Senior/Principal Software Engineer/Computer Scientist - W87-1 System Development Tester, Onsite
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque, USA
Job posting number: #7323190 (Ref:Sa696695)
Posted: January 27, 2026
Job Description
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:
Envisioning Your Future as a Sandian
Join our dynamic W87-1 System Tester Realization team (SE3686) as an R&D Computer Scientist - Software Engineer. We are seeking an innovative and highly capable programmer who is eager to learn and develop their programming skills.
In this pivotal role, you will contribute to the design, development, and delivery of cutting-edge automated testers that are essential for system-level functional electrical and environmental testing in the W87-1 weapon modernization program. You will work alongside a dedicated team on a high-profile project that plays a crucial role in Sandia¿s mission to ensure national security through Nuclear Deterrence.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Collaborate and Innovate: Work closely with a talented team of 3-4 programmers to design, develop, and rigorously test software solutions that make a real impact
- Code with Purpose: Write and maintain clear, efficient, and well-documented code that adheres to best practices, ensuring the highest quality in our software products.
- Bridge the Gap: Maintain and enhance existing software in LabVIEW while leading the charge in developing future tester software architectures using modern text-based languages, primarily Python.
- Engage in Growth: Participate in code reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
- Solve Complex Problems: Troubleshoot and debug software issues, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in our testing solutions.
- Innovate Testing Solutions: Contribute to the development of testing frameworks and automated test solutions.
- Stay Ahead of the Curve: Stay current with industry trends and best practices in software development and testing, integrating new knowledge into your work.
- Lead the Transition: Drive the evolution from graphical to modern text-based software architectures, leveraging the latest AI toolsets to enhance our capabilities.
At Sandia, you will not only be part of a team that values innovation and collaboration but also have the opportunity to make a significant impact on national security. We offer a supportive environment that encourages professional growth, continuous learning, and the chance to work on projects that matter. If you are ready to take your programming skills to the next level and contribute to a mission-driven organization, we want to hear from you!
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 and maintain a DOE Q clearance and ability to obtain and maintain a Sigma 15 caveat.
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:
- Active DOE Q clearance
- Proficient in programming with Python.
- Experience in designing and implementing object-oriented programming.
- Experience with version control systems, specifically GitLab and Teamforge.
- Basic experience with LabVIEW and other NI interfaces (e.g., NI MAX).
- Proficiency in programming and using oscilloscopes, DMMs, digitizers, timing devices, FPGAs, logic/network/spectrum analyzers, function/pulse generators, etc.
- Experience troubleshooting communication interfaces (e.g., LAN, USB, SPI).
- Hands-on experience in testing and debugging circuitry.
- Experience with automated testers within the nuclear security complex.
Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset for effective teamwork.
About Our Team:
The Systems Electrical Test Department (2332) focuses on functional electrical testing and the development of system-level testers to support major ND modernization efforts. Our department is responsible for all functional electrical system-level testing on the W80-4, W80-5, W93, and W87-1 programs. We maintain and operate multiple laboratories across SNL and interact extensively with the design, environmental testing, and qualification teams of major ND modernization programs.
Posting Duration:
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) 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, 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.
EEO:
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.
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.
Job ID: 696695
Job Family: RD
Regular/Temporary Position: R
Full/Part-Time Status: F
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.


