Certification Methodologies Program Group Lead

We have an opening for a Program Group Lead for Certification Methodologies within the Weapon Physics and Design (WPD) program.  In this role you will be responsible for interacting with the modernization programs to develop tools to aid system certification, as well as identifying gaps that may exist in the certification of future systems.  As the technical lead for the CM program group, you will report directly to the WPD Associate Program Director for Stockpile Design and Modernization. This position is in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options, may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

This position will be filled at the SEL4/5 level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at a higher level.

In this role, you will

• Guide and provide scientific and technical directions for the projects in the Certification Methodologies program group
• Coordinate with technical staff from projects including existing stockpile systems, established modernization programs, and potential future systems to identify capability gaps in certification and assessment
• Ensure development and delivery of capabilities in alignment with WPD strategic goals.
• Provide leadership and technical direction and foster coordination, communication, and
• positive team dynamic amongst all team members.
• Annually develop program plan priorities and staffing and track throughout the year.
• Manage the CM budget and report monthly on project execution status.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SEL.5 level

• Participate in strategic planning and directing project and program goals and objectives.  
• Act as senior expert on capability development requirements.
• Work in close partnership with Weapon Technologies and Engineering (WTE) and Weapon Simulation and Computing (WSC) to build a shared awareness of capability development priorities and challenges.
• Serve on internal/external scientific/technical committees when needed and influence strategic technical decisions made by senior management and cross-program coordinators.

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top-Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• PhD in engineering, physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant experience with multi-physics modeling and simulation of weapons systems with broad knowledge of design practices.
• Significant experience teaming and partnering effectively leads cross-disciplinary and cross-laboratory teams to work toward programmatic and institutional goals.
• Expert communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to effectively explain, present, negotiate, advise, and influence all levels of management.
• Experience fostering productive relationships with other divisions, directorates, laboratories, institutions across the DOE.

Additional qualifications, at the SEL.5 level

• Expert knowledge of multi-physics modeling and simulation with extensive experience in design and uncertainty quantification.
• Extensive experience teaming and partnering effectively with other divisions, directorates, laboratories, NNSA management, institutions across the DOE.to build, lead, and motivate cross-disciplinary and cross-laboratory teams to work toward programmatic and institutional goals.  
• Extensive experience managing and leading a significant technical portfolio, supporting large-scale projects led by others, building budgets and spending plans, and a demonstrated ability to deliver results.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiarity with WPD program planning, budgeting, and with the LLNL weapon-physics programs.
• Experience in the design and execution of large-scale ensemble studies with associated interpretation and application of results.
• Experience with design applications for machine learning models and techniques.
• Experience in strategic planning and in decision-making on matters that significantly impact WPD’s ability to achieve its overall objectives and long-range goals.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

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If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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