Project Leader 1/2
- Req. Number: IRC143954
- Organization : T-DO/Theoretical Division
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
This position will be filled at either the Project Leader 1 or Project Leader 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and to the world.
In this position, you will play a key role in supporting strategic programs within the Theoretical Division and will play a key role in supporting LANL's Quantum Coordinator and large high-stakes national scientific projects in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and national security. You will collaborate with scientific leaders to ensure projects are executed efficiently, on schedule, and within scope.
You will serve as a primary interface between project teams, program management, line management, and sponsors, which may include both internal stakeholders and external partners such as federal agencies. Clear communication of project status, milestones, risks, and resource needs is a critical component of this role.
This position is ideal for a highly organized and collaborative professional who excels at translating complex project needs into actionable plans, facilitating coordination across diverse teams, and driving projects to successful completion in a dynamic research environment.
Project Leader 1 ($80,400 - $127,900):
At this level, you will:
In addition to what is outlined at the lower level, at this level you will:
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Project Management: Experience developing and executing project plans, schedules, and budgets. Ability to define deliverables, track progress, and ensure timely completion of assigned work.
Organization and Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deliver under changing priorities, ensuring results meet quality, compliance, and safety standards.
Communication and Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, and updates for diverse audiences. Proven success working effectively in team environments.
Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate information, identify issues, and recommend innovative, practical solutions that improve project or operational performance.
Safety, Security, and Integrity: Commitment to integrating safety, security, and environmental compliance into all activities. Promotes a respectful, inclusive, and accountable work culture.
Education/Experience (Project Leader 1): Bachelor's degree in a related field and 2 years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Additional Job Requirements for Project Leader 2
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Advanced Leadership: Experience managing multiple, mid-sized projects concurrently, demonstrating independent judgment in complex or dynamic operational environments.
Strategic Execution: Ability to integrate project goals with organizational strategies, ensuring alignment with LANL mission priorities.
Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated skill in negotiating priorities, building partnerships, and communicating with management and technical teams to achieve project success.
Analytical and Organizational Skills: Proven track record in evaluating complex issues, synthesizing data, and making evidence-based recommendations for operational or programmatic improvement.
Education/Experience (Project Leader 2): Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
Note to Applicants: For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive cover letter and résumé outlining how you meet the minimum and desired qualifications above.
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:
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 (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.
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.
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
This position will be filled at either the Project Leader 1 or Project Leader 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and to the world.
In this position, you will play a key role in supporting strategic programs within the Theoretical Division and will play a key role in supporting LANL's Quantum Coordinator and large high-stakes national scientific projects in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and national security. You will collaborate with scientific leaders to ensure projects are executed efficiently, on schedule, and within scope.
You will serve as a primary interface between project teams, program management, line management, and sponsors, which may include both internal stakeholders and external partners such as federal agencies. Clear communication of project status, milestones, risks, and resource needs is a critical component of this role.
This position is ideal for a highly organized and collaborative professional who excels at translating complex project needs into actionable plans, facilitating coordination across diverse teams, and driving projects to successful completion in a dynamic research environment.
Project Leader 1 ($80,400 - $127,900):
At this level, you will:
- Develop and maintain project plans, and schedules to support production and operational goals.
- Lead small-scale non-science or non-engineering projects, or support larger, more complex efforts within T-DO, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and objectives.
- Monitor, track, and communicate project performance using established project management tools, metrics, and procedures.
- Collaborate closely with T-DO and ALDSCT line management to support operational activities and successful project execution.
- Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions that enhance operational efficiency.
- Coordinate with program and line management to ensure necessary resources are available; support procurement and contracting actions as needed.
- Oversee project activities from initiation through completion, ensuring effective planning, tracking, and execution of work.
- Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with all LANL safety, security, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure compliance with all LANL policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Handle sensitive and, when applicable, classified information with discretion and professionalism.
- Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that supports mission success and continuous improvement across T-DO.
In addition to what is outlined at the lower level, at this level you will:
- Serve as the primary interface between project scientists, program leadership, and line management for large, complex non-science or non-engineering projects, supporting the Principal Investigator (PI) in establishing requirements and defining deliverables, budgets, schedules, and compliance considerations in alignment with project charters and organizational expertise.
- Manage multiple moderately complex projects with minimal supervision.
- Lead and support hiring activities, including participation in or chairing hiring committees, contributing to workforce development and organizational growth.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including government sponsors, ensuring clear communication, alignment of expectations, and long-term partnership success.
- Apply advanced problem-solving and analytical abilities to assess project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and recommend process enhancements.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal and leadership skills, effectively engaging with personnel at all levels to build trust, gain consensus, and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior project staff and emerging leaders.
- Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Project Management: Experience developing and executing project plans, schedules, and budgets. Ability to define deliverables, track progress, and ensure timely completion of assigned work.
Organization and Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deliver under changing priorities, ensuring results meet quality, compliance, and safety standards.
Communication and Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, and updates for diverse audiences. Proven success working effectively in team environments.
Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate information, identify issues, and recommend innovative, practical solutions that improve project or operational performance.
Safety, Security, and Integrity: Commitment to integrating safety, security, and environmental compliance into all activities. Promotes a respectful, inclusive, and accountable work culture.
Education/Experience (Project Leader 1): Bachelor's degree in a related field and 2 years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Additional Job Requirements for Project Leader 2
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Advanced Leadership: Experience managing multiple, mid-sized projects concurrently, demonstrating independent judgment in complex or dynamic operational environments.
Strategic Execution: Ability to integrate project goals with organizational strategies, ensuring alignment with LANL mission priorities.
Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated skill in negotiating priorities, building partnerships, and communicating with management and technical teams to achieve project success.
Analytical and Organizational Skills: Proven track record in evaluating complex issues, synthesizing data, and making evidence-based recommendations for operational or programmatic improvement.
Education/Experience (Project Leader 2): Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of relevant funding organizations (e.g., DoD, DoS, DHS, DOE, NIH) and experience in organizing or facilitating proposals for these organizations.
- Familiarization with common project management software for tracking project and financial data.
- Experience handling classified matter in accordance with LANL and DOE/NNSA requirements.
- Active DOE Q clearance and SCI accesses and/or the ability to obtain them.
Note to Applicants: For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive cover letter and résumé outlining how you meet the minimum and desired qualifications above.
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)
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 (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.
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.
