Wireless Research Department Manager

Idaho National Laboratory seeks an exceptional leader to serve as Department Manager for our Wireless Research department. This role will lead a dynamic team focused on advancing secure and resilient wireless technologies for high-consequence scenarios related to national security and critical infrastructure protection. The department occupies a unique position bridging academia, industry, and government, transforming emerging research concepts into practical, impactful solutions that address real-world challenges.

The Department Manager will be responsible for building and sustaining a world‑class research team, fostering innovation, and ensuring INL maintains its leadership position in wireless research. This role requires a leader who can balance technical vision with exceptional people management skills, creating an environment where researchers thrive and breakthrough ideas transition from concept to implementation.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of wireless researchers, engineers, and technical staff
• Recruit top‑tier talent and build strategic capabilities aligned with national security priorities
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide career development guidance, and create advancement opportunities
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that encourages innovation and professional growth
• Manage team resources, workload distribution, and personnel conflicts
• Develop succession planning strategies to ensure continuity of critical expertise
• Establish policies and procedures for the department

• Guide the development of emerging research ideas from initial concept through proof‑of‑concept
• Facilitate collaboration between research sub‑teams and identify synergies across projects
• Ensure research portfolio balances foundational science with mission‑driven applications
• Identify technology gaps and opportunities relevant to national security and critical infrastructure
• Establish partnerships with universities, industry, and government agencies
• Champion innovative approaches to wireless challenges including AI/ML applications, novel detection methods, and next‑generation communication systems
• Participate in the development of overall objectives and long‑term goals of the department and broader division

• Serve as the primary voice for wireless research within INL leadership discussions
• Build and maintain relationships with sponsors, collaborators, and the broad wireless community
• Advocate for wireless research priorities in strategic planning and resource allocation decisions
• Communicate research impacts and capabilities to diverse audiences including technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Coordinate with other INL departments to integrate wireless expertise into multidisciplinary projects
• Represent the ideas of wireless researchers to broad audiences

• Work with business development teams to identify and pursue funding opportunities
• Develop compelling research proposals aligned with sponsor priorities
• Ensure projects meet technical, schedule, and budget requirements
• Monitor research progress and make strategic adjustments as needed
• Facilitate technology transition from research to operational deployment
• Manage department budget and resource allocation

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Management, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a directly related field
• 8 years of relevant professional experience in wireless communications, networking, or related fields
• 3 years of demonstrated leadership experience in personnel management
• Working knowledge of wireless communications systems, protocols, spectrum, and security principles from tactical to strategic and government use to commercial implementations
• Proven track record of successful personnel management including hiring, development, and retention
• Experience leading or contributing to research and development projects
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• This position…