Systems Engineering Lead (Project-Program Director 4)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Extensive relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Systems Engineer Lead to develop and maintain model-based systems engineering representations for nuclear production operations. In this role, you will lead a team of engineers, build comprehensive frameworks, and provide technical leadership across mission-critical programs. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, 8 years of related experience, and a strong understanding of project management and systems engineering principles. The role offers competitive benefits and a commitment to professional development.

Qualifications

• 8 years of related experience in engineering or project management.
• Thorough understanding of Models Based Systems Engineering.
• Strong documentation and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive MBSE framework.
• Provide technical leadership and ensure high-quality engineering.

Skills

Project management

Model Based Systems Engineering

SysML

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Ph.D. in engineering (preferred)

Tools

Catia's Magic Systems of Systems Architect

Job description

What You Will Do

The Product Realization and Reliability Office (PRRO) in Nuclear Production Operations is home to a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists that support some of the nation’s most critical plutonium programs, including pit production, surveillance, research & development, and subcritical experiments. We work across the full Nuclear Production Operations organization, partnering with technical experts at every stage of the production lifecycle.

We are seeking a Systems Engineer Lead who will be responsible for developing and maintaining a model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) representation of the people, processes, and equipment supporting nuclear production. This work spans complex, interconnected socio‑technical systems and requires creativity, rigor, and a strategic mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high‑performing team of systems engineers working across mission‑critical programs.
• Build, refine, and steward a comprehensive MBSE framework that integrates production processes, workforce, and tooling across multiple organizations.
• Provide technical leadership, ensuring high‑quality engineering through structured peer review and oversight.
• Work directly with customers and senior leaders to define needs, shape capability development, and influence the strategic direction of systems engineering at LANL.
• Drive collaborative problem‑solving across disciplines and serve as a trusted technical authority within PRRO.

Project‑Program Director 4 Level

• Lead and manage a technically challenging and strategically significant portfolio.
• Integrate work across multiple Laboratory organizations and disciplines.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to define program goals, secure resources, and build capabilities aligned with the Laboratory’s mission.
• Oversee planning, tracking, execution, and delivery of assigned programs and projects, providing clear directions to deployed technical staff.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Experience in aspects of project management of technical work, including defining work scope, schedules, budgets, priorities, and performance milestones; developing cost, scope, and schedule baselines.
• Complete and thorough understanding of Models Based Systems Engineering, SysML, and the Unified Architecture Framework (UAF).
• Expertise with commercial applications such as Catia’s Magic Systems of Systems Architect.
• Expertise in applying fundamental techniques and engineering best practices.
• Experience mentoring early‑career scientists and engineers.
• Strong documentation skills; demonstrated ability to document technical results in a formal method/format.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong presentation skills.

Desired Qualifications

• An advanced degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution. A Ph.D. is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in modeling complex systems, preferably in a manufacturing context.
• Fundamental understanding of requirements management.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design engineering and the design process.

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.

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.

• 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).

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. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

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. 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.
• Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.

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 spouse 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. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.