Science/Engineering Project Leader (Science/Engineering Project Leader 1/2)

What You Will Do
Are you ready to lead innovative scientific and engineering projects that advance our nation's security and technological capabilities? Our national laboratory is seeking a talented Science/Engineering Project Leader to manage critical initiatives that push the boundaries of what's possible. In this role, you'll develop comprehensive project plans, lead technical teams, and ensure successful delivery of complex scientific endeavors that directly support our laboratory's mission. Whether you join us at the Project Leader 1 or 2 level, you'll have the opportunity to apply your expertise in a collaborative environment where cutting-edge research meets real-world impact.
Science/Engineering Project Leader 1 $85,900 - $139,900

As a Science/Engineering Project Leader 1, you will manage scientific or engineering projects that drive innovation and excellence at our national laboratory. You'll develop comprehensive project plans, lead small project teams, and ensure deliverables are completed within scope, schedule, and budget. Working under guidance from senior leaders, you'll apply standard project management principles to develop work breakdown structures, negotiate work packages, and assign work to team members. You'll identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies while serving as a liaison between your project team, program managers, and laboratory leadership. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge scientific and engineering initiatives that support our laboratory's critical national security mission.

Science/Engineering Project Leader 2 $104,100 - $172,200

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level you will independently manage all aspects of moderately complex scientific or engineering projects with limited direction. You'll oversee mid-sized project teams, negotiate directly with program and line managers to secure necessary resources, and take full responsibility for successful project completion. You'll apply advanced knowledge and experience to develop sophisticated project plans while integrating your work with broader laboratory priorities and commitments. At this level, you'll serve as the primary spokesperson for your projects, reporting status and issues directly to program managers and senior laboratory leadership.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute project plans, work breakdown structures, and work packages
  • Experience monitoring and managing project scope, schedule, and budget
  • Knowledge of scientific or engineering principles relevant to project management
  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels
  • Experience leading small teams to achieve project objectives
  • Understanding of safety and security protocols in a laboratory environment
  • Additional Job Requirements for Science/Engineering Project Leader 2:
  • In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage moderately complex scientific or engineering projects
  • Experience leading mid-sized project teams with diverse technical backgrounds
  • Advanced knowledge of project management methodologies and change control processes
  • Proven ability to negotiate resources and requirements with program and line managers
  • Experience identifying project risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies

Education/Experience at Science/Engineering Project Leader 1 level:

Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field from an accredited institution and 2 years directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at Science/Engineering Project Leader 2 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.

Desired Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
  • Experience working in a national laboratory or federal research environment
  • Knowledge of Department of Energy (DOE) project management requirements
  • Experience with project management software tools
  • Active DOE security clearance or ability to obtain one
  • Demonstrated success managing projects with multi-million dollar budgets
  • Experience integrating project work with regulatory compliance requirements

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: 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.

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.