Director, Global Security & Nonproliferation (Center 6800)

Sandia National Laboratories; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 236,000 - 401,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Flexible work arrangements

Generous vacation

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM, seeks a strategic leader to run the Center for Global Security & Cooperation (6800). You will steer nonproliferation and global security programs, collaborate with sponsors, and guide a diverse team toward innovative, secure solutions while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires broad international and domestic travel, a strong security background, and the ability to align multiple groups with Sandia's mission.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or above in science, engineering, mathematics, or a relevant technical field; 12+ years of experience or equivalent.
• 8+ years of managerial experience leading complex organizations and directing managers.
• DOE Q-level security clearance (or equivalent) with ability to obtain SCI clearance, which may require a polygraph.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Drive and align Sandia's global security and nonproliferation programs with Sandia's mission goals.
• Steward and advance the Center's capabilities, including staff, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain relationships with DOE/NNSA and international partners.
• Provide strategic vision and integration across the Center's groups and other Sandia programs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse management team and staff.
• Ensure safe, secure program execution, including budget and staffing.
• Promote safety and security compliance across activities.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Strategic planning

Travel readiness

Education

Master's degree or above in science/engineering

Job description

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World‑changing technologies. Life‑changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like

Are you passionate about advancing global security through innovative nonproliferation and global threat reduction efforts? The Center for Global Security & Cooperation (CGSC) (6800) at Sandia National Laboratories is dedicated to anticipating and characterizing the global security environment, developing innovative system‑based solutions, and building partnerships that strengthen the nonproliferation regime while reducing global risks. A current emphasis is supporting security and safeguards regimes for civilian radiological materials as the nation embraces nuclear power applications.

The CGSC includes diverse teams focused on nuclear security, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security, and border and regional security. The 6800 Director is responsible for leading and aligning the Center's complex technical and programmatic activities, managing relationships with key sponsors and partners across national and international security enterprises, and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and safety.

• Drive and align Sandia's global security and nonproliferation programs with Sandia's overall mission goals.
• Steward and advance the Center's capabilities - including staff expertise, facilities, and infrastructure - to support Sandia's national security missions.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with DOE/NNSA, Department of War, Department of State, international partners, and other federal and industry stakeholders.
• Provide strategic vision and integration across the Center's groups and coordinate with other Sandia programs and national laboratories.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse management team and staff.
• Assure safe, secure, and effective program execution, including budget, staffing, and deliverables.
• Promote a culture of safety and security and ensure all activities comply with ES&H and security requirements.

Salary Range

$235,800 - $400,900

*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Qualifications We Require

• Master's degree or above in science, engineering, mathematics, or a relevant technical field, with at least 12 years of relevant experience; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8 or more years of managerial experience, including leading complex organizations and directing managers.
• Experience developing and leading large R&D or security programs.
• Experience working with laboratory personnel to maintain a safe, secure, and effective work environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Active DOE Q-level security clearance (or equivalent DOW Top Secret) with the ability to obtain SCI clearance, which may require a polygraph.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in science, engineering, or related STEM field.
• Experience with nuclear security, nonproliferation, CBRN security, or related national security programs.
• Experience working at a high level within the federal government, particularly DOE/NNSA, DOW, IAEA or related agencies.
• Broad understanding of Sandia's missions and the National Security Enterprise.
• Proven ability to build collaborations internally and externally, including with other national labs, universities, industry, and international organizations.
• Demonstrated success in leading large, geographically distributed teams and programs.
• History of successful external program development, strategic communications, and leadership.
• Senior leadership‑level strategy development experience.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, mediate disputes, and apply leadership best practices.
• Experience applying innovative approaches to complex technical challenges.

About Our Team

The 6800 Center is organized into three primary groups, each encompassing multiple departments focused on critical aspects of global security:

• 6810 | Nuclear Security and Nonproliferation; this group integrates the missions of:
  • Nuclear Security Engineering (6812)
  • Global Security Analysis & Simulation (6815)
  • Global Security Training, Testing & Evaluation (6816)
  • International Safeguards & Engagements (6817)
  • Nuclear Verification (6818)​Together, they provide technical expertise, modeling and simulation, safeguards research, and verification technologies to enhance nuclear security and nonproliferation worldwide.
• 6820 | Global CBRN Security:
  • International Nuclear/Radiological Security (6821)
  • Global Systems Analysis, Research, Capacity Building, & Response (6822)
  • Global Chemical & Biological Security (6824)​This group develops and implements innovative solutions to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats globally through protection, capacity building, and risk reduction.
• 6830 | Border & Regional Security:
  • Strategic Trade Controls (6833)
  • Emerging Tech & Analysis (6834)
  • Secure Commerce & Border Systems (6837)​They develop technical solutions and partnerships to assist countries in meeting international nuclear obligations, counter illicit trafficking, and strengthen global security through research, development, training, and analysis.

Our team is committed to technical excellence, innovation, and strong partnerships across the national security enterprise. We foster a "one-team" approach integrating technical and project management to meet critical milestones and deliverables.

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance

Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre‑employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug‑releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on‑site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.