Division Director, Safeguards and Security Technology Division (SSTD)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) is seeking a Division Director for the Safeguards and Security Technology Division (SSTD). This role reports to the NSSD Associate Laboratory Director (ALD).

About the role

The Division Director leads and manages SSTD’s science and technology capabilities, ensuring excellence in current mission execution while establishing and implementing a strategic vision for increased impact in national security. SSTD comprises multidisciplinary scientists, engineers, and mission-focused professionals advancing the scientific and technical foundations of nuclear safeguards and security.

The Division develops innovative technologies and operational solutions to strengthen the security and safeguards of nuclear and radiological materials in the U.S. and globally. It also creates and applies advanced software and digital capabilities—including information management systems, data collection and analysis platforms, nuclear material tracking systems, and modeling and simulation tools—to support nonproliferation and nuclear security missions.

SSTD collaborates extensively across ORNL and the broader DOE complex to advance technologies supporting nuclear safeguards, security, treaty verification, and radiological operations. The Division maintains internationally recognized expertise in safeguards and security technologies, implementation methodologies, and integrated safeguards concepts applicable across the nuclear fuel cycle.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership that focuses and integrates Division capabilities toward world-class S&T goals consistent with NSSD and Laboratory missions.
• Collaborate with management peers to assist the ALD in defining and implementing strategic programmatic R&D missions for NSSD and the Laboratory.
• Represent ORNL before advisory committees.
• Emphasize the scientific productivity, impact, and reputation of SSTD and staff engagement in professional organizations.
• Ensure the Division executes projects and delivers outcomes consistent with commitments on budget and schedule.
• Execute line management responsibilities, including supervision of Division leadership, budget and business planning, salary planning, staff recruitment and development, employee relations, and performance management.
• Build Division capabilities by attracting a quality, diverse pool of top candidates and hiring staff committed to world-class R&D.
• Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated.
• Serve as the Division work authority, implementing a culture attentive to hazard identification and responsive to controls and processes.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in engineering, the physical sciences, or related technical fields.
• At least 12 years of experience focused on nuclear nonproliferation within an R&D environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong leadership and business management skills with a proven track record of communication through technical publications, development and execution of an R&D vision and strategy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with a broad spectrum of people and issues in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.
• Focused delivery on the operational missions of nonproliferation sponsors.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy.
• As an SCI-designated position, it is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing role, requiring a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
• May be subject to random polygraph testing.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Contributory Pension Plan.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave.
• Legal insurance with identity theft protection.
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Wellness programs.
• Educational assistance and relocation assistance.
• Employee discounts.
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.
• Flexible work hours.