AI Operations Lead

We are seeking a highly qualified AI Operations Lead to lead an interdisciplinary team of systems analysts, computational engineering analysts, and machine learning and artificial intelligence experts. The AI Operations Lead will translate Laboratory operational, policy, and administrative challenges into scalable, data-driven AI workflows and interface with DOE Enterprise-wide AI efforts. You will work with your team to identify opportunities for improving efficiencies in engineering and Laboratory processes and lead your team in the development and integration of artificial intelligence tools to help drive measurable improvements. You and your team will work to address challenges across safety design and analysis, driving efficiencies in administrative process and procedures related to manufacturing, automating analysis workflows, knowledge management and training of domain specialists.  Qualified candidates should have in-depth knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence models and toolkits, demonstrated experience in applied research in machine learning, or a complementary scientific discipline providing underlying skills in data analytic techniques, strong understanding of data engineering, excellent organizational and communication skills, and have experience with DOE/NNSA administrative policies and procedures.  This position is in the Computational Engineering Division (CED) within the Engineering Directorate, and you will be supporting programs in the Office of the Director.

In this role, you will

• Serve as a trusted advisor on applied AI for operational challenges  and lead Laboratory-wide and interface with DOE Enterprise-wide applied AI efforts for Laboratory operational applications.
• Translate Lab operational, policy, and administrative challenges into scalable, data-driven AI workflows and communicate technical concepts and tradeoffs clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Define technical roadmaps for AI adoption aligned with mission, security, and enterprise IT constraints.
• Build, staff, and lead project teams across a diverse portfolio of operational AI applications including working with discipline organization across the Laboratory to source talent and assemble matrixed, high performing, cross functional teams.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and oversight for AI engineers, data scientists, and software developers.
• Design and deploy AI-enabled workflows onto enterprise IT infrastructure in coordination with stakeholders.
• Produce plans for software quality assurance, as applicable.
• Maintain and evolve multiple codebases supporting operational use cases.
• Oversee development, integration, testing, and sustainment of production AI systems, and maintenance of AI tools at multiple classification levels, ensuring secure and reliable access to frontier AI models and other machine learning tools across networks and teams.
• Drive best practices for MLOps, model lifecycle management, and system reliability.
• Partner with Lab policy offices, program organizations, external mission stakeholders, and LivIT leadership to align solutions with mission needs and constraints - developing mitigations and solutions to challenges with Lab leadership as appropriate.  This includes working with applicable teams to ensure compliance with cybersecurity, data governance, and classification requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computational Engineering, Applied Statistics, Applied Mathematics or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience..
• Substantial experience and subject matter expert knowledge in at least one of the following core technology areas: artificial intelligence and machine learning, machine learning operations, data engineering, data management and governance, development operations, or software engineering.
• Substantial experience in researching, writing, and presenting successful technical proposals to senior management and internal and external sponsors.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present, explain, influence and advise senior management, programmatic organizations, and/or sponsors both internal and external.
• Substantial experience providing technical leadership and working in a multidisciplinary team environment including experience in all phases of project management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead others through change in program directions and related policies.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical guidance, solutions, strategies, and communications that influences the organization across all levels.
• Ability to travel off-site for sponsor and customer interaction.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in Computer Science, Computational Engineering, Applied Statistics, Applied Mathematics or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Experience specifying data requirements and quality control for artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.
• Substantial knowledge and significant experience with the implementation of DOE, NNSA, and Laboratory operational policies and procedures.

Pay Range

$227,430 - $288,396 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 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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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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