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

The Advanced Special Communications Systems Organization (5373) is seeking a motivated radio frequency (RF) signal processing analyst to join their team. This position focuses on design, analysis, and modeling of specialized RF communication waveforms, protocols, and systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform analysis, high-level systems design, trade-off studies, and requirements definition for radar, communications and geolocation systems
• Develop mathematical models, perform simulations, and develop signal-processing techniques for radio frequency (RF) systems, including radar, communications, waveforms, and geolocation systems
• Analyze RF systems to predict full-system, subsystem, and component performance
• Define experiments to refine existing RF systems and demonstrate new concepts
• Analyze experimental data to characterize, validate, and enhance system performance

The ideal candidate will possess outstanding analytical skills, including demonstrated strengths in applied mathematics, signal processing, mathematical modeling of systems, software simulation, and written and oral communications. Training or experience in subjects of linear systems and stochastic processes is highly desirable. Experience with or interest in design and implementation of electronics hardware will be viewed favorably. Experience with radar and communications systems development is desired; keen interest in these subject areas is required. The candidate must have good interpersonal skills and be able to work either independently or as an effective member of a team.
Our special communication systems range from highly optimized, ultra-low DC power, size-constrained RF receiver/transmitter designs to high-performance software defined radios implementing groundbreaking signal processing. These systems are deployed in battery-powered field sensors, small satellite payloads, satellite ground stations, manned and unmanned aircraft (UAV/UAS), and handheld (dismount) applications. Projects range from fast-paced, quick-reaction requests in response to real-world needs to longer-term, life-critical efforts with rigorous development and quality requirements. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary, success-oriented high-performance team. Occasional travel is required.

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

• Contribute to conceptualization, requirements development, modeling and simulation, and analysis of RF systems
• Analyze recorded signals to verify compliance with waveform design and signal quality requirements
• Aid hardware development teams in troubleshooting

Design and analyze waveforms for:

• Detectability by both cooperative and non-cooperative receivers
• Suitability for geolocation
• Resilience in operational environments

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Relocation will be provided for those that qualify.

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 acquire and maintain a DOE Q clearance and SCI clearance, which may require a polygraph.

QUALIFICATIONS WE DESIRE

The ideal R&D Microwave & Sensor Engineer candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Laboratory skills and knowledge of RF and digital test equipment.
• Knowledge of RF, Digital Communications, Electronic Warfare, and Cyber Security systems and principles.
• Ability to work successfully in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, teaming environment.
• Active DOE Q or DOD TS security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain an SCI.

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

• Experience with high consequence electronics applications (ex. Space, weapons, and/or other high-security applications)
• Experience with RF/microwave/EM applications
• Experience with analysis and modeling software: MATLAB, Python, GNU Radio, and/or equivalent is desirable
• Experience with Digital Communications, radar, and/or EW systems and principles
• Good communication and documentation skills
• Good presentation skills with interest and ability to interact with internal and external customers
• Be motivated by working with a highly successful, dynamic project team delivering systems that impact our National Security
• You must have an active US DOE Q security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a SCI clearance, which may require a polygraph test.

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

• Perform analysis, high-level systems design, trade-off studies, and requirements definition for radar, communications and geolocation systems
• Develop mathematical models, perform simulations, and develop signal-processing techniques for radio frequency (RF) systems, including radar, communications, waveforms, and geolocation systems
• Analyze RF systems to predict full-system, subsystem, and component performance
• Define experiments to refine existing RF systems and demonstrate new concepts
• Analyze experimental data to characterize, validate, and enhance system performanc