We have an opening for a Group Leader to lead the Plasma Engineering Operations Group (PEOG). The PEOG is a multidisciplinary group of engineers, associates, and technicians responsible for the design, modeling, and operation of Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) and related pulsed power/RGD/plasma-based systems ranging from tabletop devices through megajoule-class DPF’s in support of stockpile missions and other scientific applications. This position is funded by a small fraction of effort; the majority of the employee’s assignment will be through direct programmatic work on projects associated with R&D operations not covered by this listing. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.
This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
In this role you will:
- Provide leadership, supervision, and technical, strategic, and administrative direction, guidance, and support in accomplishing project/program goals and objectives to a multi-disciplinary team of 8+ staff including engineers, associates, and technicians.
- Provide technical guidance as the technical expert in all aspects of pulsed power/RGD/plasma-based systems operation including operational readiness, analysis, system trade studies, upgrade and maintenance, and cost and schedule estimates to ensure highest quality of work and ensured machine performance.
- Collaborate with Project Leaders to identify workforce needs, lead, carry out, and/or coordinate recruiting, hiring, training, career development, and performance and salary management activities as needed to meet programmatic staffing, employee development, and performance related needs, including providing career counseling, mentoring, and coaching, and monitoring employee performance goals and conducting annual employee performance reviews.
- Establish project objectives and strategies for technical team, guiding workload planning for multiple projects among group members, assigning work, remaining aware of complex technical goals, problems, and solutions, and tracking progress of project schedule, milestones, and involved budgets to ensure desired results and deadlines are met.
- Ensure group member compliance with all safety and security requirements by monitoring and evaluating employee status on all mandatory training, verifying all remain current, and making certain that all understand, follow, and apply all necessary Laboratory and Directorate policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
In Addition, at the SEL.4 Level
- Strategically anticipate, identify, and provide technical leadership as the subject matter expert to stay ahead of potential tangible and intangible problems of high complexity involving components, systems, and sub-systems, ensuring a smooth project lifecycle.
- Collaborate with stakeholders, and lead engineering staff and senior management to develop creative and innovative strategies to ensure complex program goals are met with optimum success and efficiency.
- Develop and roll out broad technical visions and strategies, using innovation, creativity, and influence as needed to obtain optimal methods, techniques, and analysis criteria for use when working with highly complex components, assemblies, and systems.
- This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical science, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
- Significant operational experience or modeling experience with megajoule-class Dense Plasma Focus systems, or significant experience working with other high energy R&D systems.
- Demonstrated ability to enable the success of others through leadership, mentoring, and collaboration.
- Advanced verbal and written communication, facilitation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively lead and provide feedback to technical teams, defuse conflict, and overcome setbacks, present, explain, and provide advice to senior management, and interpret and convey Laboratory policies to employees.
- Significant experience as a technical/scientific leader in organizing, planning, and coordinating projects through to successful completion in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, and advanced level interpersonal skills needed to attract, motivate, and retain a high performing technical staff.
In Addition, at the SEL.4 Level
- Highly advanced knowledge of cutting-edge technologies for pulsed power/RGD/plasma-based systems.
- Extensive advanced level experience and expert ability to apply, lead, modify and/or develop cutting-edge principles theories, concepts, and technologies for the design and manufacture of highly complex involved components, assemblies, and systems.
- Demonstrated track record of success and ability in developing and optimizing strategies to improve technical methodology and operations.
- Expert verbal and written communication, facilitation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Physical Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- Subject matter expertise in the safe operation and maintenance of Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) and related pulsed power/RGD/plasma-based systems.
- Previous experience with pulsed power technologies including spark gaps, thyratrons, ignitrons, solid-state switches, capacitor banks, Marx generators, magnetic pulse compression, and pulse forming lines.
- Experience working effectively with other national laboratories, all levels of DOE, and other sponsors.
- Experience with LLNL and Engineering administrative, engineering, and safety practices, policies, and procedures, and knowledge of laboratory programs and technology application.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
Security Clearance
This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
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