Systems Engineering Lead (Project-Program Director 4)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A leading nuclear security contractor in Los Alamos, NM, seeks a Systems Engineer Lead to develop and maintain models-based systems engineering representations. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, oversee technical processes, and interact with customers to shape program goals. A bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience are required, with preferred qualifications including an advanced degree and expertise in modeling complex systems. A Q clearance is necessary for this role. Attractive benefits include flexible schedules and comprehensive medical coverage.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years experience in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong documentation skills with formal documentation methods.
• Experience mentoring early career scientists and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a systems engineering team.
• Develop and maintain an MBSE framework.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight.

Skills

Project management

Models Based Systems Engineering

SysML

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Advanced degree in engineering

Tools

Catia's Magic 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 models‑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.

You can expect to:

• 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

The Project‑Program Director 4 level reflects the scope and impact of the work. The role involves:

• 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.

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

• 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.

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.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a 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).

Security Clearance

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 a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

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.