Program Group Leader for Design Enablement and Advanced Tools - Active Security Clearance Required

We have an opening for a Program Group Leader (PGL) to lead and manage the Design Enablement and Advanced Tools (DEAT) Program Group within Transformational Technologies (TT) in the Weapon Physics and Design (WPD) program. The DEAT PGL will lead a portfolio of technical efforts to develop and demonstrate processes and technologies that enable responsiveness and agility across the nuclear weapon enterprise. A key priority for DEAT is to support LLNL’s physics efforts supporting future NNSA Phase 1 programs and developing the means to design, certify, and qualify advanced concepts. This position will be 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 either 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

• Foster coordination, communication, and positive team dynamics amongst all team members.
• Ensure development and delivery of advanced capabilities to close capability gaps and in alignment with WPD strategic goals.
• Plan and guide scientific and technical directions for the projects in the DEAT program group.
• Provide technical contributions toward advancing state-of-the-art capabilities pursued by the DEAT program group.
• Interface with the Phase 1, Production Enablement and Prototyping, Strategic Consequence Assessments, Capabilities for Nuclear Intelligence, and Design Studies PGLs within the Future Deterrent Program elements to execute the TT strategic plan.
• Integrate DEAT efforts across multi-disciplinary program elements and leverage personnel and capabilities that span various lab directorates, across the NNSA nuclear enterprise and beyond.
• Develop annual program plan priorities and staffing and track throughout the year.
• Manage the DEAT budget and report monthly on project execution status.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SEL.5 level

• Responsible for strategic planning and directing projects plus program goals and objectives. 
• Act as a senior expert on advanced concepts enablement needs.
• Work in close partnership with 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, cross-program coordinators, NNSA HQ,  and the national weapon system development community.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Ability to secure and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
• Doctoral degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
• Significant experience and demonstrated skills integrating various technical areas, and broad knowledge of design practices and familiarity with the LLNL weapon-physics programs.
• Significant experience teaming and partnering effectively to lead cross-disciplinary and cross-laboratory teams to work toward programmatic and institutional goals.
• Highly advanced problem solving, analytical, technical, organizational, and management skills necessary to independently advise, recommend, and approve appropriate actions and implement solutions.
• Expert communication skills, both written and verbal, 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 and demonstrated deep experience in design, multi-physics modeling and simulation, and familiarity with the LLNL weapon-physics programs.
• Extensive experience teaming and partnering effectively 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.
• Expert communication skills, both written and verbal, necessary to effectively explain, present, negotiate, advise, and influence all levels of management.
• 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.
• Substantial experience sustaining productive relationships with other divisions, directorates, laboratories, NNSA management, and institutions across the DOE and DOD.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiarity with WPD, NNSA, and DOD program planning and budgeting.
• Strong relationships within the NNSA and DOD communities.

Pay Range
$218,700 - $332,772 Annually
$218,700 - $277,344 Annually for the SEL.4 level
$262,410 - $332,772 Annually for the SEL.5 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.  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 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.

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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.

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