Space Systems Assurance & Modernization Group Leader (R&D Manager 4) - Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM
About the Job
What You Will Do
The Space Systems Assurance & Modernization (ISR-7) Group is seeking an experienced and innovative R&D Manager to join our highly collaborative leadership team! ISR Division designs, builds, delivers, and exploits innovative ground- and space-based measurement systems and provides unique analysis and interpretation of data from these systems. We succeed through cohesive, interdisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, technical project managers, scientists, technologists, and project controllers working within a highly creative and dynamic R&D environment. Our projects range from cutting edge scientific explorations expanding our knowledge of the universe, to ensuring national and global security. ISR's 400+ instruments fly on over 200 satellites, including numerous NASA missions like Mars Odyssey, Van Allen Probes, IBEX, IMAP, and the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on Mars.
With around 40 staff members, the ISR-7 Space Systems Assurance & Modernization Group has been newly formed out of significant growth within ISR-5 Space Instrument Realization. The new group remains tightly integrated with our sister group while emphasizing disciplines related to quality and mission assurance. These technical functions and staff work in close collaboration with other groups in ISR Division and across the Laboratory; this close partnership continues through this organizational change.
The ISR-7 group leader will provide both leadership and management for the technical work performed in ISR-7 and will serve as a highly collaborative team member of ISR Division leadership. The group leader will be responsible for the strategic direction and identification of new opportunities and collaborations; development and maintenance of technical capabilities and a resource for professional expertise; mentoring, coaching, and building effective teams; and interacting with project leaders on resources and schedules to ensure delivery of high-quality products and services on time and within budget.
The group leader will provide administrative and operational support of staff and facilities critical to development and production of space systems; risk evaluation and management (technical, programmatic, and organizational); the environment, safety, security, and health envelope of the workplace, including incorporating Human Performance Improvement principles and Safe Conduct of Research Principles; hiring and onboarding processes of new staff; performance assessments and salary management; strategic workforce planning and development, including providing growth opportunities and ensuring recognition of individuals and teams; evaluating and reporting of financial status and forecast of personnel on projects; development and support of group facilities and infrastructure; and traveling in support of recruiting, workforce development, and customer/ partner engagement.
The ISR-7 group leader will be tasked with championing best practices in project management, production engineering, quality assurance, and systems engineering in development of space and remote sensing systems. The ideal candidate will be ready for the challenges of managing complex interfaces with multiple projects and stakeholders, balancing the needs of those projects with the principles of mission assurance best suited to delivering critical space hardware. This will require determination and patience, exceptional communication, and extraordinary collaboration and teaming skills
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Leadership
Proven ability (e.g., through management, program, or project leadership experience) to lead a workforce with diverse skillsets and expertise through a complex technical risk landscape, including handling competing or conflicting priorities and navigating highly constrained funding and schedule environments. Ability to develop and sustain a creative, entrepreneurial work environment in which innovation and continuous learning are essential for solving difficult, exciting challenges in science and national security.
Management
Demonstrated record of successful management of an R&D enterprise or organizational group that includes experience in management of fiscal, human, and material resources; effective conflict resolution; performance and salary management; coordinating with other organizations to achieve common objectives; recruitment and retention of a specialized workforce; and organization of workflow in a complex technical environment.
Technical Knowledge
Demonstrated scientific, engineering, and/or advanced technical knowledge of and accomplishments in one or more areas relevant to ISR-7's core capabilities: quality assurance, systems engineering, production engineering, and technical project management. To support collaboration with ISR-5, experience in mechanical design and analysis; mechanical fabrication and assembly; electronics layout, fabrication, and assembly; integration and testing; and environmental testing is also highly valued.
Teaming & Communication
Proven ability to work and interact effectively in a dynamic team environment; to build and lead cross-organizational collaborations and teams; and to motivate staff through common goals and objectives. Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to engage with technical and non-technical audiences through effective presentations and conversations. Strong active listening skills are required for this position
Workforce Development
Demonstrated ability to foster a positive work culture, create opportunities and challenges for technical and support staff, and advance their knowledge and skills - on both an individual and team level. Demonstrated experience and skill as a mentor and coach.
Building Tomorrow's Workforce
Demonstrated ability to attract and retain top talent spanning multiple disciplines to address compelling and urgent scientific and global security challenges of today and tomorrow. Demonstrated record of fostering a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that values diverse experiences and perspectives to drive highly creative solutions to complex problems.
Safety and Security
Demonstrated success in improving the safety, security, environment, and health envelope of a team workplace, such as through implementing Human Performance Improvement (HPI) and/or Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles.
Education/Experience: Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
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.
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.
Note to Applicants: For full consideration, applications should submit a cover letter addressing how their knowledge, skills and abilities meet the minimum requirements with a resume.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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:
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 (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 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 race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
The Space Systems Assurance & Modernization (ISR-7) Group is seeking an experienced and innovative R&D Manager to join our highly collaborative leadership team! ISR Division designs, builds, delivers, and exploits innovative ground- and space-based measurement systems and provides unique analysis and interpretation of data from these systems. We succeed through cohesive, interdisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, technical project managers, scientists, technologists, and project controllers working within a highly creative and dynamic R&D environment. Our projects range from cutting edge scientific explorations expanding our knowledge of the universe, to ensuring national and global security. ISR's 400+ instruments fly on over 200 satellites, including numerous NASA missions like Mars Odyssey, Van Allen Probes, IBEX, IMAP, and the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on Mars.
