Inertial Fusion Energy Ecosystem and Industry Collaborations Engineer

We have an opening for an Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) Ecosystem and Industry Collaborations Engineer. You will provide subject matter expertise and technical leadership in fostering partnerships and driving innovation within the emerging IFE sector. You will coordinate national efforts to develop a comprehensive IFE roadmap, foster interdisciplinary collaboration among government scientists, academic researchers, and industry professionals, and bridge public-private partnerships across diverse stakeholders. This role part of the Strategic Engineering Engagement Department (SEED) within the Engineering Directorate, reporting to the IFE SEED Program Development Lead.  This position will be in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations Division of the Engineering Directorate.

This position will be filled at either the SES.4 or SES.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 the higher level.

In this role you will

• Operate under consultative direction with substantial authority, using in-depth analysis and subject matter expertise in highly advanced concepts, to resolve a diverse range of highly complex problems, independently determine strategies, modify approaches, and pursue actions that impact organizational operations or directions and achieve long-term goals.
• Lead the IFE-STAR hubs in the development of a national blueprint for IFE, outlining key milestones, priorities, and strategies to advance the science and technology of fusion energy.
• Coordinate efforts across federal agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to ensure alignment of goals and resources.
• Identify critical gaps in research, development, and commercialization and propose actionable solutions to address them.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships across federal agencies, private industry, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations to support the development and commercialization of IFE technologies.
• Serve as a liaison between stakeholders to align priorities, foster collaboration, and ensure mutual benefits across partnerships.
• Design and implement strategies to align federal investment processes with private sector decision-making frameworks, including milestone-based funding, decision gates, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify opportunities to integrate federal resources with private capital to maximize impact and accelerate technology readiness.
• Develop and implement strategies to create a robust, interconnected IFE ecosystem that fosters innovation, collaboration, and workforce development.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of ecosystem development efforts, ensuring alignment with national energy goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.5 level

• Work under broad consultative direction with significant autonomy, using expert and specialized knowledge, to resolve highly unusual, complex, and/or sensitive problems, and to influence, set, and direct high-level objectives and strategic plans that impact organizational operations and attain long-range program goals and objectives.
• Champion major impact projects and multi-disciplinary efforts to advance the IFE mission, including playing an instrumental role in attracting and retaining IFE projects, funding, and resources.
• Influence national and international directions in fusion energy through world-class expertise and strategic vision.
• Utilize expert-level communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills to effectively advise and influence senior Laboratory personnel and other key stakeholders.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, public policy, or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Significant experience in public-private partnerships, federal program management, or energy sector investment.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders across government, industry, and academia.
• Expert-level strategic planning, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage complex initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities focused on mission-driven outcomes.
• Expert-level communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills, with the ability to build trust and foster collaboration, as well as to present, explain, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.
• Significant experience interacting and cooperating with all levels of technical staff, managers, and vendors.

Additional qualifications at the SES.5 level

• Nationally recognized expertise in strategic collaboration, investment management, or ecosystem building in the energy or technology sector.
• Extensive experience leading large, dynamic projects and multi-organizational efforts with significant impact on long-term goals, including providing organizational guidance and influence in defining and/or refining processes and procedures.
• Extensive experience and proven track record of successfully leveraging federal resources and partnerships to develop new project portfolios and catalyze innovation.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in engineering, business, public policy, or a related field.
• Successful track record of crafting new capabilities and catalyzing innovation to impact the long-term direction of an organization or sector.
• Experience in writing technical specifications and statements of work.

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 a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

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.

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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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