Group Leader; R&D Manager

What You Will Do

The Materials Science and Technology Division (MST-DO) has Group Leader openings in the Plutonium Materials Performance Group (MST-14) and the Plutonium Microstructure and Mechanics Group (MST-15). The Group Leader leads tactical execution and strategic planning to ensure mission needs and programmatic deliverables are met. The role works closely with the Deputy Group Leader and MST Division management to provide leadership, vision, and strategic and tactical planning for high‑quality production support, applied research, materials characterization, and fundamental plutonium science.

In MST‑14 you will lead a key materials science organization engaged in applied and fundamental science focused on plutonium materials science to support key nuclear weapons programs and national security missions, focusing on Materials Properties, Surface Science, and Gas & Corrosion Science.

In MST‑15 you will lead a key materials science organization focused on Metallurgy, Electron Microscopy, and Dynamic & Mechanical Properties of plutonium to support key nuclear weapons programs.

• Support excellence in technical program execution, including high‑quality scientific research and completion of agreed program/project deliverables.
• Maintain employee team‑building and mentoring to enhance capability development and integration for plutonium R&D science and manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop the team without compromising the interpersonal relationships of group members.
• Support stewardship of the Group’s funding base and business management.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with programmatic and line organizations both within LANL and across the DOE complex, especially with Weapons Production, Weapons Engineering, and Weapons Physics programs.
• Ensure adherence to Conduct of Operations, maintaining safe and secure work spaces, and ethical work practices while remaining agile and adaptable to new challenges.

• Experience in a management position and demonstrated scientific and organizational leadership.
• Record of successful research or expertise in a scientific field relevant to the Group’s core research areas in plutonium metallurgy, microstructure, electron microscopy, mechanical & dynamic properties, materials properties, surface, gas, or corrosion science.
• Experience building and leading teams, mentoring, and motivating employees, and working effectively with all levels of internal and external personnel to gain consensus and resolve conflicts.
• Working knowledge of operational rigor needed to maintain safe, secure, and regulatory‑compliant operations within a Nuclear Facility.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate to personnel at all levels, with an emphasis on cross‑organizational collaboration projects.
• Demonstrated decision‑making and creative problem‑solving skills with the ability to adapt to rapidly changing tactical drivers, regulations, and work conditions while enabling production of quality results and mission advancement.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; an advanced degree in science or engineering is preferred.

• Active Q clearance.
• Experience working in both R&D and manufacturing environments.
• Experience or previous involvement in Pit Manufacturing, Experimental Sciences, Pit Surveillance, LDRD research, and other weapons R&D projects.
• Demonstrated familiarity and understanding of the compliance and regulatory requirements for nuclear facilities.

The work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with equivalent national network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid…