Explosive Fabrication and Disposition Group Leader; R&D Manager

What You Will Do

Step into a mission that matters. As the Group Leader of the High Explosive Fabrication and Disposition (M-8) team within the Dynamic Experiments Division, you won't just manage a group - you'll lead one of the most critical technical capabilities supporting the nation's security enterprise.

M-8 is responsible for weapon scale High Explosive (HE) pressing, machining, metrology and disposition of critical components of developmental and certification HE components of US nuclear weapon systems. M-8 is also responsible for the HE fabrication of elements of a variety of other dynamic systems which include research tools like HE lenses or precision shapes for proton radiography (pRad) experiments as well as a cadre of other test shapes.

Drive program development activities, ensuring effective program execution and sound fiscal management, fostering personnel development, and ensuring that operations are conducted in a safe, secure, and environmentally sound manner. Partner with other M Division managers to determine and promote long‑range goals to ensure that the Division performs the highest quality work relevant to national needs. Serve key partners at LANL, SNL, LLNL, NNSS and others that are critical to the work of M-8.

Additional duties include developing and enabling effective teams to meet customer goals; championing quality assurance, formality of operations, meeting authorization basis compliance, project management, and other aspects of integrated safety and work management.

This role is for a leader who thrives at the intersection of precision engineering, mission delivery, and people development – someone ready to guide complex technical operations while shaping the next generation of national security capabilities.

Leadership: Demonstrated management and leadership in a technical capacity with supervision, line or program management. Advanced capability and experience in technical leadership and program management as evidenced by the ability to form, organize, administer, and lead large technical projects or teams, including success in program development, building collaborative relationships, technical program execution, negotiation and conflict resolution.

Management: Record of success in management in a scientific or technical organization, including strategic business planning, sound financial management, professional development and mentoring of employees, performance and salary management, and successful recruitment of technical staff in a dynamic and changing environment.

Technical: Demonstrated record of technical achievement in engineering or a relevant scientific field. Expert level experience in managing high hazard operations, including one or more of the following: explosives operations, nuclear operations, pulsed power operations or accelerator operations. Strong background and record of achievement in the practical application of engineering science and technology; applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of machined parts.

Project management of technical or operational work, including defining work scope, schedules, budgets, priorities, and performance milestones; developing cost, scope, and schedule baselines; reporting cost and schedule variance; and managing change control and risk.

Collaboration and Communication: Demonstrated record in developing collaborations, promoting teamwork, building consensus, and communicating effectively with staff, sponsors, and stakeholders preferably related to M-Division's core work. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills when working with internal and external customers.

Safety and Security: Demonstrated success in improving workforce safety, security, environment, and health such as through implementing Human Performance Improvement (HPI) and/or Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles, or equivalent techniques.

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…