the mechanical effort (scope, schedule, risks, and technical approach)
- Apply critical thinking to troubleshoot mechanical and electromechanical issues, driving solutions within programmatic constraints
- Perform hands-on work with Telemetry hardware through fabrication support, assembly support, and environmental testing
- Use CREO and PDMLink to design, model, and manage Telemetry product configuration
- Perform and analyze finite element analysis (FEA) for stress/strain, modal response, and thermal environments
- Coordinate with vendors and Sandia buyers to procure development parts, and help manage fabrication/test fixtures and build flow
- Work with MCAD and the product definition team to create, review, and authorize product drawings, ensuring alignment with requirements and manufacturing/inspection needs
The position requires an ability to travel up to 25% to support the mission.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite 100% of the time at the Livermore, CA facility.
Applicants on this requisition may be interviewed by multiple organizations at Sandia National Laboratories.