Space Systems Assurance and Implementation Deputy Group Leader (R&D Manager 3)
- Req. Number: IRC144399
- Organization : ISR-7/Space Systems Assurance & Implementation Group
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Salary: $153,600 - $266,500
What You Will Do
The Space Systems Assurance and Implementation (ISR-7) Group is seeking an experienced and innovative technical leader to join our highly collaborative leadership team! Los Alamos National Laboratory's Intelligence & Space Research (ISR) division designs, builds, delivers, and exploits innovative ground- and space-based measurement systems and provides unique analysis and interpretation of data from these systems. We succeed through our cohesive, interdisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, technologists, and scientists working within a highly creative and dynamic R&D environment. Our projects range from cutting edge scientific explorations expanding our knowledge of the universe, to ensuring national and global security. ISR's 400+ instruments fly on over 200 satellites, including numerous NASA missions like Voyager, which has left our solar system, and the last two Mars Rovers.
The ISR-7 Deputy Group Leader (DGL) will work closely with the ISR-7 Group Leader (GL), providing technical and operational leadership along with management oversight for a group of around 35 full-time staff members with expertise in mission design, systems engineering, technical project management, quality assurance, production engineering, electronics fabrication and assembly, and/or inventory management. The DGL will lead strategic initiatives and address tactical needs ranging from facilities management to mission execution to dynamic staffing needs. Additionally, the DGL collaborates with the broader ISR-7 leadership team to develop and implement an organizational vision to steward ISR-7 into the future. This role is half-time line management and half-time direct programmatic technical work. The ISR-7 DGL role offers extensive opportunities for both learning and mentoring others.
Deputy Group Leader duties include but are not limited to the following:
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Leadership & Management
Proven ability to lead within a multidisciplinary R&D organization, managing fiscal, human, and material resources through complex technical risk environments, competing priorities, and constrained funding and schedules. Demonstrated success as a collaborative servant-leader who establishes organizational direction, aligns resources to mission objectives, fosters innovation and trust, resolves conflicts, and executes workforce planning, recruitment, and retention strategies that enable sustained excellence in science and engineering supporting national security missions.
Technical Knowledge
Demonstrated technical knowledge of and accomplishments in one or more areas relevant to ISR-7's core capabilities relative to space-based and remote-sensing instrumentation, or a related field: mission design, systems engineering, production engineering, integrated quality management and processes, electronics fabrication and assembly, and technical project management.
Teaming & Communication
Proven ability to build and sustain effective partnerships across organizations, disciplines, and stakeholder communities to achieve shared objectives. Demonstrated success leading cross-functional collaborations, fostering alignment among diverse perspectives, and influencing outcomes through effective engagement, relationship building, and shared accountability. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences through presentations, discussions, and formal communications.
Workforce Development
Demonstrated commitment to developing people and teams through mentoring, coaching, and creating opportunities for professional growth. Proven ability to foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages continuous learning, expands technical and leadership capabilities, recognizes contributions, and supports the career development and long-term success of technical and support staff.
Safety and Security
Demonstrated success in improving and managing the safety, security, environment, and health envelopes of a team workplace, such as through implementing Human Performance Improvement (HPI), Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles, and integrated work management (IWM) processes in laboratory spaces.
Clearance
Ability to obtain a Q clearance which typically requires U.S. citizenship
Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
Note to Applicants: Candidates are required to submit a cover letter that specifically addresses each job requirement.
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:
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.
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.
The Space Systems Assurance and Implementation (ISR-7) Group is seeking an experienced and innovative technical leader to join our highly collaborative leadership team! Los Alamos National Laboratory's Intelligence & Space Research (ISR) division designs, builds, delivers, and exploits innovative ground- and space-based measurement systems and provides unique analysis and interpretation of data from these systems. We succeed through our cohesive, interdisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, technologists, and scientists working within a highly creative and dynamic R&D environment. Our projects range from cutting edge scientific explorations expanding our knowledge of the universe, to ensuring national and global security. ISR's 400+ instruments fly on over 200 satellites, including numerous NASA missions like Voyager, which has left our solar system, and the last two Mars Rovers.
