Science/Engineering Project Leader 2/3 | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Science/Engineering Project Leader 2/3

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Science/Engineering Project Leader 2/3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry Group (C-AAC) is within the Associate Laboratory directorate for Chemical, Earth and Life Sciences (ALDCELS). AAC plays a key role in supporting the laboratory's missions through cutting-edge science and innovation.

The group manages moderately complex to large, complex projects related to analytical chemistry, with a focus on techniques such as spectrophotometry, chromatography, mass spectrometry. Expertise in analytical techniques and/or nuclear infrastructure is essential for supporting the laboratory's work in areas like pit production, nuclear materials management, and other core mission areas.

Project leaders in this group are responsible for the full lifecycle of these projects - from developing detailed plans, to negotiating resources, to overseeing multidisciplinary teams in executing the work. They apply advanced knowledge of project management principles as well as technical expertise in analytical chemistry.

These project leaders also serve as the primary spokespersons, interfacing with program managers, senior laboratory leadership, and external customers to report on project status, issues, and results. Their ability to build effective relationships and communicate complex technical information is critical.

Overall, the Actinide Analytical Chemistry Group leverages cutting-edge analytical techniques and rigorous project management to deliver essential scientific capabilities that directly support the laboratory's mission in areas like national security, nuclear deterrence, and rate production. Their work is vital to advancing the laboratory's scientific leadership and fulfilling its commitments to key stakeholders.

If you are interested in this role and have a strong background in analytical chemistry, proven project management expertise, and the ability to lead large, complex scientific and engineering initiatives, we encourage you to apply for this position at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Science/Engineering Project Leader 2 ($104,100 - $172,200)
  • Manage moderately complex scientific or engineering projects related to analytical chemistry, ensuring successful completion within approved scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Applies knowledge and experience in developing scientific or engineering project plans and detailed work breakdown structures, negotiating work packages, and assigning various aspects of work to complete project deliverables.
  • Oversees mid-sized project team(s) in the planning, tracking, and execution of project plans from initiation to completion.
  • Under limited direction, monitors performance and manages, under change control, the project scope, schedule, budget, and baselines.
  • Identify and mitigate project risks, and recommend risk acceptance/avoidance strategies.
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson to report project status and issues to management.
  • Develop and provide the information and graphics needed to report project status and issues to the program manager and to LANL senior managers and workers.

Science/Engineering Project Leader 3 ($125,200 - $211,300)

In addition to the duties outlined above, the Science/Engineering Project Leader 3 will be required to:
  • Exerts significant latitude in negotiating with program and line managers to ensure that resources are available to accomplish the work, to identify procurement and contracting needs, and to marshal resources to complete project deliverables within the scope, schedules, and budgets defined in project work packages.
  • Provide direction and leadership to multidisciplinary project team(s) in the planning, tracking, and execution of project plans from initiation to completion.
  • Present project status and issues to the program manager and to Laboratory senior managers and workers as needed. In many cases, you will be asked to interact directly with federal and site office program managers to help them understand the technical scope of the project and be able to deliver a consistent message.



What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


Required Qualifications:

Knowledge & Expertise: Proven ability to conceptualize and communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner through the appropriate medium to meet stakeholder needs. Experience developing and executing successful communication plans. Experience creating and presenting informative and persuasive content, including data visualization tools and graphics.

Continuous Improvement Expertise: Demonstrated experience monitoring and analyzing communication metrics and feedback related to complex technical projects in order to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies. Experience making and implementing data-driven recommendations for improvement based on thorough understanding of the production environment.

Teamwork: The ideal candidate has a strong background in cross-functional collaboration. Uses active listening skills to identify issues and engage in negotiation and conflict resolution to come to mutually acceptable solutions and meet customer requirements.

Additional Job Requirements for S/E Project Leader 3:
In addition to the Job Requirements outlined above, qualification at the Science/Engineering Project Leader 3 level requires:

Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to successfully plan, organize, lead and track assigned tasks and deliverables to completion. Ability to interact effectively with all levels of personnel, including management, to build trust, gain consensus and resolve conflicts. Demonstrated experience and skill in developing and implementing organizational strategies and objectives.

Leadership: Demonstrated effective leadership skills including openness to feedback and the ability to negotiate and motivate. Experience overseeing the entire planning process, setting strategic direction, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Experience leading all aspects of large complex scientific or engineering project(s) and applying broad knowledge and expertise in relevant areas to complete project deliverables and evaluate their accuracy and quality.

Education requirement at lower level: Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field, from an accredited institution and 5 years directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level an advanced degree is typically expected.

Education requirement at higher level: Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field, from an accredited institution and 8 years directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level an advanced degree is typically expected.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Data Visualization/Analysis: experience with data management systems or data visualization software. Experience compiling, interpreting, and presenting metrics or performance data to support decision-making and improve transparency.
  • Nuclear Experience: Experience working in or closely supporting a Nuclear Facility or one of the national security missions executed in ALDWP.
  • Project/Program Management: Experience in the professional management of discrete projects or the professional activities related to the overall management of an assigned program portfolio. Experience with development of project deliverables, budgets, and schedules, as well as the planning, tracking, and execution of the project from initiation to completion.
  • Training/Certifications: Project Management Institute certification
  • Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field, from an accredited institution and 5 years directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level an advanced degree is typically expected.
  • Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field, from an accredited institution and 8 years directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level an advanced degree is typically expected.
  • Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Sigma 15.

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:

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: L or Q or 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.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

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.

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 opt. 3.