Senior Nuclear Project Manager

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

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.

We are seeking a Senior Nuclear Project Manager to oversee and deliver a portfolio of complex nuclear infrastructure and capital projects, with annual project volumes exceeding $200M. As the main point of contact for nuclear facility projects, you will ensure safe, compliant, and successful project execution while managing all phases from planning through completion. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in nuclear project management (DOE or commercial nuclear), exceptional organizational and communication skills, and a passion for advancing nuclear technology and safety.

The Project Management Office (PMO) provides LLNL with engineering, design, estimating, construction, and project management services. PMO provides infrastructure services to enable cutting-edge research and development in the areas of defense technologies, global security, laser science, bioscience, and more. PMO offers cradle to grave infrastructure services to achieve reliable delivery of completed projects with priority on safety, collaboration, and a workforce working toward our shared vision.

Pay Range

$178,770 - $271,980 Annually

$178,770 - $226,668 Annually (TSS.4)

$214,470- $271,980 Annually (TSS.5)

This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith 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.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

You will

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned nuclear facility projects, representing the organization to clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Lead and direct all aspects of project management: scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, and resource management for assigned nuclear projects.
• Ensure strict compliance with DOE Orders, NRC regulations, industry codes, and internal safety and quality policies.
• Develop, maintain, and manage detailed project management plans, budgets/estimates, earned value management parameters, project authorization requests, change control actions, and project documentation suitable for audit review.
• Oversee project delivery from concept through completion, including design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout.
• Utilize independent judgement to Identify, assess, and manage project risks. Implement mitigation strategies and ensuring project delivery within schedule and cost objectives.
• Prepare and deliver project proposals, presentations, and status reports to a broad audience of customers, stakeholders, and senior leaders.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, outside consultants, vendors, contractors, and clients to resolve complex technical and performance issues.
• Mentor and guide less experienced project managers, sharing technical expertise and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for project delivery and reporting efficiency.
• Stay current on nuclear industry trends, technical developments, and regulatory changes.

Additional job responsibilities at the TSS.5 Level

• Oversee a portfolio of highly complex and/or sensitive nuclear projects, often with significant ambiguity and requiring innovative solutions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and technical leader, providing strategic guidance on nuclear project management best practices and regulatory compliance.
• Guide and direct multi-disciplinary teams and project managers, often across organizational boundaries, to achieve long-range project and organizational objectives.
• Lead the development and implementation of new project management methodologies, tools, and processes for nuclear projects.
• Champion critical projects that affect the organization’s long-term goals and objectives; influence strategic decisions made by senior management and external stakeholders.
• Represent the organization as a spokesperson on specialized nuclear projects or programs, including engagement with senior management, policy makers, and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor and develop project managers and technical staff across the organization, including other mentors; contribute to talent identification and recruitment.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and significant related nuclear experience.
• Minimum 10 years of direct project management experience in the nuclear industry (DOE or commercial nuclear power), including oversight of medium to large-scale projects in highly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in DOE nuclear project management and/or NRC-regulated commercial nuclear project delivery.
• Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification.
• Extensive knowledge of nuclear industry regulations (DOE Orders, NRC, ASME, etc.), construction contracts, industry codes, and standards.
• Proven ability to interpret construction drawings, manage technical reviews, and oversee large project budgets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (including MS Project and SharePoint); experience with Primavera P6, Deltek Acumen Fuse, Active Risk Manager (ARM), and Cobra preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a record of innovative solutions in complex nuclear project environments.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills; ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, customer service, and timely project delivery.

In Addition, at the TSS.5  Level

• Demonstrated subject matter expert knowledge and experience leading highly complex or high-impact nuclear projects or programs.
• Extensive knowledge of the ASME NQA-1 standard and its application to suppliers of nuclear grade materials and services.
• Extensive experience guiding and mentoring project managers and technical teams, including across organizational boundaries.
• Proven ability to develop and implement innovative solutions, methodologies, and best practices in nuclear project management.
• Recognized expertise in nuclear project management, with a record of influencing organizational strategy and contributing to the advancement of the field.
• Subject matter expert knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in nuclear facility design, construction, commissioning, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience representing the organization to senior management, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders on matters of strategic importance.

Qualifications we desire

• California Professional Engineering Registration or equivalent.
• Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Certification.
• Experience with ALARA planning and nuclear safety principles.
• Experience in managing projects meeting the requirements of DOE Order 413.3B.
• Experience with facility demolition, site remediation, and project execution in radiological or hazardous category areas.
• Experience mentoring and developing project managers in a nuclear environment.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear facility design, construction, and commissioning.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2021 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

LLNL demonstrates its commitment to public safety by requiring that all new Laboratory employees be immunized against COVID-19 unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to all new hires including those who will be working on site, as well as those who will be teleworking.

Security Clearance

LLNL is a Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Laboratory.  Some positions will require a DOE L or Q clearance (please reference Security Clearance requirement above).  If you are selected and a clearance is required, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  An L or Q clearance requires U.S. citizenship.  For additional information please see DOE Order 472.2.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that values and hires a diverse workforce. 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.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request via our online form. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

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. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.