Department Director, Advanced Propulsion and Power

At Argonne National Laboratory, we work in support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission to ensure America’s security and prosperity by pursuing its energy, environmental, and economic opportunities and addressing challenges through transformative science and technology (S&T) solutions. The Transportation and Power Systems (TAPS) division at Argonne envisions a future of efficient mobility and energy conversion, fueled by abundant, affordable resources.

Using the laboratory’s world‑class scientific and engineering expertise and facilities, the TAPS team collaborates with internal and external partners to advance innovative experimental, computational, and analytical research and develop a highly skilled workforce in transportation and power systems.

Within TAPS, the Advanced Propulsion and Power (APP) department leads world‑class research to accelerate technology development for key industrial sectors including rail, marine, aviation, heavy industry, buildings, and on‑road transport by developing and transferring data, knowledge and tools to industry. Collaborating closely with public and private organizations, the APP team performs cutting‑edge CFD and experimental research and leverages capabilities unique in the national laboratory complex such as the Advanced Photon Source and Leadership Computing resources to further technology development and refine computational models.

As the Director of the APP department, you will play a pivotal role overseeing multiple research groups, ensuring alignment with division, directorate, and laboratory strategies. As a member of the TAPS leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and implementing departmental strategies in close collaboration with relevant program directors and your peers in the Advanced Mobility and Charging Technologies, Strategic Transportation Education and Partnerships, and Vehicle and Mobility Systems departments.

Argonne embraces a hybrid work environment where employees may be permitted to work voluntarily off‑site during regularly scheduled work hours.

• Develop and implement the strategic direction for the APP department in alignment with division goals and program priorities.
• Lead a multidisciplinary R&D department with expertise in combustion and fuel cells providing scientific and technical leadership to group managers and principal investigators.
• Support group managers and principal investigators with scope, budget, and schedule for new projects based on matching expertise and capabilities to research needs and project opportunities.
• Ensure high‑quality research outputs and compliance with laboratory policies.
• Promote active collaboration and open communication with other TAPS departments and stakeholders across the lab to pursue joint opportunities and initiatives.
• Lead departmental initiatives for staff development and recruitment.
• Manage current and new research partnerships for the department.
• Model and promote Argonne’s core values.

• Degree in technical discipline or related research field with a minimum of 10 years of experience in research and development or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in related activities. Bachelor’s and 15+years, Master’s and 12+years, or Doctorate and 10+ years.
• Experience leading and managing a team of people.
• Demonstrated experience performing computational or experimental engine or power systems research and conceiving, developing, and deploying advanced technologies.
• Successful experience in the management or integration of research programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams in applied R&D.
• Track record of strategic technology road‑mapping and implementation.
• Knowledge of advanced and emerging vehicle technologies across modes.
• Proven project management experience.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a passion for innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical reports, journal articles and performing technical and non‑technical presentations.
• Adept at working in a collaborative, cross‑functional team environment.
• Experience and skills in team leadership, personnel…