Deputy Laboratories Director – Nuclear Deterrence & Science and Chief Technology Officer
As the Deputy Laboratories Director for Nuclear Deterrence & Science and Chief Technology Officer, Rita Gonzales is responsible for Sandia’s nuclear deterrence (ND) mission, which ensures the credibility and modernization of the existing U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile and its future systems, a cornerstone of our nation’s national defense. For this mission and other dynamic national security work, Rita is responsible for driving the successful design, engineering, enterprise-wide systems integration, and science foundation at Sandia. She leads key capability investments and talented, dedicated staff to ensure the nation and our allies are prepared to deter rapidly evolving global threats.
Previously, as Associate Labs Director for ND Modernization & Stockpile Systems and Chief Engineer for Nuclear Weapons, Rita managed the execution of multiple modernization programs and stockpile surveillance, serving as the primary leadership interface across the National Security Enterprise (NSE). She was instrumental in addressing stockpile issues affecting safety, surety, reliability, and partner production while advancing the development of new technologies for future needs.
During her decades at Sandia, Rita has served in several additional leadership roles, including director of advanced systems and transformation, director of radio frequency and electronic systems, and deputy director of the threat intelligence center. She also served in the microsystems center where her responsibilities spanned designing application-specific integrated circuits to leading the organization at a senior level. Through all these roles, Rita has positively impacted a multitude of national security programs, strengthened staff diversity and development, and built strong partnerships inside and outside the NSE.
Professionally trained as an electrical engineer, Rita earned a master’s at Stanford University and a bachelor’s from New Mexico State University.
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