DemVal Mission Project Leader (Science/Engineering Project Leader 4)

A technically and programmatically experienced Project Leader is sought to lead the first Demonstration and Validation (DemVal) Mission within the Space Monitoring Program (SMP).

The SMP primary objective is to develop technologies and capabilities to distinguish between military and civilian use of nuclear activities in space. The DemVal Mission, Project Lodestar, consists of a suite of radiation detector instruments to support the technology maturation of SMP and to enhance the LANL and broader DOE-NNSA roadmap.

Project Lodestar spans all groups within the Intelligence & Space Research (ISR) Division as well as other divisions, program offices, and external sponsors and customers. The Project Leader is responsible for the successful delivery of the proposed payload with the highest possible quality, reliability, and technical rigor within a rigid cost, tight schedule, and satellite resource constraints.

This is a high-visibility, mission-critical position leading LANL's inaugural SMP DemVal mission. You'll shape the future of space monitoring technology and build the foundation for sustained R&D in space nuclear activity monitoring.

As an SEPL 4, the selected candidate will serve as Project Leader for the first SMP DemVal Mission that serves as a building block to engender long-term sustained R&D in space monitoring technologies. The annual budget is in the $2.5-3M range/year for FY26 through FY28 delivery, supporting dozens of staff working on a diverse set of tasks that encompass all phases of the satellite payload lifecycle from design and development, through integration, testing, calibration, commissioning, and support for post-launch analysis.

• Future major milestones include delivery, post-delivery support, commissioning, and planning for the second-iteration DemVal mission; and engagement with SMP's other major thrust areas including the Modeling & Simulation effort, Detector & Material Response Library, and Signatures Library.

Job duties will include:

• Implementation and oversight of rigorous management for the project;
• track, forecast, and report progress on routine basis;
• and use project controls to identify and mitigate project risk related to cost, scope, and schedule.
• Partner with line management to identify, forecast, and commit project staffing, facilities, and other resources as needed.
• Develop, track, actively manage, and report to line and program management on a routine basis project level risks while assisting in the tracking and managing of program level risks.
• Provide overall project direction and leadership, maintaining high-level cognizance of all activities.
• Team with lead engineers and scientists to ensure proper execution, delivery and quality of work within the rigid cost, scope, and schedule constraints of the project.
• Foster a mutually respectful work environment; establishes transparency and collaboration as a foundation for success; encourages and supports continuous learning; and tolerates failure as a learning tool.
• Provide mentorship and opportunity for junior staff to enhance workforce development for SMP, ISR division, and LANL.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Proven success as project leader, principal investigator, or task leader on projects with defined cost, scope, and schedule and demonstrated experience in managing large and diverse technical teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of project management standards, tools and techniques.
• Demonstrated application of these skills for delivery on rapid development project structures.
• Expertise and experience in one or more of the following disciplines: space science and applications; engineering for extreme environments; development and deployment of space instrumentation; space systems engineering; Special Nuclear Material detection; detection systems for neutrons, gamma-rays, and/or energetic particles[MW1.1].
• Strong interpersonal skills relative to teaming, conflict resolution, and creative problem solving, including the ability to lead and influence within the context of internal and external collaborations.
• Exceptionally strong verbal and written communication skills with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.

Clearance: Active Q-clearance required. SCI-clearance or the ability to acquire is also required.

Education/Experience: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field, from an accredited institution and 12 years directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, an advanced degree is typically expected.

Desired Qualifications: Active SCI-clearance. Substantial project leadership experience on projects with significant space hardware deliverables. Understanding of SMP needs both near- and long-term. Demonstrated experience working across multiple DOE-NNSA laboratories in a collaborative environment. Knowledge and experience in implementation of Human Performance Improvement and SCoR principles. Knowledge and experience in the proclivities of external stakeholders within the DoD/IC [MW2.1]complex.