Fusion Program Manager

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

On-site facilities

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Fusion Program Manager to lead and direct research program management for the nuclear fusion portfolio. You will develop strategy, establish governance processes, and drive program execution to position ORNL as a national leader in fusion energy development.

You will partner with scientists, engineers, and DOE sponsors to define objectives, coordinate proposals, and manage stakeholder expectations across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field with 12+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience at a scientific organization, national laboratory, or research institution preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively across the lab.

Responsibilities

• Lead research program management for ORNL's nuclear fusion portfolio and set strategy.
• Engage with senior leadership to establish fusion objectives and priorities.
• Coordinate with sponsors to describe program capabilities, initiatives, and needs.
• Serve as primary point of contact for industry/external partner engagement and project development.
• Oversee proposal preparation, renewals, and submission processes for programs.
• Foster cross-functional partnerships and governance across the lifecycle of projects.

Skills

Project management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field

Job description

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the U.S. Department of Energy’s largest multi-program science and energy research facility. As a world-class innovation hub, ORNL conducts cutting-edge research in energy production, advanced materials, national security, environmental science, and computing. The laboratory is home to some of the most powerful supercomputers and state-of-the-art facilities in the world, enabling groundbreaking discoveries that address the nation’s most pressing scientific and technological challenges.

At ORNL, employees work alongside leading scientists, engineers, and industry partners in a collaborative environment that values curiosity, innovation, and impact. The laboratory is committed to advancing scientific knowledge, driving technological innovation, and delivering transformative solutions that improve quality of life and strengthen national security.

By joining ORNL, you can become part of a mission-driven organization that empowers its workforce to shape the future through science, engineering, and technology.

The Fusion Program Manager creates and directs research program management for the ORNL nuclear fusion portfolio. Develops strategy and establishes processes to ensure effective project execution and governance. Responsible for advancing ORNL’s aspirations to be a national leader and key resource in US plans for accelerating fusion energy development. These aspirations are founded on world-class technical capabilities in plasma physics, fusion materials, and fusion technology combined with project excellence through the US ITER Project Office and Materials Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX) efforts.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Partner with scientists and engineers across ORNL and other DOE laboratories to demonstrate advancements in Fusion in science and engineering applications.
• Engage with laboratory senior leadership to develop strategic objectives and priorities for Fusion research.
• Interact regular.ly with sponsor to describe ORNL program capabilities, activities, highlighs, and relevant initiatives including laboratory directed resesearch and development (LDRD); to understand their needs, concerns, and directions; and to improve alignment between ORNL and sponsor.
• Serve as primary point of contact for industry / external partner engagement and strategic project development
• Coordinate proposal preparation and submission proces for renewals and new projects in program and organize high-quality submissions.
• Consolidate information and analyzes organization to identify areas for improvement.
• Stimulate opportunities and new lab initiatives consistent with program strategy.
• Approve project plans and ensures governance throughout the research lifecycle.
• Collaborate with multiple departments and counsels staff to foster cross-functional partnerships.
• Communicate direction to stakeholders and facilitates risk assessments.
• Communicate strategy as well as current and upcoming program opportunities to relevant line managers and staff.
• Deliver progress updates and follows up on key initiatives.
• Contribute to the recruitment, succession, and retention of key staff critical for the program. development of workforce.
• Support coordination of partnerships and proposal coordination.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field of study and 12+ years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previousexperience at a scientific organization, nationallaboratoryor other research institution.
• Project management experience, particularly in terms of defining deliverables, managing conflicting schedules and requirements, and setting and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [e-mail].

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.