Project Leader 1

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a Project Leader 1 to join the Production Assurance Integration (PAI) Program Office. You will coordinate meaningful work, track progress, and ensure teams have visibility to succeed while learning from senior leaders guiding larger efforts.

You will lead small projects, manage schedules, risks, and deliverables, and communicate health updates to stakeholders. A bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience are required.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of project management principles (scope, schedule, risk)
• Experience coordinating technical/operational/programmatic work and tracking milestones/deliverables
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance (US citizenship typically required)
• Bachelor's degree plus 2 years related experience, or equivalent combination

Responsibilities

• Track schedules, milestones, and deliverables for portfolio-level coordination
• Identify and communicate risks and issues to leadership for informed decisions
• Lead small-scale projects independently while assisting larger efforts
• Maintain clear stakeholder communication and publish status updates on project health
• Contribute to continuous improvement of scheduling, risk tracking, and communication practices

Skills

Project management basics

Coordinate cross-functional work

Analytical & communication skills

MS Office proficiency

US citizenship/Q clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

What You Will Do

Join the Production Assurance Integration (PAI) Program Office as a Project Leader 1, where you will work alongside dedicated technical and program staff supporting the Laboratory's mission critical Production Assurance organizations. This is an opportunity to build your project leadership skills in a collaborative environment by coordinating meaningful work, tracking progress, and helping ensure teams have the visibility they need to succeed. You'll gain hands‑on experience leading your own projects while learning from experienced leaders guiding larger, more complex efforts.

In this role, you will:

• Track schedules, milestones, and deliverables, supporting portfolio-level schedule integration efforts.
• Identify and communicate risks and issues, providing leadership the visibility needed to make informed decisions.
• Lead small-scale projects independently while supporting larger, more complex efforts under the guidance of senior project leaders.
• Maintain clear communication across stakeholders and prepare status updates that reflect project health and progress.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of scheduling, risk tracking, and communication practices within the PAI Program Office.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Basic understanding of project management principles, including scope, schedule, and risk management.
• Experience coordinating technical, operational, or programmatic work activities, and tracking schedules, milestones, and deliverables
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.

Education/Experience: Level 1:

Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting program offices, project management organizations, or business operations.
• Experience developing schedules, milestone reports, dashboards, and performance metrics.
• Experience supporting strategic planning, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience working in a highly regulated environment.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or progress toward certification.
• Active Q Clearance.

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.

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 - as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 maternity and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)
• 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.

Equal Opportunity:

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.