Group Leader: High Explosives Science & Technology (R&D Manager 4)

About the Role

The Group Leader (GL; R&D Manager 4) will lead the scientific, technical, and administrative aspects of the High Explosives Science & Technology (Q-5) group. This role involves overseeing a diverse team of scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, and support staff while ensuring both short- and long-term strategies for the group. The primary responsibility is the safe and secure conduct of high explosives (HE) research, championing operational excellence in HE safety, conduct of operations, quality assurance, budget management, and integrated work management.

Responsibilities

• Manage staff and collaborate with the Q-5 management team to meet programmatic deliverables, milestones, and customer goals.
• Oversee professional development, resource facilitation, group authorizations, personnel management, and human resources functions, including annual performance appraisals, hiring, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure sound fiscal management, effective program execution, and stimulate program development activities while promoting personnel development.
• Collaborate with Weapon System Program Managers, the HE Strategy Office, and Global Security Program Managers for integrated project planning, including fostering new research and strategic hiring to maintain and grow core capabilities.
• Work with Weapons Facility Operations (WFO) and the broader management team to upgrade current and new facility operations, ensuring support for R&D and production process implementation.
• Participate in the construction of the Energetic Materials Characterization (EMC) Facility.
• Recognize and initiate opportunities to advance the High Explosives Science and Technology Group within Q Division and across the Laboratory.
• Assist Q-5 and the Q-Division office with the development, integration, and execution of high explosive mission and implementation strategies.
• Facilitate explosive operations for the group and collaborate with internal and external partners and customers of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

Requirements

• Leadership:
  • Demonstrated successful leadership of technical projects and personnel conducting high-consequence operations.
  • Excellent written and oral interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interact with all levels of personnel and customers.
  • Experience with conflict resolution, staff development, mentoring, team building, and performance management.
  • Proven ability to build consensus, delegate, and collaborate across program lines to achieve larger program goals.
  • Well-articulated leadership philosophy and strategy backed by personal examples.
• Technical Competence:
  • Strong background in Explosives Science, Explosives Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
  • Familiarity with the basic nature of energetic materials and their response to various stimuli, including working knowledge of explosives safety.
  • Technical understanding of the broad scope of work in Q-5, including HE molecule synthesis, HE manufacturing and formulation, HE pressing and machining, analytical techniques, dynamic testing, and small-scale safety and thermal characterization.
• Institutional Acumen:
  • Experience developing staffing plans, recruiting, and staff development.
  • Commitment to Laboratory goals and the SCoR principle (Safety, Compliance, Operations, and Research) for ensuring worker and public safety, environmental protection, workforce diversity, and employee development.
  • Demonstrated commitment to assuring high-quality work and the security of classified information.
  • Extensive experience with safety and Hazard Analysis procedures, specifically for explosives and chemical work.
  • Knowledge of internal and external funding agencies, experience engaging with programmatic sponsors, and growing large multimillion-dollar budgets and portfolios.
  • Experience with regulatory and oversight agencies and personnel.

Qualifications

Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 8 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to influence scientific direction at the national level.
• Experience with specific weapons systems and production.
• Experience building collaborative relationships across groups, divisions, directorates, and externally with other laboratories, universities, or industrial partners.
• Ability to provide direction and vision through positive example, effective decision-making, prudent resource/fiscal management, and sound business practices.
• Familiarity with the DOE Explosives Safety Standard, DOE-STD-1212-.
• Fundamental knowledge of nuclear weapons and the U.S. stockpile.
• Familiarity with Los Alamos National Laboratory weapons research and programmatic activities.
• Experience managing facilities with explosives and/or chemical hazards.
• Advanced degree or engineering work in a STEM discipline.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually).
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays).
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius).

Additional Details

This position requires a Q clearance, which necessitates U.S. citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation. The position is eligible for the Triad Incentive Compensation Program, with eligibility requirements including a minimum of 3 months in the position before July 1st and remaining in the position as of September 30th. The position commitment is 1 year of continuous service for regular appointment employees.

For consideration, applicants must submit a resume and a comprehensive cover letter addressing the minimum and desired qualifications. Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China, Iran, North Korea, and the Russian Federation who are not Lawful Permanent Residents are prohibited from accessing facilities supporting national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities.