R&D Manager - Data Science and Analytics, Hybrid

About the Role

We are seeking a Level 1 Manager to lead a diverse R&D department developing state-of-the-art capabilities in AI and machine learning, data science, large-scale data analytics, and visualization. This department advances foundational and applied research while delivering impactful solutions for Sandia's national security missions.

Are you passionate about leading high-performing technical teams, shaping strategic research directions, collaborating with authorities across government, industry, and academia, and developing the next generation of experts in AI-enabled data science and analytics? If so, this role offers an opportunity to guide a dynamic team at the intersection of emerging technology, mission impact, and scientific discovery.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of researchers, data scientists, software developers, and technical staff working in AI/ML, data science, large-scale analytics, and visualization.
• Partner with staff, peer managers, senior leaders, university collaborators, industry partners, and government sponsors to deliver on current commitments and identify future opportunities.
• Shape the department's technical vision and strategic direction, guiding the development of innovative capabilities that advance both open research and mission-driven applications.
• Collaborate as an integral member of the Center 1400 management team to develop, communicate, and execute organizational strategy.
• Maintain and grow a strong open research foundation while connecting research outcomes to Sandia's mission needs.
• Oversee day-to-day department management activities, including work planning, performance management, resource allocation, hiring, staff development, and operational execution.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and retain exceptional staff while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment.
• Build and maintain relationships with sponsors and stakeholders to align department capabilities with current and emerging mission priorities.
• Promote technical excellence, responsible AI practices, innovation, and mission impact across the department's research portfolio.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and eight (8) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
• Q security clearance to start and ability to obtain a SCI clearance.
• U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications We Desire

• Two or more years of demonstrated leadership experience.
• A graduate degree in science or engineering (MS or Ph.D.).
• Outstanding interpersonal skills in developing trusting relationships with peers, staff, management, customers, and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in the development and delivery of presentations, proposals, reports, and documentation.
• A strong commitment to staff development, mentoring, inclusion, and team health.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams or complex cross-organizational projects.
• Ability to develop and communicate technical strategy.
• Knowledge of machine learning, artificial intelligence, graph and data analytics, statistics, as well as complementary areas (e.g., high-performance computing architectures, neuromorphic computing).
• Ability to build trusted relationships with sponsors, collaborators, and stakeholders.
• Good communication skills as evidenced by a record of publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and external presentations at scientific conferences.
• Expertise, experience, and relationships in one or more of the relevant mission domains or customer/stakeholder communities (Nuclear Deterrence, National Security Programs, and Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation).
• Experience with recruiting, hiring, and mentoring staff members.
• Experience leading or contributing to complex software projects with dual mission/open use.

About Our Team

The Machine Intelligence Department (1462) conducts fundamental and applied research and development in the areas of machine learning, artificial intelligence, large-scale data analytics, and visualization. The department is part of the Enhanced Decision Making group, which seeks to bring together multiple disciplines including AI credibility, scalable AI models and infrastructure, scientific visualization, discrete mathematics, optimization, scalable high-performance computing algorithms, and computer science to inform high-consequence decision-making.

Pay

Salary range is estimated at $163,700 - $278,000. Actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Benefits

• Generous vacation and strong medical benefits.
• Competitive 401k.
• Learning opportunities and relocation assistance.
• Amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance.
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home).

Benefits vary by job classification.

Security Clearance

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance and SCI access, both of which require U.S. citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct, or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.