Laser System Engineering and Operations Group Leader/Supervisor – Mechanical Design

We have an opening for an Engineering Group Leader/Supervisor to fill the role of a first line supervisor, including leading small mechanical design groups of engineering associates, designers, and supplemental labor responsible for supporting development and design of complex projects in the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science Directorate (NIF&PS). The opening includes supervising groups that support Mechanical Design.  You will have a critical role in fostering successful careers, creating a positive and inclusive working environment, and providing an outstanding staff to meet program needs. The position is in the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) Division, within the Engineering Directorate.

In this role, you will

• Lead, supervise, and provide technical, career, and administrative guidance to group members, write performance appraisals, participate in performance and salary management processes; monitor performance required to meet programmatic milestones and deliverables and lead corrective actions where necessary. Make recommendations on promotion and disciplinary actions for group members.
• Collaborate with the NIF&PS Directorate leaders to identify and manage the work assignments for the group members, define work objectives, and obtain ongoing performance feedback.
• Advise and evaluate staff on the execution of technical work, provide performance feedback, identify staff networking opportunities, provide training and coaching, and facilitate regular career growth and development discussions, including plans and goals.
• Monitor and influence the work environment to foster employee morale and well-being; recruit, hire, mentor, and retain outstanding technical staff.
• Manage workforce projections working with programmatic managers to meet staff availability and training needs, using this information to help develop a vision for the group.
• Establish and/or modify guidelines, techniques, and procedures.
• Direct teams and individuals to perform work safely and consistent with program objectives.
• Manage LTRAIN Questionnaires and verify training compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities at the 390.2 level:

• Define, plan, and oversee multiple projects of significant scope, affecting institutional objectives and regularly inform management with project status, workforce effort, and schedule.
• Provide highly advanced technical and related administrative support, expertise, guidance, advice, and frequent, complex decision making where the qualitative and quantitative complexity of the project assignments require original and innovative problem solutions.
• Represent LLNL and the LSEO Section on issues of high significance, including with external collaborators and stakeholders.
• Manage significant signature authority on technical and administrative matters, including ES&H, code, or standards compliance.
• Author and routinely present reports, presentations, and recommendations to management and external collaborators, and partners on long range strategic planning to establish and ensure department’s missions, goals, and work activities are met.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in a field of engineering technology, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced technical skills in electronic systems, mechanical systems, optical systems, operations, or mechanical design. 
• Advanced knowledge and experience in providing technical direction to others, leading and/or supervising personnel in laboratory and operations settings.
• Ability to assemble and direct teams to complete specific projects or resolve complex to highly complex technical problems in a safe and secure manner.
• Established interpersonal skills to lead/supervise project teams, mentor, negotiate win-win solutions, team building, and provide customer service.
• Ability to manage emotions in positive ways to communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome setbacks, and defuse conflict.
• Advanced verbal and written communication, presentation, and feedback skills in multiple technical areas.

Additional Qualifications at the 390.2 level:

• Extensive experience leading teams, projects, or groups with significant technical and administrative authority.
• Highly advanced skills and understanding of relevant technologies and processes, including the ability to design highly complex systems and solutions.
• Significant experience with fiscal responsibility, resource management, and oversight of multiple projects of significant scope.
• Demonstrated experience and ability in representing the organization on issues of high significance and complexity, providing feedback, and influencing and advising management and stakeholders.
• Significant experience in defining project approaches, creating and implementing highly complex and innovative solutions, and establishing or modifying guidelines, techniques, and procedures.

Qualifications We Desire

• Highly organized, reliable, and dependable with an ability to manage/supervise a variety of concurrent activities.
• Experience in payroll supervision, preparation of performance reviews, and salary management, and knowledge of Engineering Directorate policies and procedures.
• Experience interacting with and satisfying customer needs in a highly technical setting.
• Experience in high energy and power laser systems, operations, or production organization.
• Experience with CMMS and scheduling tools.
• Experience in Ombuds program or equivalent.

Pay Range

$137,790 - $204,216 Annually

$137,790 - $168,732 Annually for the 390.1 level

$166,740 - $204,216 Annually for the 390.2 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  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-Onsite

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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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

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