We have multiple openings for Engineering Group Leaders to lead a multi-disciplinary group of engineers responsible for supporting key operations, design, production, controls, and R&D activities. This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, home to the world’s most energetic laser. It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved fusion ignition in December 2022, a historic moment in science, opening up new physics regimes and setting the stage for new fusion energy possibilities.
The openings include administratively leading groups that support teams in the Systems Engineering, Integrated Engineering, and Systems Integration Engineering Sections. You will have a critical role in fostering successful careers, creating a positive and inclusive working environment, and providing an outstanding and diverse staff to meet program needs. In addition to the Group Leader role, you will be expected to maintain a 90%-time programmatic project role/assignment in the NIF&PS Directorate. These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.
These positions 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
- Lead, supervise, and provide technical, career, and administrative guidance to about 10 group members, write performance appraisals, and participate in performance management and the LSEO division ranking processes.
- Collaborate with the NIF&PS Directorate leaders to identify and manage the work assignments for the group members, define work objectives, and obtain ongoing performance feedback.
- Advise and evaluate staff on the execution of technical work, provide performance feedback, identify staff networking opportunities, provide training and coaching, and facilitate regular career growth and development discussions, including plans and goals.
- Monitor and influence the work environment to foster employee morale and well-being; recruit, hire, onboard, mentor, and retain outstanding technical staff.
- Lead and participate in formal and informal design reviews; provide guidance to group members on engineering excellence using Engineering Safety notes in accordance with Engineering Design Safety Standards, industry best practices, systems engineering, and project management.
- Mentor group members in design, analysis, implementation, and integration for components and systems with implementation of the systems engineering methodology in the Integrated Product Review Board process.
- Manage workforce projection working with programmatic managers to meet staff availability and training needs, using this information to help develop a vision for the group.
- Identify and foster Science & Technology initiatives in lasers, optics, diagnostics, or other applicable research areas for NIF&PS and Engineering.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional job responsibilities, at the SEL.5 level
- Provide solutions to highly unusual, complex, and sensitive issues where the solution path is not predefined.
- Responsible for high-level goal setting, strategic planning efforts, and succession planning on long range goals and working with Division Leader, Deputy Division Leader, Associate Division Leader, Section Leader, and peer Group Leaders on those goals.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering discipline or related field or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Substantial experience with, subject matter expert knowledge, and leadership skills in design, analysis, and implementation in one or more of the following technical areas: hardware or systems used on precision optomechanical or electromechanical systems; design, assembly, and commissioning of systems; shot or facility operations; fabrication and process engineering of highly integrated systems; industrial safety and control systems; systems and project engineering; project management with extensive interaction with funding sponsors; and production engineering and management.
- Substantial experience leading technical presentations and participating in design reviews, identifying technical needs, developing practical approaches, and delivering strategic working solutions for program customers.
- Substantial experience with Engineering administrative policies, procedures, and design safety practices and standards.
- Expert verbal and written communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to lead a team, present and explain technical information and administrative policies and procedures, advise/inform/influence senior management, and promote situational awareness.
- Experience in and effective interpersonal skills to lead/supervise/influence project teams, mentor personnel, negotiate win-win solutions, team building, and provide customer service.
- Ability to manage emotions in positive ways to communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome setbacks, and defuse conflict.
Additional qualifications at the SEL.5 level
- Extensive experience leading complex personnel management issues, innovative workforce development activities, incident investigation teams, and policy initiatives at the Institutional or national level.
- Extensive subject matter expertise and leadership experience advancing state-of-art technologies related to one or more of precision clean systems, optomechanical or electromechanical systems, project management, optical engineering, precision alignment, or controls systems.
- Experience and expert ability to champion, lead, and develop innovative cutting-edge principles, theories, and concepts.
Qualifications We Desire
- Master’s degree/PhD in Mechanical, Electrical, or Optical Engineering or related field.
- Experience in payroll supervision, preparation of performance reviews, ranking and salary management, and knowledge of Engineering Directorate policies and procedures.
- Experience in high energy and power laser systems.
- Experience in either operations or production organization.
- Experience in Ombuds program or equivalent.
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 a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
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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