Associate Laboratories Director, Nuclear Deterrence Modernization & Stockpile Systems

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

This position is a fit if you are passionate about national security work and wish to use systems engineering and integration, research and science, and experimental and test facilities to explore nuclear deterrence solutions while leading a team of talented professionals with comparable commitment.

Position Overview:

• Serve as the primary interface for Sandia with program offices at the Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) focused on modernizing the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile.
• Report to Sandia's Nuclear Deterrence (ND) Deputy Labs Director, providing leadership and management for the ND Modernization & Stockpile Systems, Division 2000.
• Oversee the execution of NNSA modernization programs of record (POR) as the nuclear weapons Design Agency (DA) for non-nuclear components and lead systems integrator for the National Security Enterprise (enterprise).
• Ensure modern engineering and systems-level execution of POR Life Extension Programs and Alterations, collaborating with LANL, LLNL, KCNSC, and Pantex leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the execution of NNSA Defense Programs' modernization plan as the DA for non-nuclear components and lead systems integrator.
• Participate in Sandia's Annual Assessment process of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, enhancing the scientific basis for its evaluation/qualification through a balanced experimental, theoretical, and computational approach.
• Collaborate with Sandia divisions to support component design, limited production, and transition of modernization systems to the active stockpile.
• Provide design requirements and technical support to enterprise production plants.
• Support NNSA surety programs by developing technology and systems for protecting facilities and safeguarding nuclear materials.
• Serve as the lead for technical services in systems planning, support, scheduling, and integration for modernization programs and stockpile improvement activities.
• Improve organizational efficiency and performance while managing a budget exceeding $1.5 billion and directing a staff of approximately 1,000.

• Master's or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• 12 years of experience in nuclear weapons design, testing, stewardship, surveillance, and/or assessment.
• 8 years of experience leading nuclear weapons functions.
• Active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level security clearance
• Either active or the ability to obtain SCI access and additional high security clearances that will require counter-intelligence scope polygraph examinations.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Experience applying innovative approaches to technical solutions from an enterprise-wide perspective.
• Proven track record of leading operations in a multi-disciplinary, multi-site environment.
• Strong financial and budgetary understanding, with the ability to analyze metrics.
• Ability to prioritize projects and make timely, sound decisions.
• Change agent focused on increasing value to customers.
• Extensive managerial experience in nuclear weapons engineering and product realization.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma and Agile methodologies.
• Proven ability to deliver cost reduction and quality improvement initiatives while maintaining safe and secure operations.
• Senior management-level strategy development experience.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across business and technical functions to resolve complex issues.
• Ability to inspire and motivate teams while communicating a compelling organizational vision.
• Integrative problem solver with a focus on continuous improvement in safety, security, quality, delivery, and cost initiatives.

Sandia's Nuclear Deterrence Portfolio, in collaboration with labs-wide partners, is dedicated to ensuring the safety, security, reliability, and effectiveness of the current nuclear weapons stockpile. We are committed to sustaining the U.S. Nuclear Deterrent into the future through cutting-edge science and engineering. Join us in making a difference!

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.