Group Leader (R&D Manager 4)

About the Role

The Materials Science and Technology Division (MST-DO) has two Group Leader openings in MST-14 (Plutonium Materials Performance Group) and MST-15 (Plutonium Microstructure and Mechanics Group). The Group Leaders will lead tactical execution and strategic planning, ensuring mission needs and programmatic deliverables are met. Responsibilities include maintaining and growing capabilities for plutonium R&D initiatives supporting science and manufacturing, working closely with Deputy Group Leaders and MST Division management.

MST-14: Plutonium Materials Performance Group

Lead a key materials science organization focused on applied and fundamental plutonium science to support nuclear weapons programs and national security missions. Core areas include Materials Properties, Surface Science, and Gas & Corrosion Science for programs such as Plutonium Modernization and Production, Pit Surveillance, Office of Experimental Sciences, Engineering & Technology Maturation, and LDRD.

MST-15: Plutonium Microstructure and Mechanics Group

Lead a key materials science organization focused on materials characterization and applied/fundamental plutonium science. Core areas include Metallurgy, Electron Microscopy, and Dynamic & Mechanical Properties of plutonium for programs such as Plutonium Modernization and Production, Pit Surveillance, Office of Experimental Sciences, Engineering & Technology Maturation, and LDRD.

Responsibilities

• Support excellence in technical program execution, including high-quality scientific research and completion of program/project deliverables.
• Maintain employee teambuilding and mentoring to enhance capability development for plutonium R&D and manufacturing.
• Develop the team while preserving interpersonal relationships.
• Support stewardship of the Group's funding base and business management.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with programmatic and line organizations within LANL and across the DOE complex, particularly with Weapons Production, Weapons Engineering, and Weapons Physics programs.
• Ensure adherence to Conduct of Operations, maintaining safe, secure, and ethical work practices while adapting to new challenges.

Requirements

• Experience in a management position with demonstrated scientific and organizational leadership, including forming, organizing, and leading scientific projects, teams, or personnel.
• Record of successful research or expertise in a scientific field relevant to the Group's core areas (e.g., plutonium metallurgy, microstructure, electron microscopy, mechanical/dynamic properties, materials properties, surface/gas/corrosion science).
• Experience building and leading teams, mentoring, motivating employees, and resolving conflicts across organizational levels.
• Working knowledge of operational rigor for safe, secure, and regulatory-compliant operations in a Nuclear Facility.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels, particularly in cross-organizational collaboration.
• First-rate decision-making and creative problem-solving skills, with adaptability to changing tactical drivers, regulations, and work conditions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance (U.S. citizenship typically required).

Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 8 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An advanced degree in science or engineering is preferred.

DOE Order 426.2 requires a Bachelor of Science in engineering or related science and 4 years of nuclear experience. Education or job-related experience may substitute for nuclear experience on a case-by-case basis. The degree may fulfill 3 of the 4 years of nuclear experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Active "Q" clearance.
• Experience in both R&D and manufacturing environments.
• Involvement in Pit Manufacturing, Experimental Sciences, Pit Surveillance, LDRD research, or other weapons R&D projects.
• Familiarity with compliance and regulatory requirements for nuclear facilities.

Work Location

The position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position Commitment

Regular appointment employees must serve a continuous service period of 1 year in their current position to be eligible for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory.

Benefits

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

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a new-employment drug test; random drug testing is ongoing. Federal law prohibits marijuana use, even in states where it is legal.
• Subject to DOE Human Reliability Program requirements, including ongoing drug/alcohol testing and periodic medical/psychological evaluations.
• Position is eligible for the Triad Incentive Compensation Program after 3 months in an eligible role.