Sandia National Labs: High-Tech Careers in Albuquerque
Published: June 19, 2026 | By LocalJobPage Team
Albuquerque, NM — Some of the most advanced work in the country happens right here in the Duke City. Sandia National Laboratories, headquartered on Kirtland Air Force Base, is a powerhouse employer for engineers, scientists, and skilled technicians, and it is hiring across a long list of roles.
Hundreds of openings spanning engineering, research, IT, the trades, and the support staff that keeps a national lab running.
A national lab in your backyard
Sandia is one of the nation's premier research and engineering institutions, and its main campus sits on Kirtland in southeast Albuquerque. The lab consistently lists hundreds of Albuquerque openings, from early-career R&D engineers to computing and infrastructure roles. It is a cornerstone of the metro's economy and a magnet for technical talent.
The jobs and the pay
Average pay at Sandia in Albuquerque runs into the high five figures, with specialized and senior roles reaching well into six figures. Beyond engineering and science, the lab needs IT, facilities, skilled trades, administrative, and project-support staff. So while many roles are highly technical, the lab is not only for PhDs.
One thing to know: security clearances
Many Sandia positions require the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance, often a DOE Q-level clearance. That is a process, not a barrier, but it means U.S. citizenship and a clean background are typically part of the deal. If a role interests you, factor the clearance timeline into your plans.
What it means for job seekers
Explore the range of lab and technical roles:
- Sandia National Labs jobs in Albuquerque, NM
- Engineering jobs in Albuquerque, NM
- Technician jobs in Albuquerque, NM
- IT jobs in Albuquerque, NM
- Facilities and trades jobs in Albuquerque, NM
How to apply with an edge
For technical roles, lead with relevant projects, tools, and degrees or certifications. For trades and support, highlight reliability and hands-on experience. Everyone should be ready to discuss eligibility for a clearance. The lab also offers internships and early-career tracks, a smart entry point for recent grads.
Job seekers can set up free Albuquerque job alerts for technical and lab roles so you catch new postings early. Tech and engineering employers hiring across the metro can post jobs on LocalJobPage to reach the city's deep talent pool.
From the labs on Kirtland to the tech firms across the metro, Albuquerque runs on brain power, and Sandia is at the center of it. For the right candidate, it is one of the best careers in New Mexico.