Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group Leader (R&D Manager 4)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching and annual growth

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a leader for the Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group to drive a strategic vision and manage technical capabilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in remote sensing, data science, and experience leading multidisciplinary teams.

This position involves fostering a culture of scientific excellence, collaborating with management, and ensuring performance and development opportunities for staff.

Qualifications

• 8 years of relevant experience required.
• Ability to inspire and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience managing complex research portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute the strategic vision for the ISR-6 Group.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
• Collaborate with leadership to manage technical capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Data Science

Remote Sensing

AI/ML

Technical Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a related field

Job description

What You Will Do

Help support our National Security Mission and discover why we attract the best minds in the world! The Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group (ISR-6) is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic scientific and engineering leader with expertise and experience in remote sensing, data science, and space research.

The Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group (ISR-6) is an innovative, vibrant group in the Intelligence & Space Research (ISR) Division. The ISR Division has been designing, building, and operating innovative ground, air, and space-based measurement and detection systems for over 60 years to provide solutions for some of the most challenging scientific and national-security problems facing the nation and the world. The ISR-6 Group, with nearly 40 scientists & engineers, postdocs, and students, develops and deploys sophisticated and customized detection systems and analysis tools to address needs in our key mission areas of nuclear non-proliferation, space domain awareness, atmospheric science, planetary science and exploration, and multi-source intelligence. To develop and deploy these tailored solutions, we leverage our core capabilities in spectral, spatial, and temporal sensing (acoustic, optical, infrared, RF, and x-rays); source phenomenology modeling, interpretation, and propagation; data analysis, algorithm development and machine learning; and detector and system design, development, and deployment (ground, airborne and space-based platforms).

NASA's NACHOS hyperspectral cubesat missions, the RAPid Telescopes for Optical Response (RAPTOR), the Remote Ultra-low Light Imaging (RULLI) system and a wide range of other projects are key parts of our portfolio.

The ISR-6 Group Leader will be responsible for establishing and executing a strategic vision that positions the group for future mission success while maintaining excellence in ongoing program execution. You will participate in the leadership and management of the technical work and administrative operations in the group and collaborate with the Deputy Group Leader, ISR Division Leadership, Program Managers, Project Leaders, and external sponsors to advance the group's technical capabilities and mission impact. As a member of the ISR Division Leadership Team, you will help shape divisional strategy, workforce planning, capability investments, and cross-organizational collaborations while supporting delivery of mission-critical programs and products.

You will foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, safety, security, accountability, and continuous learning; support workforce development across all career stages, strengthen the student and postdoctoral pipeline, and ensure the group remains positioned to address future national security and scientific challenges. In addition, you will identify, manage, and mitigate technical and organizational risk; collaborate with Program Managers and Project Leaders to ensure delivery of National Security Programs and information products on time and within budget; and provide a safe and secure working environment for all. You will be responsible for performance and salary management of staff; strategic workforce planning; providing growth and development opportunities; and recognizing individual and team accomplishments.

What You Need

Leadership

• Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and lead multidisciplinary teams through complex scientific, engineering, operational, and organizational challenges.


• Demonstrated ability to drive a creative, entrepreneurial R&D work environment in which innovation and continuous learning are essential for solving some of the most difficult challenges in science, engineering, and national security.


• Demonstrated experience and commitment to developing the next generation of scientists and engineers through mentorship, sponsorship, succession planning, student engagement, and postdoctoral development.


• Proven ability to work and interact effectively in a dynamic team environment; to build and lead cross-organizational collaborations and teams; and to motivate staff through common goals and objectives.

Management

• Demonstrated record of advocating for resources, personnel, and projects within your team or organization.


• Demonstrated experience managing complex research portfolios and balancing mission execution, workforce development, strategic investment, and sponsor expectations.

Technical Knowledge

• Demonstrated scientific/engineering and technical leadership in one or more areas of ISR-6's key mission areas such as remote sensing, space systems, space domain awareness, advanced analytics, AI/ML, data science, phenomenology, or related disciplines.

Communication

• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups, and effective presentations for a wide variety of audiences. Strong active listening skills are required for this position.

Safety and Security

• Demonstrated success in improving workforce safety, security, environment, and health such as through implementing Human Performance Improvement (HPI) and/or Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles, or equivalent techniques.


• Demonstrated commitment to mission assurance, protection of sensitive information, and responsible execution of national security missions.

Workplace Culture

• Demonstrated ability to foster a respectful, collaborative, and high-performing workplace where individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can contribute and succeed.

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.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant science or engineering field is preferred.


• Demonstrated ability to work broadly across a large organization to provide insight and advice on the successful completion of major programs.


• Demonstrated ability to take a concept from low TRL to high TRL to provide insight and advice on maturing promising capabilities.


• Working knowledge of DOE/NNSA, DoD, NASA, or other government agencies.


• Demonstrated record of successful proposal development, sponsor engagement, and portfolio growth.


• Active Q clearance and SCI eligibility.

Physical Requirements

• Physical movement between buildings located primarily within a half-mile radius, which may include movement across uneven and/or inclined ground.


• Physical movement within large interior facility spaces and corridors, which may require travel up and down stairs.


• Direct interaction with hardware, equipment, and instruments in office and laboratory environments.

Work Environment

• Work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.


• Position commitment: 1 year of continuous service required.

Security Clearance

Position requires Q clearance. 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 Q clearance and obtaining such clearance requires U.S. citizenship unless otherwise specified.

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.


• 6% matching on 401(k) plus 3.5% annual growth.


• 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.

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.