Integrated Design and Assessment, XTD-IDA Group Leader; R&D Manager

What You Will Do

The X-Theoretical Design Division (XTD) is looking for an outstanding scientific leader to serve as the Group Leader for XTD-IDA. Your responsibilities include managing, directing scientific activity, and ensuring the technical quality and delivery of group products. You will provide intellectual leadership toward an improved predictive understanding of nuclear weapon physics, design, performance, and certification, integrate weapons‑directed theoretical, experimental, and modeling activities, pursue high‑energy‑density physics (HEDP) science experiments, and enhance the XTD portfolio.

You will work closely with the XTD management team, maintain stakeholder relationships, and mentor group personnel.

• Demonstrated effective leadership, including strategy, program development, partnership building, innovation, decisiveness, integrity, and institutional perspective.
• Excellent performance in scientific or technical leadership roles.
• Experience mentoring, recruiting, career development, and providing constructive feedback.
• Technical expertise in nuclear weapon physics and design.
• Commitment to high‑energy‑density physics experiments and simulations.
• Knowledge of the activities, needs, and workflow of the nuclear weapons physics applications community (LANL or elsewhere).
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and eight years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• PhD in science or engineering relevant to XTD-IDA (strongly preferred).
• Direct stockpile‑related program experience.
• Experience in nuclear physics, particle physics, particle transport, fluid dynamics, shock physics, high explosives, equations of state, materials science, plasma physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with large‑scale simulation of complex physical processes.
• Experience designing, analyzing, coordinating, and/or conducting experimental activities.
• Knowledge of LANL line/program interactions and responsibilities.
• Familiarity with NNSA NA‑10 structure and interaction with the LANL Weapons Program; experience supporting NNSA federal program managers.

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM (subject to management discretion).

The commitment for this position is one year. Regular appointment employees must serve a continuous period in their current position in order to be eligible to apply; otherwise approval is required from the Division Leader.

Applicants must submit a CV, contact information for three references, and a covering letter describing how they meet the required and desired qualifications. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% match 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)

Position requires a Q clearance. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation. U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances.

This role is subject to Directive 206.2 and DOE Order 142.3A. Eligible candidates must meet DOE Order 472.2 requirements. New‑employment drug testing is mandatory.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal‑opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories. The laboratory is committed to making the workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities.