DoDT Program - Advanced Laser Systems Section Manager - Active Clearance Required

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Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$262,410 - $332,772 Annually at the SEL.5 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  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.

We are seeking for a DoDT Program/Advanced Laser Systems Section Manager to lead and grow advanced laser system modeling, design, build, and test efforts within the Department of Defense Technologies (DoDT) program space. This role is responsible for business development, project planning with external sponsors, and oversight of project execution for high-impact laser system initiatives. You will collaborate across LLNL, NIF&PS PAD, and DoDT, leveraging institutional capabilities to build and execute successful projects. You will also influence institutional indirect Science & Technology (S&T) and capability investments while ensuring alignment with strategic goals. This position in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

In this role, you will

• Lead and facilitate highly complex, high-impact business development activities for laser system modeling, design, build, and test efforts within the DoDT program.
• Apply creativity and innovation to identify new opportunities and build sponsor relationships that impact major Laboratory programs and key sponsors.
• Establish and drive project vision and strategy with external sponsors, setting scope, schedule, and budget for future efforts in collaboration with stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with long-range organizational targets.
• Oversee project execution by ensuring technical objectives, milestones, and deliverables are met on time and within budget, with significant impact on Laboratory objectives and sponsor relationships.
• Provide direct leadership and direction for multi-disciplinary project teams, ensuring adherence to safety, security, and quality standards, and serving as a primary technical and managerial contact for large projects/programs.
• Exercises judgment and Influence in recommending institutional indirect S&T and capability investments, aligning resources and priorities with organizational strategy and long-range Laboratory direction.
• Partner and negotiate across LLNL, NIF&PS PAD, and DoDT to build successful projects by leveraging institutional capabilities, fostering effective partnerships, and influencing Laboratory and sponsor priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Active DOE Q clearance (or active Top Secret clearance) with ability to obtain Sensitive Compartmented Information access.
• Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and extensive related experience.
• Extensive experience in business development, project planning, and execution oversight for advanced laser system projects with significant impact on organizational objectives.
• Proven leadership and direction of large, multi-disciplinary project teams, with  demonstrated verbal and written communication, collaboration, budget and problem-solving skills necessary to influence and advise senior management and external sponsors.
• Extensive experience with advising and influencing strategic technical decisions for institutional investments.
• Demonstrated experience working across organizations to build successful, innovative projects and programs.
• Extensive experience with managing conflicting priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with significant autonomy and judgment.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally for programmatic and scientific meetings.

Qualifications We Desire

• Ph.D. in Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience and extensive experience and demonstrated ability to champion, lead, and develop innovative cutting-edge principles, theories and concepts.
• Experience with NIF&PS DoDT programs.
• Experience with Strategic Partnerships Projects.
• Experience collaborating between DoD, DoE, US Industry, Federally Funded Research and Development centers (FFRDCs), and/or University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs).
• Familiarity with laser technologies, scientific facility operations, and long-term strategic planning.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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