DP-Manufacturing Manager ; First Line Manager); Manufacturing Manager

What You Will Do

Detonator Production (DP) partners closely with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Design Agencies (LANL, Sandia National Laboratories, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory), and internal program offices to deliver on critical national security objectives. The division is committed to and upholds vigorous teamwork, personal integrity, a respectful workplace, continuous improvement in all operations, technical rigor, operational excellence, safety, and security.

Detonator Production (DP) partners closely with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Design Agencies (LANL, Sandia National Laboratories, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory), and internal program offices to deliver on critical national security objectives. The division is committed to and upholds vigorous teamwork, personal integrity, a respectful workplace, continuous improvement in all operations, technical rigor, operational excellence, safety, and security.

DP is seeking a highly qualified leader to serve as the First Line Manager for the Product Engineering Group (DP-1).

The DP-1 First Line Manager is responsible for a group of highly experienced and motivated engineers and scientists who are the direct technical interface to the design agency and internal operational groups. DP-1 engineers and scientists serve as the PA's PRT (Product Realization Team) lead during the development, qualification and production and surveillance phases of the product life cycle. DP-1 is also directly responsible for the design, build, testing, and qualification of shipping Container Kit Assemblies for all detonator products within the Nuclear Weapons Complex.

The DP-1 group ensures timely completion of production and development programs; establishes technical requirements; and participates in cross-functional teams in planning, tracking, and executing programs from initiation through completion.

The First Line Manager ensures that our programs adhere to the Defense Programs Business Process System requirements, including the nuclear weapon product realization process and NNSA Weapon Quality Policy (NAP 401.1A). This role directly supports the DP-1 engineers and scientists as the primary technical interface to the other groups within the DP Division as well as the design agencies. This position also focuses on developing the team to be future leaders within LANL and the greater Nuclear Weapons Complex.

This role will also have occasional direct interface with the NNSA Program Management, and other external stakeholders. This position reports directly to the DP-1 Group Leader.

• Enable Product Realization execution of WR and development detonator programs in partnership with project leaders, process engineers and Design Agencies.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise requirements, including product realization and quality standards.
• Guide effective coordination of component development, qualification, and production execution activities within DP and across the Nuclear Weapons Enterprise.

• Foster a culture aligned with Laboratory Values and Behaviors. Promote a respectful, inclusive workplace that values diversity and collaboration.

• Support manufacturing and inspection process improvements.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Develop and implement relevant group metrics that support division production metrics such that improvement can be realized.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with NNSA, Design Agencies, program offices, and internal stakeholders.
• As needed, be prepared to deliver clear, concise briefings and written communications to senior leadership and external partners.
• Balance multiple program priorities while aligning with institutional objectives.

• Support the Group Leader with developing and maintaining a robust succession plan for all positions with the group to weather any potential attrition. Identify gaps such that development needs are completed to enable continued support and protection of DP's mission.
• Ensure that each team member has a documented career path identified in parallel.
• Encourage a culture of continuous personal career development and learning in support of the LANL

• Assist the DP-1 GL with defining project scope and planning efforts in collaboration with Design Agencies (LANL, LLNL, SNL), subject matter experts, project leaders, and program managers.
• Identify and provide input on specific resource needs in support of programmatic milestones.

Some supervisory experience with a demonstrable record of successful team building, collaboration, and leadership in a challenging manufacturing environment. Knowledge of, and demonstrated successful experience in…