Solid State Pulsed Power Technical Lead

LLNL$272K — $346K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to secure a DOE Q level security clearance required.
  • Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, or related area, or equivalent experience needed.
  • Expertise in accelerator systems, pulsed power electronics, or high-voltage systems required.
  • Extensive project management experience for complex technical projects, particularly in R&D.
  • Experience with formal engineering design reviews essential.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary project teams across institutions.
  • Strong communication skills and experience interacting with senior management and external sponsors.

Responsibilities

  • Make key technical decisions regarding $100M in procurements for the SSPP L3 subsystem.
  • Provide leadership and direction in complex procurements and commissioning experiments.
  • Oversee delivery of SSPP local controls and global timing systems integration.
  • Apply systems engineering principles to manage a $200M+ project scope effectively.
  • Mentor resources and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet project goals.
  • Regularly communicate project status to senior personnel and provide briefings as needed.
  • Manage quality assurance practices for all deliverables, including hardware and software builds.

Benefits

  • Career indefinite position with opportunities for advancement.
  • Collaborative work environment with renowned laboratories.
  • Significant travel opportunities for project management and execution in Nevada and New Mexico.
  • Involvement in high-impact projects supporting national security and advanced technology development.
Full Job Description
Job Description

We have an opening for a Solid State Pulsed Power (SSPP) Technical Lead supporting the LLNL Advanced Sources and Detectors (ASD) Scorpius team of the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate. You will be responsible for technical scope and recommendations regarding the SSPP level 3 (L3) subsystem of ASD Scorpius, the main L3 subsystem on which LLNL is the leading laboratory. ASD Scorpius is a Major Item of Equipment (MIE) being procured and built on behalf of the Department of Energy (DOE) through a collaboration of 3 laboratories and one site which are part of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). You will interface regularly with the technical leads of other ASD Scorpius L3 subsystems from multiple laboratories, the LLNL ASD team, and the Los Alamos project office, to coordinate activities, procurements, and knowledge transfer across sites. You will be responsible for technical recommendations and quality of the delivery of your assigned L3 subsystem. Significant travel to the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) and project participant laboratories is required for effective integration and project oversight. This position administratively reports to the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will
  • Be the primary decision-maker and technical evaluator of >$100M in procurements in support of the SSPP L3 subsystem and associated in house tasks/labor. Partner with control account managers (CAMs) to set technical strategies and priorities, establish and maintain subsystem objectives, requirements, scope, schedule, and budget, integrating plans from multiple participating institutions including Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). qq
  • Provide advanced technical direction and project leadership to team members in the execution of work scope with a focus on defining, developing, and executing complex procurements and commissioning experiments which involve hardware fabrication, testing, qualification, deployment, and integration with other subsystems.
  • Provide advanced technical direction and supervision for the delivery of solid state pulsed power (SSPP) local controls and the global timing system for ASD Scorpius, along with integration into NNSS-owned Global Controls.
  • Apply advanced systems engineering and project management principles to $200M+ of highly complex scope in a graded manner to balance resources with identified risk.
  • Mentor assigned resources across institutions and collaborate with teams of scientists, engineers, designers, technicians, coordinators, and procurement personnel to achieve project goals and shape technical capability across the program.
  • Communicate project status regularly to the LLNL Senior Team Lead (STL), the LANL project office, specifically the Technical Director, as well as the LANL Project Director, the Project Manager, and the Federal Project Director. Provide briefings as requested.
  • Travel frequently for project management of multi-laboratory teams and experiment execution in Nevada and New Mexico as needed.
  • Maintain and ensure quality standards for deliverables which includes overseeing quality assurance/ quality control team for procurements and in-house hardware and software builds.
  • Provide general management and personal commitment to the goals of Integrated Safety Management and in, compliance with all ES&H regulations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Qualifications
  • Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
  • Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, or related area, or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following disciplines: accelerator systems, pulsed power electronics, or high-voltage systems, including design, fabrication, and testing.
  • Extensive experience and knowledge in project management of complex, technical projects (especially R&D) including organizing, managing, and tracking scope, schedule, and budget and assessing and managing project risk.
  • Substantial experience in formal engineering design review processes.
  • Extensive experience developing and implementing creative solutions to a diverse range of complex problems and leading corrective actions where necessary.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively develop, lead and manage a multi-disciplinary project team of engineers, scientists, designers, technicians, and coordinators across multiple institutions.
  • Extensive experience interacting and cooperating with all levels of management, including external project sponsors.
  • Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present, explain, influence, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors, including policy makers, external customers/sponsors, and a broader community of experts.
  • Ability to travel for effective integration and project oversight.

Qualifications We Desire
  • PhD in engineering, physical science, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Knowledge of project management, personnel management, and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) and DOE Order 413.3b.
  • Experience fielding experiments and or collaborating with teams from NNSS, Nevada Nuclear Security Site.
  • Knowledge of LLNL financial systems.
  • Experience establishing integrated safety management via work control processes at LLNL.
  • Certification as a Project Management Professional.

Pay Range

$272,970 - $346,140 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

About LLNL

LLNL Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join the distinguished team at LLNL—the forefront of scientific research and innovation.

Opportunities Await

LLNL offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and innovation. Join a team where science and technology pave the way for significant contributions in global security and scientific advancement.

Embark on a Career of Innovation

At LLNL, every position contributes to a culture of innovation, leadership, and diversity. The company is committed to transforming challenges into technological triumphs through the collective expertise of its team. LLNL stands as a beacon of scientific and engineering excellence, driving forward with cutting-edge research and development.

Professional Growth and Development

LLNL is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees, offering unmatched benefits, career development programs, and diversity training. The team at LLNL thrives in an environment that values knowledge-sharing and continuous learning, supported by comprehensive leadership programs.

Internship Programs

Start with an internship at LLNL and step into a world of potential. These positions are designed to harness academic knowledge and apply it in real-world scenarios, providing a robust foundation for future career endeavors in various scientific and administrative fields.

Join a Diverse and Inclusive Team

LLNL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company believes in harnessing the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and solve complex problems. Employment at LLNL means being part of a team that values each member's unique skills and backgrounds.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking at LLNL opens doors to expansive career trajectories in numerous disciplines. Employees are encouraged to connect with leaders and peers within and beyond their immediate teams to explore new ideas and career paths.

How to Apply

Discover the array of job opportunities at LLNL by searching available positions that match your skills and interests. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and prepare for an interview that could lead to a rewarding career at one of the most prestigious labs in the world.

Stay Informed

Keep up to date with the latest from LLNL careers by subscribing to job alert emails. Receive personalized updates that align with your career preferences and learn about new job openings, company news, and professional insights directly from the team at LLNL.

Explore LLNL Jobs

Whether looking for a role in scientific research, engineering, or support services, LLNL offers a dynamic and supportive environment to start or advance your career. Join LLNL and contribute to a team that’s reshaping the future of science and technology.

Connect with LLNL Careers

Stay connected with LLNL through various channels to learn more about the company culture, upcoming networking events, and new job opportunities. Engage with a community that’s passionate about growth, innovation, and leadership in science.

APPLY TO LLNL JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

JOB ALERT EMAILS

Embark on a journey of professional discovery and innovation at LLNL, where every career is a pathway to making a substantial impact.
Learn more about LLNL

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at LLNL

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Solid State Pulsed Power Technical Lead jobs: