Fission Program Manager

About the role

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy's largest multi-program science and energy research facility. The Fission Program Manager is responsible for creating and directing research program management for the ORNL nuclear fission portfolio. They develop strategy and establish processes to ensure effective project execution and governance, aiming to advance ORNL's aspirations to be a national leader in fission energy development.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Partner with scientists and engineers across ORNL and other DOE laboratories to demonstrate advancements in Fission in science and engineering applications.
• Engage with laboratory senior leadership to develop strategic objectives and priorities for Fission research.
• Interact regularly with sponsors to describe ORNL program capabilities, activities, highlights, and relevant initiatives including laboratory directed research and development (LDRD); to understand their needs, concerns, and directions; and to improve alignment between ORNL and sponsor.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for industry/external partner engagement and strategic project development.
• Cook up proposal preparation and submission processes for renewals and new projects in the program and organize high-quality submissions.
• Consolidate information and analyze the organization to identify areas for improvement.
• Stimulate opportunities and new lab initiatives consistent with program strategy.
• Approve project plans and ensure governance throughout the research lifecycle.
• Collaborate with multiple departments and counsel staff to foster cross-functional partnerships.
• Communicate direction to stakeholders and facilitate risk assessments.
• Communicate strategy as well as current and upcoming program opportunities to relevant line managers and staff.
• Deliver progress updates and follow up on key initiatives.
• Contribute to the recruitment, succession, and retention of key staff critical for the program development of workforce.
• Support coordination of partnerships and proposal coordination.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field of study and 12+ years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience at a scientific organization, national laboratory or other research institution.
• Project management experience, particularly in terms of defining deliverables, managing conflicting schedules and requirements, and setting and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.