Job Description

We have multiple openings for Group Leaders to lead teams in the field of advanced materials engineering. These groups support national security missions and LLNL R&D activities. You will lead complex, fast-paced R&D efforts, translating mission needs into executable strategies, guiding technical direction, and ensuring delivery across sites within the NNSA complex. You will work with senior scientists, engineers, and project leaders to align priorities, enable execution, and sustain high-performing teams operating in an agile, multidisciplinary environment. As part of a capability-driven organization, you will shape and grow engineering capabilities for future missions by anticipating emerging challenges, cultivating technical and leadership depth, and positioning the organization to respond to evolving national security priorities. These positions report to the Associate Division Leaders in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering Directorate.

These positions require significant on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

  • Provide advanced technical direction and leadership to a team of scientists, engineers, and postdoctoral researchers. This includes setting technical expectations, priorities, and standards for the execution of R&D projects and capability development, as well as implementing policy, allocating resources, recruiting and hiring, and serving as the primary contact between the team and MED management.
  • Lead performance management and salary management activities, and promote career development, mentoring, and technical guidance for group members.
  • Oversee the delivery of complex engineering projects and programs, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with mission objectives, cost, and schedule.
  • Engage with senior management, sponsors, and partners to shape future program direction and investments, and influence key decisions.
  • Lead and shape the development, implementation, and execution of strategic plans and long-term goals for the group, working in collaboration with senior MED leadership and programmatic management to ensure consistency with Directorate and Laboratory strategy.
  • Anticipate emerging technical and programmatic opportunities, positioning the group to support new initiatives, capability sustainment and advancement, and response to evolving priorities.
  • Champion, develop, and apply disciplined engineering, quality management, and project management best practices in support of the group’s programs, projects, and customers.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance, or an active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency, at the time of hire.
  • Master’s degree in materials science, materials engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
  • Extensive record of refereed publications in materials science, with external recognition of technical expertise in the field.
  • Expert knowledge in one or more of the following areas: advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, in-depth understanding of material property-structure relationships, or materials for fusion applications.
  • Extensive experience leading technical teams in R&D environments, and leading the delivery or operation of large-scale, complex systems, facilities, or programs in multi-organizational environments.
  • Demonstrated success in developing technical leaders and building organizational capability aligned with evolving mission needs.
  • Expert leadership, communication, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present, explain, align teams, influence outcomes, represent the organization, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

  • PhD in materials science and engineering, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Experience as an Engineering Group Leader, broad experience across a variety of Laboratory programs, and expertise in managing projects and programs.
  • Experience designing, commissioning, operating, maintaining, or upgrading experimental systems for materials R&D.
  • Experience collaborating with materials modelers.
  • Experience working within DOE/NNSA or similarly complex, regulated environments.

Pay Range

$272,970 - $346,140 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

Security Clearance

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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