R&D S&E, Process Engineer (Experienced) - Onsite

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We are seeking an experienced R&D Process Engineer to lead and own manufacturing processes at Sandia’s explosive components facilities. Your primary role will consist of developing, improving, and monitoring manufacturing processes for Mark Quality (MQ) explosive components with an initial emphasis on thin films and glass-to-metal sealing processes. You will coordinate with Design Agency and Production Agency engineers to apply engineering concepts and best practices to the design, development, analysis, and testing of processes and equipment that meet design requirements on schedule and budget in support of directive schedule.

Processes include, but are not limited to cleaning, laser welding, resistance welding, leak testing, powder pressing, encapsulation, soldering, glass-to-metal sealing, thin film deposition, mechanical/electrical measurements, and visual inspections.

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

• Plan, conceive, conduct, and manage process development for energetic components in a manufacturing environment.
• Direct systematic studies to characterize processes with the intent of determining the ideal process equipment, tools, and parameters that will meet design requirements with high yield and high quality.
• Manage and maintain production equipment and operational technology ensuring continuous, predictable operation.
• Analyze the performance of manufacturing processes using key performance indicators such as yield, variance, and tact time.
• Use manufacturing process results and data to provide objective Design for Manufacturability advice to engineers from both the Design and Production Agencies.
• Create new understanding and capabilities by using the scientific method: hypothesis, test, and evaluation techniques; critical review; or similar engineering research and development methods.
• Use engineering principles to research, design, or develop tooling, instruments, machines, experiments, processes, systems, theories, and technologies.
• Lead and support formal problem-solving efforts as needed to address production anomalies and to maintain high-rigor, high-quality processes.
• Develop and maintain work instructions and operating procedures.
• Lead or participate in new process and equipment development and qualification.
• Assist with the planning and execution of the operational startup of a new facility.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Salary Range:

$104,100 - $207,100

*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:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or other STEM-related field plus five (5) years of relevant experience
• Active DOE-issued ‘Q’ clearance or DOD equivalent

Qualifications We Desire:

• Master’s degree in a related STEM field
• Experience in a high-quality production environment applying rigorous processes
• Experience with installation, qualification, and maintenance of manufacturing process equipment
• Experience with methods such as resistance welding, laser welding, leak checking, soldering, visual inspection, powder pressing, vacuum systems, and metrology
• Experience with glass-to-metal sealing in a furnace
• Experience with machining metals, glass, and ceramics
• Experience with metallographic sample preparation processes such as mounting, sectioning, grinding, and polishing
• Experience with electroplating processes
• Experience developing, maintaining, and improving manufacturing processes including developing fixtures and tooling
• Experience with lean manufacturing principals and statistical process control
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and apply the analysis to decision making
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience with hazardous operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in interfacing with and participating in Product Realization Teams
• Experience working in a flexible, diverse, team environment
• Background in, or experience with, explosive technologies and engineering applications
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple tasks and projects