Senior/Principal Information Systems Engineering Project Manager - Nuclear Detonation Detection, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas.

About the role

We are seeking an Information Systems Engineering Project Manager to develop operational monitoring systems in support of the US and International nuclear monitoring and non-proliferation mission, with a focus on the US Nuclear Detonation (NuDet) Detection System (USNDS) and other ground systems. The role involves software feature development, machine learning, analytics, algorithm development, and data analysis. Responsibilities include systems engineering, architecture, and project management of large, complex software systems.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Responsibilities

• Use information systems engineering expertise to plan, lead, and direct the execution of technical information systems engineering projects through the entire system’s lifecycle (requirements, analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, operations, retirement).
• Act as the principal project interface with the Program Office, system-level partners, external customers, suppliers, team members, and management to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet technical requirements.
• Provide leadership with work breakdown and cost estimates, execution status, and risk mitigation activities.
• Negotiate and verify deliverables with stakeholders—external, internal, and across functional organizations.
• Support subsystem teams with requirements engineering, system architecture and design, system integration, system testing, test data analysis, requirements verification, system performance characterization, system performance reporting, documentation, process improvements, and deliverables associated with each major programmatic milestone.
• Provide leadership and tactical planning for the execution of projects by applying technical information systems domain knowledge to identify task dependencies, make technical decisions, and achieve project objectives and deliverables.
• Manage changes in project scope using change management: identify potential risks and issues; develop, execute, and sustain risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans; and provide recommendations.
• Develop and deliver status reporting, decision documents, and presentations.
• Manage quality initiatives, conduct lessons learned engagements, enable continuous performance improvement activities using defect prevention principles and methodologies, and recommend process improvements.
• Support retention of external certification (AS9100D) of the quality management system.
• Develop and manage performance metrics; conduct data analysis to evaluate end-to-end processes, trends, and quality improvement initiatives; and report on performance results.
• Contribute to strategic planning activities and facilitate management reviews.
• Ensure operations for and continuous improvement of document control and records management processes.
• Facilitate the onboarding of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams during rapid growth periods supporting new acquisition projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field such as System Engineering, Management of Information Systems, or Computer Science, plus 5 years of related experience; OR an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant technical field plus one year of related experience.
• Background includes experience in the following areas:
  • Full product development lifecycle: requirements, analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, operations, reporting, and retirement.
  • Expertise in performance-based and/or quality assurance systems.
  • Proficiency and knowledge in processes, tools, and applications commonly used in information systems development, project management, and operations.
  • Use of Hybrid/Agile software development methodologies and Agile tools (e.g., Rally, Jira, GitLab).
  • Standard information systems frameworks such as ITIL, CMMI, and RUP, and methodologies such as Agile, iterative, spiral, and waterfall, in managing and tracking the execution of projects.
  • Technical knowledge of the project’s information systems domain (e.g., software engineering, system administration, network engineering, information assurance).
  • Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to develop and articulate a strategic plan and successfully implement it to deliver desired results.
  • Ability to make decisions requiring information systems engineering judgment.
  • Reporting and briefing to external and internal stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated teaming skills, including the ability to develop and nurture effective relationships, work effectively with other organizations, functions, project sponsors, customers, and suppliers.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure and changing environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of systems engineering development tools, techniques, and management.
• Ability to partner with team members and technically direct the efforts of a cross-disciplinary team.
• Experience with large, multi-organizational, multi-discipline projects with emphasis on satellite or other aerospace systems.
• Experience in design development, production, and operation of satellite ground systems.
• Familiarity with ground systems, development, and operations.
• Experience with Linux systems and environment.
• Desire to understand the system as a whole and anticipate system interactions.
• Passion for mission function and performance.
• Experience in auditing and assessing processes and systems (AS9100D).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments with a dynamic team.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify creative solutions.
• Certified ScrumMaster and/or Certified Scrum Product Owner.
• Project Management Institute (PMI) certification.
• Earned Value experience.
• Active DOE clearance.

Benefits

• Challenging work with impact contributing to security, peace, and freedom worldwide.
• Extraordinary co-workers and some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities.
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions, including:
  • 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off).
  • 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).
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance.

These benefits vary by job classification.

Pay

Salary range is estimated at $102,400 - $199,700. Actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship, your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.