J-4 Group Leader (R&D Manager 4)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Tuition assistance

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC seeks an R&D Manager 4 to lead the DARHT J-4 group, directing research, engineering, and experiments to advance national security objectives. You will report to the J Division Leader and shape cross-disciplinary teams across physics, engineering, and imaging disciplines.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, mentorship, and strategic planning to meet mission goals, with a focus on innovative capabilities and workforce development.

Qualifications

• Professional level background in applied physics, electrical, mechanical and/or optical engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership in complex projects with technical direction and mentoring.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate research, engineering, and experimental efforts across groups.
• Mentor staff, facilitate hiring, and build strong technical teams.
• Contribute to DARHT sustainment and modernization as part of the DCX strategy.
• Collaborate with management to align objectives with national security mission.

Skills

Applied physics

Electrical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Optical engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

What You Will Do

Come join our team and make a difference! The Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility (DARHT) Experiments and Radiographic Science Group (J-4) is seeking an R&D manager 4 to serve as group leader and partner with our management team to make important contributions to our national security mission and help drive us toward a new and exciting future. Your role will be that of vital leadership ensuring we meet goals and objectives through advanced research, development, engineering, experimental testing, next generation workforce development and technical project management. J-4 is one of four premier groups within the Integrated Weapons Experiments Division (J). The group provides excellence in radiographic imaging research, high energy radiography, and management of the DARHT diagnostics detection chamber (DDC), and gamma ray cameras (GRC). J-4 is a dynamic group embarking on a new era in advanced hydrotesting through our newly developed DARHT Capability Expansion (DCX) strategy with an exciting future in next generation capability for integrated weapon experiments.

The selected candidate will report to the J Division Leader and team with other management and staff to advance our capabilities enhancing the laboratory national security mission. You will use your skills and expertise to organize and guide research, engineering, and technical efforts, while interacting with peers and other leaders for strategic purposes. You will facilitate hiring, mentoring staff, and building strong technical teams to fulfill mission objectives. You will contribute to the DARHT sustainment effort and concepts for DARHT modernization as part of the DCX strategy. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your creativity and advance your career while making lasting contributions on important efforts directly influencing national security.

The J Division work environment focuses on mutual trust, interdependent teaming, and shared success. We strive for innovation, imaginative problem solving, and operational excellence in everything we do. Our commitment is to deliver the highest quality technical data to meet our customers' requirements.

What You Need

Technical Ability Professional level background, education, and experience in one or more of the following: applied physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and/or optical engineering. Demonstrated competence in these areas though project/program/capability success, technical publications, activity on technical societies, and/or academic qualifications.

Leadership Demonstrated leadership in the successful development and execution of complex projects with a record of sound judgement. Experience providing technical direction, mentoring, and coordinating the work of others. Demonstrated abilities to engender trust, resolve conflict, and build consensus across disparate technical areas.

Communication Clear demonstration of excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with all levels of personnel, stakeholders, and customers.

Education/Experience Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. An advanced degree in a scientific or engineering field from an accredited university or college is highly desirable.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience with radiography, imaging analysis and/or imaging analysis research.
• Experience in the design, engineering, and operation of imaging systems.
• Experience managing complex research experiments.
• Working knowledge of nuclear weapon design principles.
• Experience in US Department of Energy regulations for high explosives and accelerator operations.
• Active DOE Q Clearance.

Work Schedule

This position is full time, on-site. 5/8s or 9/80 work schedule.

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.

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.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) 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 US 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.

Internal Applicants

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program

Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.

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 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.