Project/Program Specialist 2/3

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high-deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) plan with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is hiring for a Project/Program Specialist position at either the 2 or 3 level. This role involves supporting the Pit Technologies Division, ensuring safety and security compliance, and monitoring project performance. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and substantial experience in project management. The position offers a range of benefits, including medical insurance, a robust 401(k) plan, and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge and experience in project management.
• Active DOE Q-level clearance is required.
• Experience in successful planning and reporting status.

Responsibilities

• Ensure qualification activities meet programmatic requirements.
• Monitor performance and report on assigned aspects of the project.
• Support business operations and ensure compliance.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Relationship development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a related field

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is offered at either the Project/Program Specialist 2 or Project/Program Specialist 3 level, depending on the qualifications of the candidate. The role supports the Pit Technologies (PT) Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), a key component of the Associate Laboratory Directorate for Weapons Production (ALDWP). The PT Division operates at Technical Area 55 (TA‑55), a state‑of‑the‑art facility focused on plutonium processing, pit production, and related business operations.

The selected applicant will use project management, coordination and administrative skills to ensure that qualification activities meet programmatic requirements for reestablishing the rate of plutonium pit production at TA‑55. The responsibilities include working closely with stakeholders across LANL, partner laboratories, national‑security enterprise labs, plants and sites to implement and maintain structured processes that support business operations and meet regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Project/Program Specialist 2

• Assume full responsibility for safety and security compliance, including maintaining required training and taking action when work is unsafe or compromises security.
• Apply operational planning knowledge to develop new products or services that meet customer requirements, maintain process parameters, and support cost estimating and analysis.
• Monitor performance by analyzing or reporting on assigned aspects of the project scope under limited direction.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson to report status and issues to PT leadership.
• Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies and corrective actions, and report those risks to leadership.
• Understand and adhere to all laboratory and regulatory guidance specific to the project or program work.
• Promote a respectful and inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Project/Program Specialist 3

• Act as a primary spokesperson to report status and issues to PT leadership with limited direction.
• Monitor performance and report on assigned aspects of the project scope with limited direction.
• Negotiate with project, program or line managers to secure and marshal resources to complete deliverables within scope and schedule.
• Provide specialized assistance to the PT management team in planning, organizing, and controlling resources/processes related to business operations.
• Apply advanced knowledge to establish operational plans, develop and implement new products or services, maintain process parameters, and support cost estimating, cost analysis, and schedule development for moderately large or complex projects.

Shift Work

Employment is 7 days per week. The position may require a shift schedule that includes weekends, with typical staffing of 4 days per week, 10 hours per day.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Working knowledge and experience in project management.
• Knowledge of regulatory and laboratory requirements related to business operations.
• Experience developing and nurturing effective internal customer relationships.
• Experience in successful planning, organizing, and reporting status and issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills evidenced by internal and/or external interactions, briefings, reports, and presentations.
• Active DOE Q‑level clearance.

Additional Requirements for Higher Level

• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of personnel, build trust, gain consensus, and resolve conflicts.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in high‑intensity environments with a mix of technical backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to express ideas clearly to a wide variety of audiences, building understanding, respect, and trust.

Education / Experience

Lower level: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field from an accredited institution and 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Higher level: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field from an accredited institution and 8 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience implementing regulatory requirements (e.g., DOE Order 426.2A, NAP 401.1A).
• Familiarity with Conduct of Operations, Nuclear Facility Training, Engineering, and Maintenance as they apply to manufacturing facility environments.
• Experience with NNSA Directive NAP401.1A, ALDWP’s Weapons Quality Assurance Program, or similar rigorous quality management systems (10CFR50, ASME, NQA‑1).
• Experience managing operations in a customer‑service environment.
• Active DOE Q‑level clearance.

Work Location

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Benefits

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Robust 401(k) plan (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 for moves beyond a 50‑mile radius.

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, spousal affiliation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Contact

For more information, contact:
Tyler Daniel – [e-mail]
Alex Wroblewski – [e-mail]