Associate Laboratory Director for Weapons Physics (ALDX)
- Req. Number: IRC143428
- Organization : Weapons Physics (ALDX)
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Salary: $255,300 - $508,500
- Recruiter Name: Nyenhuis, Niko Alexander
- Recruiter Email: nnyenhuis@lanl.gov
What You Will Do
Become a leader within one of the world's foremost physics institutions. Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an outstanding Associate Laboratory Director to manage the Weapons Physics Directorate, comprising approximately 1,100 employees, postdoctoral researchers, and contractors. The Directorate plays a pivotal role in the design, certification, testing, and evaluation of U.S. nuclear weapons, with a focus on sustaining and modernizing the arsenal as well as strengthening strategic deterrence amid a changing global nuclear landscape.
The Associate Laboratory Director for Weapons Physics, reporting to the Deputy Laboratory Director for Weapons Programs, oversees five divisions, multiple programs, and several offices. The Directorate specializes in theoretical design, computational modeling, weapon simulation coding, shock physics, advanced experimentation, multiphysics tests, and operates a dual-axis radiographic hydrodynamic facility. This role offers a unique chance to contribute expertise and impact national security.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Leadership
Successful experience as a senior leader or manager of a large, complex technical organization, including demonstrated experience leading strategic and tactical planning and execution, customer service, product quality, continuous improvement, and management systems such as safety, security, configuration management, and conduct of operations.
Scientific Excellence
Expert working knowledge of Nuclear Weapons Physics and the underlying science used to certify the U.S. Stockpile, including a distinguished track record as a research scientist or engineer in areas of national security as referenced by publications, honors, awards, etc.
Coalition Building
Proven capability in establishing and enhancing relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including internal teams, external R&D organizations, senior management, direct reports, and other personnel.
Personal Leadership
Key leadership traits include integrity, accountability, fiduciary responsibility, trustworthiness, commitment to quality and excellence, support for workforce diversity and development, and strong communication skills.
Compliance and Security
Possesses a track record of successfully developing and executing plans or programs that fulfill or surpass contractual obligations, performance standards, regulatory requirements, and legal frameworks, with demonstrated expertise in managing these responsibilities within highly sensitive or classified settings.
Clearance
Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain DOE clearances, which requires US citizenship except in very limited circumstances.
Education/Experience: Typically requires a Master's degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline and a minimum of fifteen years' experience in nuclear design and/or nuclear weapon physics development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. At this level a Doctorate degree will be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
Government Relations
Successful record of working with local and state government leaders in communicating complex institutional messages.
LANL
Demonstrated experience interfacing with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) management and a broad knowledge of current LANL operations and activities.
Active Clearance
An active DOE "Q" (Top Secret) clearance and SCI clearance.
Work Environment:
Work Location:
The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment:
Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q/SCI (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Become a leader within one of the world's foremost physics institutions. Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an outstanding Associate Laboratory Director to manage the Weapons Physics Directorate, comprising approximately 1,100 employees, postdoctoral researchers, and contractors. The Directorate plays a pivotal role in the design, certification, testing, and evaluation of U.S. nuclear weapons, with a focus on sustaining and modernizing the arsenal as well as strengthening strategic deterrence amid a changing global nuclear landscape.
The Associate Laboratory Director for Weapons Physics, reporting to the Deputy Laboratory Director for Weapons Programs, oversees five divisions, multiple programs, and several offices. The Directorate specializes in theoretical design, computational modeling, weapon simulation coding, shock physics, advanced experimentation, multiphysics tests, and operates a dual-axis radiographic hydrodynamic facility. This role offers a unique chance to contribute expertise and impact national security.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Leadership
Successful experience as a senior leader or manager of a large, complex technical organization, including demonstrated experience leading strategic and tactical planning and execution, customer service, product quality, continuous improvement, and management systems such as safety, security, configuration management, and conduct of operations.
Scientific Excellence
Expert working knowledge of Nuclear Weapons Physics and the underlying science used to certify the U.S. Stockpile, including a distinguished track record as a research scientist or engineer in areas of national security as referenced by publications, honors, awards, etc.
Coalition Building
Proven capability in establishing and enhancing relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including internal teams, external R&D organizations, senior management, direct reports, and other personnel.
Personal Leadership
Key leadership traits include integrity, accountability, fiduciary responsibility, trustworthiness, commitment to quality and excellence, support for workforce diversity and development, and strong communication skills.
Compliance and Security
Possesses a track record of successfully developing and executing plans or programs that fulfill or surpass contractual obligations, performance standards, regulatory requirements, and legal frameworks, with demonstrated expertise in managing these responsibilities within highly sensitive or classified settings.
Clearance
Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain DOE clearances, which requires US citizenship except in very limited circumstances.
Education/Experience: Typically requires a Master's degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline and a minimum of fifteen years' experience in nuclear design and/or nuclear weapon physics development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. At this level a Doctorate degree will be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
Government Relations
Successful record of working with local and state government leaders in communicating complex institutional messages.
LANL
Demonstrated experience interfacing with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) management and a broad knowledge of current LANL operations and activities.
Active Clearance
An active DOE "Q" (Top Secret) clearance and SCI clearance.
Work Environment:
Work Location:
The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment:
Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q/SCI (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
