DemVal Mission Project Leader (Science/Engineering Project Leader 4)

What You Will Do

A technically and programmatically experienced Project Leader is sought to lead the first Demonstration and Validation (DemVal) Mission within the Space Monitoring Program (SMP). The SMP primary objective is to develop technologies and capabilities to distinguish between military and civilian use of nuclear activities in space. The DemVal Mission, Project Lodestar, consists of a suite of radiation detector instruments to support the technology maturation of SMP and to enhance the LANL and broader DOE-NNSA roadmap. Project Lodestar spans all groups within the Intelligence & Space Research (ISR) Division as well as other divisions, program offices, and external sponsors and customers. The Project Leader is responsible for the successful delivery of the proposed payload with the highest possible quality, reliability, and technical rigor within a rigid cost, tight schedule, and satellite resource constraints. This is a high-visibility, mission-critical position leading LANL's inaugural SMP DemVal mission. You'll shape the future of space monitoring technology and build the foundation for sustained R&D in space nuclear activity monitoring.

As an SEPL 4, the selected candidate will serve as Project Leader for the first SMP DemVal Mission that serves as a building block to engender long-term sustained R&D in space monitoring technologies. The annual budget is in the $2.5-3M range/year for FY26 through FY28 delivery, supporting dozens of staff working on a diverse set of tasks that encompass all phases of the satellite payload lifecycle from design and development, through integration, testing, calibration, commissioning, and support for post-launch analysis. Future major milestones include delivery, post-delivery support, commissioning, and planning for the second-iteration DemVal mission; and engagement with SMP's other major thrust areas including the Modeling & Simulation effort, Detector & Material Response Library, and Signatures Library. Job duties will include:

• Implementation and oversight of rigorous management for the project; track, forecast, and report progress on routine basis; and use project controls to identify and mitigate project risk related to cost, scope, and schedule.
• Partner with line management to identify, forecast, and commit project staffing, facilities, and other resources as needed.
• Develop, track, actively manage, and report to line and program management on a routine basis project level risks while assisting in the tracking and managing of program level risks.
• Provide overall project direction and leadership, maintaining high-level cognizance of all activities. Team with lead engineers and scientists to ensure proper execution, delivery and quality of work within the rigid cost, scope, and schedule constraints of the project.
• Foster a mutually respectful work environment; establishes transparency and collaboration as a foundation for success; encourages and supports continuous learning; and tolerates failure as a learning tool.
• Provide mentorship and opportunity for junior staff to enhance workforce development for SMP, ISR division, and LANL.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Proven success as project leader, principal investigator, or task leader on projects with defined cost, scope, and schedule and demonstrated experience in managing large and diverse technical teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of project management standards, tools and techniques. Demonstrated application of these skills for delivery on rapid development project structures.
• Expertise and experience in one or more of the following disciplines: space science and applications; engineering for extreme environments; development and deployment of space instrumentation; space systems engineering; Special Nuclear Material detection; detection systems for neutrons, gamma-rays, and/or energetic particles[MW1.1].
• Strong interpersonal skills relative to teaming, conflict resolution, and creative problem solving, including the ability to lead and influence within the context of internal and external collaborations.
• Exceptionally strong verbal and written communication skills with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• Clearance: Active Q-clearance required. SCI-clearance or the ability to acquire is also required.

Education/Experience: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field, from an accredited institution and 12 years directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, an advanced degree is typically expected.

Desired Qualifications:

• Active SCI-clearance.
• Substantial project leadership experience on projects with significant space hardware deliverables.
• Understanding of SMP needs both near- and long-term.
• Demonstrated experience working across multiple DOE-NNSA laboratories in a collaborative environment.
• Knowledge and experience in implementation of Human Performance Improvement and SCoR principles.
• Knowledge and experience in the proclivities of external stakeholders within the DoD/IC [MW2.1]complex.

Note to Applicants:

This position is predominantly focused on project execution at LANL but requires some domestic travel in support of payload integration, technical interchanges, and program reviews.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical movement between buildings located primarily within a half-mile radius, which may include movement across uneven and/or inclined ground.
• Physical movement within large interior facility spaces and corridors, which may require travel up and down stairs.
• Direct interaction with hardware, equipment, and instruments in office and laboratory environments.

Work Environment:

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

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same 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

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q/SCI (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [email protected] or call (505)-664-6947.