Group Lead, Systems and Software

Berkeley Lab; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 203,000 - 249,000; Full time

Job summary

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) seeks a Group Lead for the Software Engineering team within the Scientific Networking Division to drive the development of the world-class high-speed science network.

We expect an experienced leader with hands-on technical depth to guide architecture, design, deployment, and operations, while mentoring a diverse team and collaborating with DOE and partner labs to advance scientific discoveries.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of relevant experience including 3+ years in a managerial role of a software development organization.
• Proven supervision of technical teams, with performance management and resource planning.
• Significant hands-on experience with mission-critical services, high availability, and recovery.
• Experience leading design and implementation of large software projects using agile methods.
• Ability to translate data-driven analysis into executable plans and roadmaps.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills for diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing modern technologies including CI/CD, container orchestration, and cloud infrastructure.
• Ability to collaborate with national and international research networks and leadership teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering leadership across the full software lifecycle from architecture to deployment.
• Build and lead an effective software delivery function focused on robust, secure services.
• Own software portfolio planning, requirements, prioritization, and documentation.
• Establish development, testing, and CI/CD practices ensuring high-quality products.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a diverse technical team with growth plans.
• Partner with customers and stakeholders to define requirements and communicate tradeoffs.

Skills

Leadership

Software leadership

CI/CD

Container orchestration

Cloud infrastructure

Agile methodologies

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Advanced degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

CI/CD systems

Container orchestration

Public cloud

Private cloud

Job description

Are you an exceptional leader with a passion for developing software to build the next generation high-speed science network for cutting edge scientific advancements? If so, consider joining Berkeley Lab’s Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) – currently the fastest science network in the world! Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is seeking a Group Lead for the Software Engineering team in the Scientific Networking Division.

We’re a dynamic organization, highly-motivated and focused on results. Our mission is to accelerate science by delivering unparalleled networking capabilities, tools and innovations. As an organization, we are small enough to be agile, but large enough to offer rewarding challenges on a global scale. ESnet provides innovative networking and collaborative services to national research laboratories and other Department of Energy (DOE) sites, connecting them to research and education networks worldwide, as well as the greater Internet.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

You will:

• Provide engineering leadership across the full software lifecycle, from architecture and design through deployment and operations.
• Build and lead an effective software delivery function focused on robust, secure, and innovative services.
• Own software portfolio planning and execution, including requirements, prioritization, and technical documentation.
• Establish development, testing, and CI/CD practices that ensure high-quality products.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a talented, diverse technical team with clear roles and growth plans.
• Partner with customers and stakeholders to define requirements and communicate technical decisions, risks, and tradeoffs.
• Help shape software strategy as a member of the Division Leadership Team.
• Foster an inclusive, compliant, and high-performing environment aligned with DOE and Laboratory policies.
• As a member of the ESnet Leadership Team, the Group Lead will oversee the full life-cycle of software development, building systems to automate the provisioning, monitoring, and analysis of a global data network in support of worldwide scientific collaborations. They will serve as a key member of ESnet’s Leadership Team, owning the technical direction and operational excellence of software services that underpin ESnet’s core functions. This role is accountable for managing a team responsible for software architecture and lifecycle management, including standards definition, solution design, implementation, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will combine a strong technical background with superior analytical, process development, and leadership skills to manage projects, processes, and people effectively.

We are looking for:

• Typically requires an advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience including a minimum of three or more years of experience in a managerial (or lead) role of a software development organization or networking unit.
• Management and Leadership: Demonstrated experience supervising teams of technical professionals, including performance management, resource allocation, and budget planning.
• Technical Expertise: Significant hands-on technical experience for mission-critical services, including high availability, performance tuning, and operational recovery.
• Software Lifecycle: Proven ability to lead the design and implementation of medium to large software development projects using agile methods and practices.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to define a clear strategic vision grounded in data-driven analysis and translate it into executable implementation plans.
• Communication: Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to resolve technical and interpersonal conflicts with diplomacy and tact.
• Tools and Technologies: Experience managing modern technologies including CI/CD systems, container orchestration, and public/private cloud infrastructure.
• Outstanding communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work productively and collaboratively with technical and leadership members representing national and international research and education networks, technical experts, scientific customers, senior Berkeley Lab and Department of Energy management.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Demonstrated knowledge of network operations and network management systems.
• Familiarity with DOE Office of Science research programs and the Research and Education networking community.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by October 17, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $203,496 - $248,736, which fits into the full salary of $180,876 - $305,268 depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work may be performed on-site, hybrid, full-time telework. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.