Cleared Senior/Principal Computer-Aided Design & Drafting Technologist - SolidWorks Design, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories

Albuquerque, USA

Job posting number: #7340733 (Ref:Sa697867)

Posted: May 19, 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:

We are seeking a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Drafting Technologist to join our team and apply your skills across a broad range of activities supporting specialized technical evaluations. Working closely with engineers and technologists, you will create mechanical designs using 3D solid modeling software, producing 3D models and assemblies, 2D drawings, layouts, and technical illustrations.

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

  • Collaborate closely with engineers and technologists to support specialized technical evaluations.
  • Create detailed 3D mechanical models and assemblies using SolidWorks or similar 3D solid modeling software.
  • Interpret 2D drawings and convert them into accurate 3D models.
  • Produce 2D drawings, layouts, and technical illustrations to support design and manufacturing processes.
  • Develop clear and precise technical illustrations for documentation and presentations.
  • Work effectively within a high-security environment, adhering to all applicable protocols.
  • Coordinate with a team consisting of CAD technicians and technologists to ensure design accuracy and project completion.

Periodic occasions to work non-standard hours and domestic travel may occur.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant will be required to work onsite.

Salary Range:

$74,700 - $144,400

*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:

  • Associate degree in Mechanical Drafting, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
  • Experience using computer-aided design (CAD) software and/or hands-on experience with fabrication, mechanical assembly/disassembly, and/or operation of machine-shop equipment (or related experience).
  • Active DOE Q-level security clearance or equivalent (e.g., DOD Top Secret). The position will require the ability to maintain an SCI clearance, which may require a polygraph test.

Qualifications We Desire:

  • Experience with (or willingness to learn) SolidWorks 3D CAD software
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
  • Experience with virtual reality technology and willing to work in our VR lab
  • Hands-on experience with fabrication, mechanical assembly/disassembly, and/or operation of machine-shop equipment (or related experience) and/or additive manufacturing
  • Experience related to nuclear weapon and/or delivery system development, or related technologies
  • Self-motivated team member who proactively completes tasks in a timely manner
  • Demonstrated initiative and track record of delivering results
  • Demonstrated ability to interact well with diverse teams and strong communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a diverse team, adapting to different working styles and perspectives
  • Genuine technical curiosity, and an interest and aptitude for learning more
  • Strong commitment to quality, safety, collaboration, and teamwork
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment with rapidly changing requirements
  • Experience with AI technologies and/or 3D scanning technologies is a plus.

About Our Team:

The primary mission of the Threat Assessments Group (5920) is to assess the threats posed to US national security interests by foreign advanced weapons and technological capabilities, with emphasis on nuclear weapons. Our analyses inform policymakers and senior officials across the US government responsible for understanding the threats and risks posed by these weapons and relevant technologies. The high impact program area is steadily growing and stewards key capabilities associated with all-source intelligence analysis, computational modeling, and engineering studies.

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:

Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive 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 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.

Essential Functions:

If offered the position, you may be required to demonstrate your fitness to perform certain physical aspects of the position, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

Job ID: 697867

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.


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Job posting number:#7340733 (Ref:Sa697867)
Application Deadline:Open Until Filled
Employer Location:Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque,New Mexico
United States
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