Prepare to Start
What you need to know
Congratulations on receiving your First Day Reporting Instructions. This means you’ve satisfied your job offer contingencies. To prepare for your first day at Sandia, please review New Employee Orientation and follow these steps.
Important Note
You must provide original documentation proving employment eligibility and U.S. citizenship (or equivalent) within three days of sign-in to avoid potential termination.
Required Documents
The documents needed for the I-9, DBIDS, and Sandia badge may vary. Review the respective guidance to ensure you bring the appropriate documents.
Agenda
Onboarding procedures vary based on your location and employment type. Visit the site-specific NEO agenda for orientation details:
Welcome Folder Materials
Review briefings prior to your first day
- Read the Visitor Environment, Safety, & Health Briefing.
- Read the Initial Security Briefing (SEC050).
Complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9
Form I-9 verifies the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired in the U.S. Both U.S. citizens and non-citizens must complete this form.
Form I-9: Form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification Form, can be downloaded from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website or here. Complete Section 1, print the form, and a Sandia HR Solutions representative will verify your information upon your arrival.
Acceptable Documentation: You must present current, non-expired documents on your first day to prove employment eligibility.
Refer to the Form I-9 Acceptable Documents USCIS page for specific information.
Onboarding Remotely: For remote onboarding without an in person HR sign-in, submit your completed Form I-9 Section 1 and acceptable documents electronically. Use the Form I-9 Section 1 Guide for assistance. HR Solutions or your California HR representative will schedule a video call to review your documents and complete Section 2.
Onboarding at a Sandia Site: If onboarding at a Sandia remote site (e.g., Carlsbad Programs Groups, WETL, TTR, NNSS), a site representative will assist you with Form I-9 completion and submission. Ensure you have the required documents from the Lists of Acceptable Documents for employment verification.
Gather documents for a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) Pass (NM only)
If reporting to Albuquerque, NM and needing access to Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB), bring your valid driver’s license or state-issued ID card, current vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle insurance.
You will typically obtain your DBIDS pass before New Employee Orientation (NEO). Confirm with your manager if you need a DBIDS pass and when you can pick it up. If picking up before your start date or obtaining a short-term pass, go to the location where the form was submitted (IPOC or Truman Gate Pass Office). Your manager or delegate may also meet you at the DBIDS Office to sponsor you for a short-term pass. Long-term passes can be picked up at any location.
Retrieve your DBIDS pass at the IPOC DBIDS Office (1st Floor, Room 1248)or the KAFB Truman Gate Pass Office. The IPOC Office operates M-F from 7:30 am – 2:30 pm, and the Truman Gate until 3 pm.
Note: The DBIDS pass provides access to Kirtland Airforce Base, while your Sandia badge grants access to Sandia property. Access to the IPOC building requires your Sandia badge.
See Maps & Directions.
Prepare to obtain your badge
Your badge grants access to Sandia sites. This step is not applicable if you are working virtually.
Required Documentation
- U.S. Citizens: Provide documentation proving U.S. citizenship (see Proof of U.S. Citizenship Requirements).
- Non-U.S. Citizens: Present original lawful status documents at the Badge Office, including your passport and current immigration documents (visa, I-94 card, I-797 notice of approval, I-20, etc.). For questions, contact Brian Albarado at 505-382-0902 or bpalbar@sandia.gov.
- Important ID Compliance:
Ensure your state-issued driver’s license or ID complies with the REAL ID Act. The Badge Office will not accept:- IDs marked “Not for federal purposes” or “Federal limits apply”
- Temporary IDs
- Digital IDs
- IDs marked “Void”
- Photocopies of IDs
Important
If your ID is non-compliant, bring an alternative ID accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Failure to present the required documentation will result in denied access until proper documents are provided. For more details, refer to the DHS-REAL ID State Map for compliance information.
Receiving Your Badge
To obtain your badge, report to the designated building and visit the badge office. Your specific location will be provided after you complete the form on the Report to Work page. See Maps & Directions for reporting building locations.
Note for Sandia Livermore: The Visitor Badge Office is not accessible by public transport; arrange for a taxi or alternative transportation. If biking, download a map of walking/bike paths.
Request an accommodation (if applicable)
Sandia is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and offers reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. For assistance or accommodations, email the Job Accommodation Specialist at trsanch@sandia.gov. Requests are evaluated individually.
Controlled & Prohibited Articles
Review the list of controlled items and prohibited articles prior to reporting to work.
Learn about Sandia’s dress code
Sandia National Laboratories does not have a formal dress code, however, per the Employee Handbook, employees are expected to wear appropriate clothing for the work environment. If unsure, consult your manager or mentor (for student interns). Business casual is generally suitable for your first day.
Job assignments and work sites may influence appropriate attire, and some locations are subject to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.
