Space Data & Software Systems Deputy Group Leader (R&D Manager 3)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching contributions

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is looking for a Deputy Group Leader in Los Alamos, NM. This role involves managing technical projects, providing leadership within the Space Data & Software Systems Group, and engaging in strategic development.

The ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor’s degree and possess strong leadership, technical, and communication skills. The position offers a dynamic work environment with extensive benefits including medical insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant technical experience in engineering or computer science.
• Proven record of leading technical projects and effective team management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for various audiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical work and operations of the Space Data & Software Systems Group.
• Provide leadership in technical project execution and team collaboration.
• Participate in strategic planning and mentoring efforts for group members.

Skills

Leadership experience

Technical expertise in engineering or computer science

Effective communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Data analytics tools

Software engineering practices

Job description

What You Will Do

The Space Data & Software Systems Group (ISR-3) is seeking a Deputy Group Leader (DGL) to join our collaborative and dynamic team! As the DGL you will help manage the technical work and administrative operations of the group.

As a leader in space research for over sixty years, the Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory designs, builds, and operates space-based and remote measurement systems to uphold nuclear nonproliferation treaties, provide remote sensing for situational awareness, complete agile space missions, conduct space weather research, and enable the study of planetary bodies to advance cosmic research. ISR's 400+ instruments fly on over 200 satellites, including numerous NASA missions like Voyager, which has left our solar system, and the last two Mars Rovers.

The ideal Deputy Group Leader will be highly organized, self-motivated, adaptable, and able to lead across technical disciplines and mission needs. A learning mindset is essential, along with strong problem-solving skills, the ability to anticipate and remove obstacles, and the emotional intelligence to lead critical conversations with empathy, clarity, and professionalism. The Deputy Group Leader will serve as an active member of the ISR-3 Leadership Team, working closely with the Group Leader, administrative support, and fellow Deputy Group Leader.

The Deputy Group Leader will devote approximately 50% of their time to group management and leadership responsibilities, with the remaining time focused on technical projects or programs relevant to the group, division, and broader Laboratory mission. This balance is critical: the role requires both active technical engagement and the ability to lead people, programs, and operations effectively.

Management Responsibilities

• Participate in the leadership and management of technical work and administrative operations of the Space Data and Software Systems Group
• Serve as an active member of the group and division leadership teams
• Assist the Group Leader (GL) in providing leadership in the following areas:
  • Strategic direction and identification of new opportunities
  • Spokesperson for development and maintenance of the group's technical capabilities and a resource for professional expertise
  • Mentoring, coaching, and building effective teams
  • Interacting with Project Leaders on project tasks, schedule, and deliverables to ensure delivery of quality products and services on time and within budget
  • Lead critical conversations, resolving issues and challenges as they arise
• Providing administrative management of:
  • Safety and security
  • Environmental impact
  • Integrated work management
  • Performance appraisal and salary management
  • Human resources
  • Staff planning and forecasting
  • Financial management and oversight
  • Facilities

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Strong technical experience in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or other relevant science and engineering field
• Proven leadership experience in technical projects, programs, teams or other organizations as demonstrated by successful collaboration, planning, management, and delivery
• Strong record of effective written and verbal communication skills relating to interactions inside and outside the Laboratory, presenting seminars, giving briefings, delivering presentations, or writing publications
• Excellent interpersonal and personnel management skills and proven ability in recruiting, including a demonstrated commitment to teamwork, professional development, encouraging open communications, and resolving conflicts among personnel
• Record of commitment to safety, security, environment, quality, and diversity in the workplace

Education

Position requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. A Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience is preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in software engineering and best practices including software quality management
• Experience in data analytics, algorithms, machine learning, and/or computational statistics
• Experience in data processing of satellite data, scientific data sets, and formats
• Experience in data acquisition systems, instrumentation, real-time display, and/or TCP/IP programming
• Strong record of technical accomplishments and leadership in projects/programs directly relevant to ISR capabilities or application areas described above
• Experience participating to help deliver satellite hardware/subsystems, providing space-based operations support and/or providing ground and space-based data processing, or contributing to relevant scientific research supporting ISR missions
• Proven record of success in line management in a scientific or technical organization including performance and salary management, strategic and business planning, organization and staff development, and successful recruitment of technical staff in a dynamic and changing environment
• Familiarity with LANL operational and administrative policies and procedures
• Formal leadership and management training
• Working knowledge of DOE/NNSA, DoD, NASA, and other government agencies dealing with verification and detection programs
• Active Q clearance

Work Location

Los Alamos, NM (onsite)

Benefits

• 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)

Eligibility

U.S. citizenship is required for Q clearance. Foreign nationals may be considered under DOE Order 142.3A. Candidates must meet all clearance and security requirements.

Drug Testing

Successful applicants must complete a new‑employment drug test. A positive test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

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.