With around 40 staff members, the ISR-7 Space Systems Assurance & Modernization Group has been newly formed out of significant growth within ISR-5 Space Instrument Realization. The new group remains tightly integrated with our sister group while emphasizing disciplines related to quality and mission assurance. These technical functions and staff work in close collaboration with other groups in ISR Division and across the Laboratory; this close partnership continues through this organizational change.
The ISR-7 group leader will provide both leadership and management for the technical work performed in ISR-7 and will serve as a highly collaborative team member of ISR Division leadership. The group leader will be responsible for the strategic direction and identification of new opportunities and collaborations; development and maintenance of technical capabilities and a resource for professional expertise; mentoring, coaching, and building effective teams; and interacting with project leaders on resources and schedules to ensure delivery of high-quality products and services on time and within budget.
The group leader will provide administrative and operational support of staff and facilities critical to development and production of space systems; risk evaluation and management (technical, programmatic, and organizational); the environment, safety, security, and health envelope of the workplace, including incorporating Human Performance Improvement principles and Safe Conduct of Research Principles; hiring and onboarding processes of new staff; performance assessments and salary management; strategic workforce planning and development, including providing growth opportunities and ensuring recognition of individuals and teams; evaluating and reporting of financial status and forecast of personnel on projects; development and support of group facilities and infrastructure; and traveling in support of recruiting, workforce development, and customer/ partner engagement.
The ISR-7 group leader will be tasked with championing best practices in project management, production engineering, quality assurance, and systems engineering in development of space and remote sensing systems. The ideal candidate will be ready for the challenges of managing complex interfaces with multiple projects and stakeholders, balancing the needs of those projects with the principles of mission assurance best suited to delivering critical space hardware. This will require determination and patience, exceptional communication, and extraordinary collaboration and teaming skills
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Leadership
Proven ability (e.g., through management, program, or project leadership experience) to lead a workforce with diverse skillsets and expertise through a complex technical risk landscape, including handling competing or conflicting priorities and navigating highly constrained funding and schedule environments. Ability to develop and sustain a creative, entrepreneurial work environment in which innovation and continuous learning are essential for solving difficult, exciting challenges in science and national security.
Management
Demonstrated record of successful management of an R&D enterprise or organizational group that includes experience in management of fiscal, human, and material resources; effective conflict resolution; performance and salary management; coordinating with other organizations to achieve common objectives; recruitment and retention of a specialized workforce; and organization of workflow in a complex technical environment.
Technical Knowledge
Demonstrated scientific, engineering, and/or advanced technical knowledge of and accomplishments in one or more areas relevant to ISR-7's core capabilities: quality assurance, systems engineering, production engineering, and technical project management. To support collaboration with ISR-5, experience in mechanical design and analysis; mechanical fabrication and assembly; electronics layout, fabrication, and assembly; integration and testing; and environmental testing is also highly valued.
Teaming & Communication
Proven ability to work and interact effectively in a dynamic team environment; to build and lead cross-organizational collaborations and teams; and to motivate staff through common goals and objectives. Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to engage with technical and non-technical audiences through effective presentations and conversations. Strong active listening skills are required for this position
Workforce Development
Demonstrated ability to foster a positive work culture, create opportunities and challenges for technical and support staff, and advance their knowledge and skills - on both an individual and team level. Demonstrated experience and skill as a mentor and coach.
Building Tomorrow's Workforce
Demonstrated ability to attract and retain top talent spanning multiple disciplines to address compelling and urgent scientific and global security challenges of today and tomorrow. Demonstrated record of fostering a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that values diverse experiences and perspectives to drive highly creative solutions to complex problems.
Safety and Security
Demonstrated success in improving the safety, security, environment, and health envelope of a team workplace, such as through implementing Human Performance Improvement (HPI) and/or Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles.
Education/Experience: Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Strong record of technical accomplishments and leadership in areas directly relevant to ISR-7 capabilities or application areas described above, especially in quality assurance, production engineering, project management, and systems engineering
- Experience designing, building, testing, and/or delivering hardware for space applications
- Demonstrated experience in operational support activities (examples: serving on management assessment teams, WESST, safety or security assessment teams, etc.) or technical leadership activities (examples: LDRD review teams, technical assessments, etc.)
- Familiarity with LANL operational and administrative policies and procedures
- Formal leadership and management training
- Working knowledge of DOE/NNSA, DoD, NASA, and other government agencies dealing with verification and detection programs
- Demonstrated experience in successful use of project controls for anticipating, identifying, and managing technical and program risk of complex projects.
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.
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.
Note to Applicants: For full consideration, applications should submit a cover letter addressing how their knowledge, skills and abilities meet the minimum requirements with a resume.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 maternity and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)
- 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 (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 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 race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
Source : Los Alamos National Laboratory