Program Equipment Lifecycle Project Leader (Project Leader 1/2)

Los Alamos National Security LLC

Los Alamos (NM)

On-site

USD 80,400 - 158,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high deductible medical insurance
Dental and vision insurance
Paid childbirth and parental leave
401(k) with 6% matching
Tuition assistance
Flexible schedules
Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is looking for a Project Leader in Los Alamos, NM, to manage critical equipment projects that support national security. This role requires a bachelor’s degree and strong project management skills, with responsibilities including project planning, execution, coordination, and compliance with stringent regulations.

Ideal candidates will excel in communication and organization, contributing significantly to various high-priority projects while maintaining close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively across various stages of the project lifecycle.
  • Knowledge of project management tools and techniques relating to construction.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to develop project scope, execution plans, and budget.

Responsibilities

  • Manage planning, coordination, and execution of programmatic equipment projects.
  • Develop project scopes of work for installation and decommissioning.
  • Coordinate project resources and track progress.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, security, environmental, and quality requirements.

Skills

Organizational skills
Communication skills
Customer service skills
Project management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Project
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Project Leader 1 or Project Leader 2 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.

Join us in solving problems that support the security of our nation and the world! Detonator Production is looking for a highly customer service and collaboratively focused Project Leader to join their Infrastructure and Planning Office (IPO). This vital team member will be an integral part of supporting programmatic equipment project planning and transition to operations across the Detonator Production division. This role involves many short‑term, high‑priority projects to be facilitated and managed by the Project Leader in a project management role.

Project Leader 1

$80,400 – $127,900

As a Project Leader 1, you will support process engineers, engineering technologists, and product line project leaders in the planning, coordination, and execution of programmatic equipment and facility upgrade projects. Working closely with internal customers, program managers, and multidisciplinary teams, you will help deliver projects that support critical Laboratory missions and operational objectives. This role is ideal for a developing project professional who thrives in a collaborative environment, enjoys organizing and managing complex technical work, and is motivated by seeing projects progress from concept through execution and transition to operations.

In this role, you will independently manage smaller‑scale projects while contributing to larger, more complex efforts under the guidance of senior project leaders. Responsibilities include developing project scopes of work for equipment installation and decommissioning activities, preparing and maintaining project schedules and budgets, coordinating project resources, and tracking progress through completion. You will ensure all work is executed in compliance with Laboratory safety, security, environmental, and quality requirements.

Success in this position requires strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively coordinate across multiple organizations and stakeholders. Your contributions will help ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget while supporting the Laboratory’s commitment to operational excellence, mission delivery, and continuous improvement.

The candidate will collaborate extensively across the Detonator Production enterprise, working closely with production personnel, quality assurance organizations, engineering and management teams, and external or internal customers to ensure program success, operational excellence, and compliance with quality and mission requirements.

Project Leader 2

$96,600 – $158,000

In addition to the responsibilities of a Project Leader 1, the Project Leader 2 independently leads and manages moderately complex projects with increased responsibility for overall project performance, including scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and successful project delivery. At this level, you will serve as a trusted project leader, coordinating cross‑functional teams and ensuring alignment between project objectives, operational priorities, and Laboratory mission requirements.

You will lead mid‑sized multidisciplinary project teams and act as the primary interface with internal customers, senior managers, program leadership, engineering organizations, and operational stakeholders. Responsibilities include developing and executing detailed project plans; managing project scope, cost, and schedule baselines; identifying and mitigating project risks; resolving technical and operational challenges; and providing clear, timely communication on project status, milestones, and performance metrics.

The ideal candidate is an experienced project professional with demonstrated success leading technical or operational projects in a highly regulated environment. Success in this role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, along with the ability to balance competing priorities, foster collaboration across organizations, and deliver high‑impact results that support operational excellence and mission success.

The successful candidate will uphold the highest standards for a respectful workplace, employee development, disciplined operations, work control, safety, security, quality excellence, teaming, and customer service. The successful candidate will foster a mutually respectful environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and leverages individual and cultural diversity while advancing action‑oriented plans to promote workforce diversity.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements
Project Management Support

Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively across various stages of the project lifecycle, both independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of project management tools and techniques relating to construction project activities. Ability to develop, document, articulate, and present project scope, execution plans, budget, and overall schedule to the Integrated Project Team (IPT). Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines are essential for supporting ongoing project planning and execution. A basic understanding of startup or readiness processes for operations, equipment, or facilities further enhances the candidate’s ability to contribute to smooth project transitions. Ability to independently research, assemble, and analyze information or data related to the assigned area.

Business Operations

Technical comprehension of engineering, procurement, and construction techniques, including their interfaces and interdependencies. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, MS Teams with strong skills in Word for document creation and conversion to Adobe Acrobat for scope of work processing, Excel for cost estimate development using formulas, PowerPoint for creation of project status reports, Microsoft Project for schedule development and tracking, and Outlook for email management and meeting scheduling. Demonstrated ability to assess cost details on projects and provide tangible updates.

Communication & Collaboration

Possess effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information through emails, presentations, and meetings. Should be comfortable collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and capable of developing and nurturing productive relationships with all levels of personnel to build trust, gain consensus, and resolve conflicts. Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with a positive attitude, growth mindset, and strong customer service skills.

Technical Knowledge

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook is expected. In addition, a foundational understanding of operational readiness or startup processes supports the candidate’s ability to function in technically complex environments.

Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Additional Job Requirements for Project Leader 2

In addition to the requirements outlined above with expert and advanced knowledge, qualification at the higher level requires: advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience in all aspects of project management work; advanced expertise in equipment installation and decommissioning project management operations, with extensive knowledge of facility interfaces, integrated systems, and cross‑functional coordination to support complex operational environments; customer service and teamwork skills to build trust, gain consensus, resolve conflicts through effective interaction with personnel at all levels, whether internal or external to the Laboratory; strong work ethic and the ability to plan, organize, lead, and oversee diverse team initiatives through successful completion, including managing complex projects and guiding teams to achieve strategic objectives, deliverables, and milestones; strong ability to proactively identify, assess, and escalate issues, risks, and concerns to appropriate stakeholders for timely resolution and continuous progress; presentation and communication skills, including the ability to effectively summarize and communicate project status, milestones, risks, challenges, and technical information to stakeholders, management, and funding sponsors or customers; ability to tailor presentations and briefings to diverse audiences and support informed decision‑making through clear, concise, and professional communication.

Education / Experience

Project Leader 1: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Project Management, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Operations Management, Industrial Technology) and 2 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Project Leader 2: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Project Management, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Operations Management, Industrial Technology) from an accredited institution and 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with Project and Activity Review (PAR) tool is desired.
  • Positive motivation to take part in and collaborate with the IPO team to formalize business processes in accordance with LANL policy and procedures.
  • Familiarization with common project management software for tracking project and financial data.
  • Active DOE Q clearance.
Work Location

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

Work Schedule

This position will be on‑site, in Los Alamos with a work schedule of 4/10s (6:30 am–5:00 pm, Monday–Thursday).

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), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents 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 a large nationwide network.
  • Dental and vision insurance.
  • Free basic life and disability insurance.
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave.
  • Award‑winning 401(k) with 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 the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. 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. 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.

New‑Employment Drug Test

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 marijuana, use and possession 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)‑664‑6947 opt. 3.

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