Continuous Improvement Science/Engineering Project Leader (Project Leader 2/3)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 106,400 - 215,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (PPO/HDO)

Dental and vision

Life and disability insurance

Parental leave

401(k)

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an Issues Management / CAPA Project Leader to drive corrective actions and continuous improvement within the Detonator Production Division. You will manage CAPA programs, lead root cause analyses, and coordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure compliant, timely resolutions.

The role requires strong project management and manufacturing process knowledge, with opportunities to advance to higher level responsibilities and develop metrics, procedures, and

Qualifications

• Project management in technical/operational contexts.
• Experience with CAPA programs in manufacturing.
• Lean/Six Sigma or equivalent continuous improvement exposure.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead fact findings, learning teams and root cause analyses.
• Manage opening/closeout of issues and actions in iLink; drive CAPA execution.
• Develop and monitor CAPA metrics; draft procedures and training.
• Coordinate effectiveness evaluations, audits and lessons learned.

Skills

Project management

Manufacturing background

CAPA program

Continuous improvement

Leading teams

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in science/engineering

5 years related experience

8 years related experience

Job description

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Science/Engineering Project Leader 2 level or Science/Engineering Project Leader 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Detonator Production Division is the premier Production Agency responsible for manufacturing War Reserve detonators in support of the Nation's nuclear stockpile. As part of LANL's Weapons Production Directorate, DP executes high-rigor manufacturing operations to produce precision, safe, and reliable WR products.

DP partners closely with the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Design Agencies (LANL, Sandia National Laboratories, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory), and internal program offices to deliver on critical national security objectives. The Division is committed to operational excellence, technical rigor, safety and security, continuous improvement, and a respectful workplace culture.

Detonator Production is looking for an Issues Management / Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) project leader. The science/engineering project leader will ensure that compliance and business needs are fully met. The incumbent will partner with key stakeholders and work cross‑organizationally on continuous improvement activities to drive effective, compliant, and sustainable solutions. Core to these activities will be the ability to understand engineering processes, effectively manage projects and foster effective interdepartmental and cross‑functional partnerships.

Science/Engineering Project Leader 2 ($106,400-$176,000)

Essential duties and responsibilities include leading fact findings, learning teams and root cause analyses; managing the opening and closeout of issues and actions in iLink; facilitating corrective and preventive actions implementation; coordinating extent of condition and effectiveness evaluations; coordinating assessments and audits; and sharing lessons learned. The IM/CAPA Project Leader will drive execution of CAPA by leading the DP Management Review Board. Other duties include developing and monitoring CAPA related metrics; drafting procedures and guides; and developing and implementing CAPA related training for the division.

Science/Engineering Project Leader 3 ($128,000-$215,900)

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the IM/CAPA Project Leader serves as the division's subject matter expert for corrective and preventive action (CAPA) management, providing advanced project leadership, strategic planning, and oversight of complex CAPA initiatives. Responsibilities include developing and managing project plans, schedules, and performance metrics; ensuring compliance with Laboratory and regulatory requirements; leading cross‑functional teams; fostering effective relationships with internal stakeholders; and driving continuous improvement through effective communication, consensus building, and conflict resolution. The Science/Engineering Project Leader 3 provides expert guidance on CAPA processes, assessments, and management review activities to support organizational performance and operational excellence.

This position will reside in the DP Manufacturing Office and report to the Manufacturing Office lead.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Project Management: Working knowledge of and 5 years of experience in project management of technical or operational work, including the development of project plans, communication plans; managing performance metrics and technical baselines; identifying and managing risks; and documenting project performance and change control.
• Manufacturing Background: A working knowledge of standard manufacturing processes and practices. Demonstrated experience working in a manufacturing environment and knowledge of production process workflows.
• CAPA Program: Working knowledge of and experience with developing and maintaining a CAPA program in a manufacturing environment. Experience leading fact findings, learning teams, and causal analyses. Ability to develop program metrics with a solid understanding of NNSA quality requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated experience with continuous improvement efforts, such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other methodologies.
• Leading Teams: Demonstrated record of successfully supporting or leading cross‑organizational teams to ensure products and/or services are delivered within budget and on schedule.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills demonstrated by relationships built, briefings, and presentations. Demonstrated experience in developing and nurturing effective working relationships with personnel at all levels.

Additional Job Requirements for Science/Engineering Project Leader 3:

• Advanced knowledge of and 8 years demonstrated experience in project management.
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes and practices.
• Advanced knowledge of CAPA program concepts.
• Active DOE Q Clearance.

Education/Experience for Science/Engineering Project Leader 2: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field from an accredited institution and 5 years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience for Science/Engineering Project Leader 3: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field from an accredited institution and 8 years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Issues Management: Experience tracking issues and related actions in iLink or similar software.
• Nature of Work: Demonstrated experience interacting with DOE/NNSA and National Security Enterprise sites and complexes. Working knowledge of National Nuclear Security Administration Policy 401.1A, Weapon Quality Policy, and LANL's implementing documents.
• Certification: A Project Management Institute certification is preferred for level 3.

Note to Applicants: Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China—including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau—as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

For full consideration, submit a comprehensive resume reflective of your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired skills stated above.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q – Position will be cleared to this level. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance and obtaining such clearance requires U.S. Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New‑Employment Drug Test – The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new‑employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Regular position – Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular‑status positions are converted to regular status.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.