MTES Group Research Operations Manager - Flatirons Campus

Overview

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is a leading national laboratory focused on renewable energy research. This position is located on the Flatirons Campus in Boulder, Colorado.

The Mechanical & Thermal Engineering Sciences (MTES) Directorate drives innovation across energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and renewable power. The Group Manager will support MTES research operations center and the wider directorate.

• Provide leadership and direct supervision to a non‑exempt Research Operations Technician team, aligning expertise with organizational and project goals at the Flatirons Campus and other locations as needed.
• Collaborate closely with the MTES Research Operations team to integrate group activities with laboratory and directorate goals.
• Lead workforce planning, resource allocation, and project execution, including task assignments, staff coverage and coordination between researchers and technicians.
• Coordinate field activities with site operations, security, and EHS/Q, managing daily "Plan of the Day" meetings.
• Manage group budgets, schedules, and performance metrics, ensuring accountability and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Participate in performance management, hiring, compensation planning, promotions, and career development decisions.
• Foster a strong safety culture in collaboration with Research Operations, site staff, and EHS/Q, ensuring timely safety training and work order submissions.
• Coordinate emergency response procedures with the campus emergency preparedness office.
• Partner with the MTES Flatirons Campus Research Operations Manager to identify lab space needs and support expansion planning.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a technician training matrix to enhance skill development.
• Drive performance improvement initiatives to elevate research operations support.
• Ensure compliance with DOE and laboratory policies, procedures, and safety standards.

• Education and Experience:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree plus 9 years in a related research discipline;
  Master’s Degree plus 7 years; or PhD plus 4 years.
• Prior management and budget adherence experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal and ethical management practices.
• In‑depth knowledge of the applicable field; subject‑matter expert status.
• Excellent organization, project management, budgeting, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proven problem‑solving and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to make appropriate decisions regarding work activities and projects.
• Ability to lead and direct personnel with diverse skills, work styles, and values.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
• Knowledge of electronics and instrumentation, data acquisition systems.
• Working knowledge of medium and high voltage systems at FC and ability to perform diagnostics, testing, or repair on medium‑voltage (up to 115kV) equipment as a qualified electrical worker3 (QEW3).
• Understanding of hazards at FC (high wind, lightning, inclement weather) and ability to provide safety warnings.
• Broad, in‑depth knowledge of research‑operations best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, and teaming skills.
• Demonstrated significant leadership in an individual‑contributor role.
• Clearance:
  Must obtain and maintain a DOE (Q) security clearance and SCI access (possible polygraph).

• Degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong leadership, motivation, and directorial skills for diverse teams.
• Promotion and modeling of ethical and professional behaviors.
• Decision‑making regarding day‑to‑day work activities.
• Working knowledge of hazards associated with emergency response activities.
• Knowledge and application of Integrated Safety Management, Integrated Work Management, and other industrial hygiene and safety procedures.

The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE (Q) security clearance and SCI access. SCI access may require a polygraph examination. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship and a minimum age of 18 years.

Group Manager II salary…