The ISR-7 Deputy Group Leader (DGL) will work closely with the ISR-7 Group Leader (GL), providing technical and operational leadership along with management oversight for a group of around 35 full-time staff members with expertise in mission design, systems engineering, technical project management, quality assurance, production engineering, electronics fabrication and assembly, and/or inventory management. The DGL will lead strategic initiatives and address tactical needs ranging from facilities management to mission execution to dynamic staffing needs. Additionally, the DGL collaborates with the broader ISR-7 leadership team to develop and implement an organizational vision to steward ISR-7 into the future. This role is half-time line management and half-time direct programmatic technical work. The ISR-7 DGL role offers extensive opportunities for both learning and mentoring others.
Deputy Group Leader duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Partner with the ISR-7 GL to develop and implement the strategic direction of the group and its mission, including development of new opportunities for innovation and impact for national security and scientific missions.
- Provide technical leadership and oversight relative to ISR-7 group capabilities. This includes marshaling resources and investments for the development and sustainment of ISR-7's capabilities, facilities, equipment, and software; and developing and implementing processes to ensure staff adhere to safety and security requirements.
- Mentor, coach, and build effective teams through strategic workforce planning and development. This involves providing growth opportunities and ensuring recognition of individuals and teams, staff development, performance and salary management, onboarding of new staff, and developing staffing plans for projects.
- Create and maintain partnerships with Project Leaders and Team Leads to ensure delivery of high-quality products and services on time and within budget.
- Oversee the financial management of the group including evaluating and reporting of financial status and forecasts of project personnel and overhead, reviewing financial reporting, and interacting with institutional financial personnel.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Leadership & Management
Proven ability to lead within a multidisciplinary R&D organization, managing fiscal, human, and material resources through complex technical risk environments, competing priorities, and constrained funding and schedules. Demonstrated success as a collaborative servant-leader who establishes organizational direction, aligns resources to mission objectives, fosters innovation and trust, resolves conflicts, and executes workforce planning, recruitment, and retention strategies that enable sustained excellence in science and engineering supporting national security missions.
Technical Knowledge
Demonstrated technical knowledge of and accomplishments in one or more areas relevant to ISR-7's core capabilities relative to space-based and remote-sensing instrumentation, or a related field: mission design, systems engineering, production engineering, integrated quality management and processes, electronics fabrication and assembly, and technical project management.
Teaming & Communication
Proven ability to build and sustain effective partnerships across organizations, disciplines, and stakeholder communities to achieve shared objectives. Demonstrated success leading cross-functional collaborations, fostering alignment among diverse perspectives, and influencing outcomes through effective engagement, relationship building, and shared accountability. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences through presentations, discussions, and formal communications.
Workforce Development
Demonstrated commitment to developing people and teams through mentoring, coaching, and creating opportunities for professional growth. Proven ability to foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages continuous learning, expands technical and leadership capabilities, recognizes contributions, and supports the career development and long-term success of technical and support staff.
Safety and Security
Demonstrated success in improving and managing the safety, security, environment, and health envelopes of a team workplace, such as through implementing Human Performance Improvement (HPI), Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles, and integrated work management (IWM) processes in laboratory spaces.
Clearance
Ability to obtain a Q clearance which typically requires U.S. citizenship
Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Strong record of technical accomplishments and leadership in areas directly relevant to ISR-7 capabilities or application areas.
- Experience as a member of a project team that designs, builds, tests, and delivers hardware for space applications.
- Demonstrated experience in operational support activities. (serving on management assessment teams, safety or security assessment teams, etc.) or relevant leadership activities (Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) review teams, technical assessments, policy development, etc.).
- Familiarity with the administration of operational and administrative policies and procedures at LANL and/or demonstrated experience navigating complex institutional policies and processes of a large research and development enterprise.
- Formal leadership and management training.
- Working knowledge of Department of Energy (DOE)/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Department of Defense (DoD), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other government agencies, particularly in programs with ground and/or space-based verification and detection missions.
- Demonstrated experience in successful use of project control principles for anticipating, identifying, and managing technical and program risk of complex projects.
- PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- INCOSE Systems Engineering (SEP) certification.
- IPC J-STD-001 or related industry standard certification.
- Certification in a quality assurance and/or process improvement process and/or practice from a nationally recognized professional organization.
Note to Applicants: Candidates are required to submit a cover letter that specifically addresses each job requirement.
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)
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.
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.
