Job DescriptionMission Support and Test Services (MSTS) is seeking an accomplished research and engineering executive to lead its Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) in Santa Barbara, CA. This nationally recognized laboratory develops innovative technologies and scientific capabilities that strengthen U.S. national security by advancing experimental and applied physics, advanced sensing, hardware and software engineering, chemistry and spectroscopy, cyber-physical systems, and data-driven analytics.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Global Security, the Director will provide strategic, technical, operational, and fiscal leadership for a multidisciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, technicians, and managers delivering mission-critical capabilities for government sponsors while supporting the Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS).
The successful candidate will shape the laboratory's long-term technical vision, cultivate enduring relationships with government sponsors, build and mentor exceptional technical teams, and oversee the successful execution and continued growth of a diverse portfolio of advanced research and development programs.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership - Establish and execute the long-term strategic vision for the STL, aligning research investments with MSTS, Global Security, and national security priorities.
- Lead a multidisciplinary laboratory with responsibility for a research portfolio exceeding $35 million, ensuring outstanding technical execution while positioning the organization for sustained growth.
- Develop long-range organizational goals and strategies that strengthen the laboratory's scientific capabilities, workforce, and national reputation.
- Serve as the senior MSTS representative for the STL, providing executive leadership for site operations and organizational performance.
- Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on matters affecting laboratory operations, scientific direction, customer relationships, and business performance.
Research & Technical Leadership - Guide research spanning experimental and applied physics, advanced sensing and novel detection technologies, chemistry and spectroscopy, cyber-physical systems, embedded hardware and software, systems engineering, cyber security, and emerging scientific disciplines.
- Foster an environment that encourages scientific innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the rapid transition of research into operational capabilities.
- Evaluate technical, operational, and organizational risks and implement strategies to mitigate them while maintaining program success.
- Promote technical excellence through continuous improvement, organizational learning, and rigorous scientific standards.
Government Sponsor Engagement & Business Growth - Develop and maintain trusted partnerships with government sponsors, serving as the primary executive interface for laboratory activities.
- Collaborate closely with Mission Development and Global Security leadership to identify emerging mission needs, expand the laboratory's research portfolio, and pursue new business opportunities.
- Support enterprise-wide growth initiatives that extend beyond the laboratory and strengthen MSTS's position across the national security community.
- Represent MSTS and the Nevada National Security Sites with government agencies, national laboratories, industry partners, and other external organizations.
- Strengthen collaboration across Global Security divisions to develop integrated, multidisciplinary solutions for complex national security challenges.
Organizational & People Leadership - Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing workforce of scientists, engineers, technicians, and technical managers.
- Develop and implement strategic workforce planning, including recruiting, succession planning, employee development, and long-term talent retention.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, mentorship, and continuous professional development.
- Ensure leaders throughout the organization actively mentor employees and cultivate future technical and organizational leaders.
- Promote open communication and employee engagement, creating an environment where individuals are empowered to contribute ideas, raise concerns, and help shape organizational success.
Operational & Financial Leadership - Provide executive oversight of laboratory operations, ensuring successful execution of programs with respect to cost, schedule, technical performance, and mission objectives.
- Direct management of laboratory budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation while implementing strategies that optimize operational effectiveness and fiscal stewardship.
- Establish management policies and governance that enable subordinate leaders to operate effectively while maintaining accountability for organizational outcomes.
- Balance operational excellence with innovation while managing the inherent risks associated with a multi-mission, multi-facility national security research organization.
- Champion a culture that prioritizes safety, security, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.
Qualifications- Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, or another relevant STEM discipline is required. A Ph.D. is highly desirable. Equivalent combinations of education and progressively responsible technical leadership experience will also be considered.
- Twenty (20) or more years of progressive leadership experience managing large-scale technical organizations within complex, highly regulated environments such as DOE, NNSA, DoD, Intelligence Community, aerospace, or defense.
- Must be present at the Santa Barbara location (STL), and willing to reside on the Central Coast of California, within commuting distance to the Laboratory.
- Travel of up to 25% is required, including support activities at the Nevada National Security Site and collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and other government facilities.
- Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary organizations composed of scientists, engineers, and other highly technical professionals.
- Broad understanding of research disciplines including experimental physics, nonproliferation technologies, advanced sensing, hardware and software engineering, systems engineering, cyber security, and related scientific fields.
- Demonstrated ability to establish technical credibility while communicating effectively with subject matter experts across diverse disciplines.
- Executive presence with the ability to communicate complex scientific and technical concepts to senior government officials, executive leadership, sponsors, and external stakeholders.
- Experience developing strong customer relationships and supporting business growth within government-sponsored research environments.
- Leadership style characterized by integrity, humility, active listening, collaboration, accountability, and a demonstrated commitment to employee development.
- The primary work location will be at the Special Technologies Lab in Santa Barbara, CA.
- Work schedule will be 4/10s Monday through Thursday (subject to change).
- Pre-placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
Annual salary range for this position is:
$221,540.80 - $365,539.20.Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate education and experience and internal equity.
