Chief Operating Officer | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Chief Operating Officer

What You Will Do

This position is open for both internal and external candidates to apply.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports to the Associate Laboratory Director for Global Security (ALDGS) and is a key executive and trusted member of the ALDGS management team. The ALDGS Directorate is committed to protecting our Nation against emerging, converging, prolific, and unconventional nuclear threats, regardless of origin. Global Security's line and program offices concentrate on Nuclear Nonproliferation, Nuclear Counterproliferation, and Counter Terrorism focusing on known and emerging threats including nuclear, bio, cyber, and space. Specific ALDGS COO line management responsibilities include (1) the Special & Sensitive Security Operations (SSO) Division that manages the operational security and compliance for all of the SCIF and SAP facilities at LANL and (2) the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC) Facility Operations division that supports the execution of subcritical and critical experiments, measurements, and training in NCERC located at the Device Assembly Facility at the Nevada Nuclear Security Site.

The ALDGS COO also provides operational supervision for programmatic performance, management of safety, security and environment, workforce excellence, technical capability development, and operational management for all global security divisions. The COO effectively addresses Laboratory goals for programmatic, business, and operational excellence and maintains effective working relationships with Laboratory senior management and internal and external stakeholders. The COO must demonstrate integrity, the ability to establish trust, commitment to quality and excellence in science and technology, and commitment to teamwork and excellence in the workforce. The COO will serve as back-up Responsible ALD for GS facilities.

The COO represents ALDGS in a number of activities including participation in the Laboratory Operations Committee (LOC), which supports Institutional integration across the Laboratory. The ALDGS COO leads or participates in cross-organizational committees that focus on Institutional improvement initiatives.



What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:



Technical Leadership

Successful experience leading large, complex, multi-disciplinary scientific/technical organizations with significant fiscal and programmatic responsibilities. Demonstrated ability in establishing scientific/technical directions and goals, implementing effective business practices and systems, managing a multidisciplinary scientific and technical workforce, managing complex budgets and finances, intellectual property protection adaptable to diverse program needs, and managing customer and stakeholder relations.

Effective Communication

Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; demonstrated experience in interacting with all levels of personnel and stakeholders, including demonstrated ability to form productive collaborations; demonstrated ability to build and grow both internal and external organizational relationships, including international engagements.

Operational Leadership

Demonstrated expertise and commitment to excellence in operations, physical and cyber-security, and facility planning spanning office space to experimental labs and test beds to specialized computing facilities for a portfolio of diverse programs and stakeholders.

Record of commitment to promoting organizational objectives in areas such as performance improvement, risk management, work control, safety, quality, security, environment, health, human resources, and accelerating mission execution, collaboratively with external partners and government agencies on technical objectives and policy initiatives.

Personal Leadership and Teamwork

A strong record demonstrating the following leadership characteristics: personal integrity and accountability, fiduciary responsibility, trustworthiness in relationships, commitment to teamwork, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and excellence in programs and operations. Record of effectively reaching closure on Institutional issues by working cross-organizationally with Laboratory senior leadership and management.

Clearance

Must have the ability to obtain a Q-Clearance and SCI access which typically requires US citizenship.

Education/Experience

Masters or Ph.D. and a minimum of 10 years of experience in a scientific or engineering field relevant to Global Security mission and projects or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Experience working with the Department of Energy (DOE) or National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) at headquarters or field office level, or with state or federal regulators, or other national security agencies.

Desired Qualifications:

LANL

Knowledge of LANL policies, management systems and requirements involving personnel, budgeting, procurement, facilities, safety, security, and quality. Demonstrated competence in providing a safe and secure work environment that effectively supports scientific and technical excellence in security category I, hazard category 2 nuclear operations. Knowledge of the technical elements and structure of global security programs. Knowledge of the technical elements and the funding structure of the nuclear weapons program.

Active Clearance

Active Q and SCI-Clearance

Note to Applicants: For best consideration, please provide a detailed cover letter and resume explaining how you meet each of the requirements for the role.

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.

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.

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 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.