Platform Engineering Group Lead

The Platform Engineering Group Lead reports to the Systems and Software Department Head and owns the technical direction and operational excellence of the platforms that underpin ESnet’s Software Engineering and Operations functions. This role is accountable for platform architecture and lifecycle management, including standards definition, solution design, implementation, service availability, reliability engineering, and continuous improvement. The Group Lead also manages the platform engineering team responsible for operating and evolving core IT services, evaluating emerging technologies, performing product and vendor assessments, and developing roadmap plans for future platform capabilities.

The role requires demonstrated experience designing, deploying, and supporting enterprise-scale platform services across computing and systems infrastructure, container orchestration, CI/CD tool chains, cloud environments, source code management, project and work management systems, collaboration and knowledge platforms, certificate and secrets management, enterprise software, and database services.

Success in this position depends on advanced technical program and project management skills, including the ability to execute across multiple concurrent initiatives with shifting priorities while maintaining strong delivery discipline. The Group Lead must be able to translate complex technical tradeoffs into clear, actionable guidance for scientific and business stakeholders and Laboratory management, supported by strong written and verbal communication.

Work at a high level and provide engineering leadership for ESnet’s platform engineering capabilities across the full-service lifecycle: architecture, design, implementation, deployment, and sustained operations.

Own portfolio planning and execution for platform initiatives that enable Software Engineering and Operations, including requirements definition, prioritization, delivery planning, implementation oversight, and technical documentation.

Establishes the direction and manages the efforts of a team of technical professionals; manage operational resources and budgets to meet availability, reliability, and service objectives.

Under conceptual guidance, define and drive the strategic direction for ESnet’s enterprise information systems portfolio, serving as the primary technical lead for mission-critical operations and collaboration platforms (e.g., Service Now, Jira, Slack, Google Workspace integrations) and related enterprise services.

Recruit, onboard, mentor, and develop team members; establish role expectations, growth plans, and effective operating practices.

Partner with a diverse customer base to capture current and future requirements, and communicate technical decisions, risks, and tradeoffs clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Participate as a member of the Division Leadership Team, collaborating with Department Heads, Group Leads, and CS Area and SND Division leadership to align platform strategy with organizational objectives.

Produce clear technical communications, including internal/external presentations and written materials on platform strategy, architecture, operations, and service support.

Foster an inclusive, compliant, and high-performing work environment that supports innovation, continuous improvement, and adherence to DOE and Laboratory policies.

Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in an IT leadership capacity, including responsibility for planning and leading enterprise IT systems implementations.

Demonstrated expertise in enterprise-scale systems analysis, large systems development, and information management, with the ability to apply this knowledge to platform architecture, implementation, and sustained operations.

Proven ability to establish and enforce technical standards, operational practices, and lifecycle management for mission-critical computing services.

Competence to coordinate and lead unit activities…