Program Group Leader for Secondary Performance Active Security Clearance Required

We have an opening for a Program Group Leader (PGL) to lead and manage the Secondary Performance (SP) Program Group within Integrated Weapon Science (IWS) in the Weapon Physics and Design (WPD) program. The SP PGL will lead a portfolio of technical efforts focused on advancing capabilities to simulate secondary performance and deepening institutional understanding of secondary physics.  A key priority for SP is building maintaining and disseminating in the appropriate venues core knowledge in this mission area. This position will be in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at a higher level.

You will

• Foster coordination communication and positive team dynamics amongst all team members.
• Ensure development and delivery of advanced capabilities to close capability gaps in alignment with WPD strategic goals.
• Guide scientific and technical direction for the projects in the SP program group.
• Provide technical contributions toward advancing state-of-the-art capabilities pursed by the SP program group
• Interface with a broad range of technical staff to identify current capability gaps and gather broad input on prioritization.
• Annually develop program plan priorities and staffing and track throughout the year.
• Manage the SP budget and report monthly on project execution status.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Additional job responsibilities at the SEL.5 level

• Responsible for strategic planning and directing projects plus program goals and objectives. 
• Act as senior expert on capability development requirements.
• Work in close partnership with Weapon Simulation and Computing (WSC) to build a shared awareness of capability development priorities and challenges.
• Serve on internal/external scientific/technical committees when needed and influence strategic technical decisions made by senior management cross-program coordinators and NNSA HQ.

Qualifications :

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top-Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• Doctoral degree in engineering physics or a related technical field or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
• Significant Experience with secondary modeling and simulation with broad knowledge of design practices and familiarity with the LLNL weapon-physics programs.
• Significant experience teaming and partnering effectively to lead cross-disciplinary and cross-laboratory teams to work toward programmatic and institutional goals.
• Highly advanced problem solving analytical technical organizational and management skills necessary to independently advise recommend and approve appropriate actions and implement solutions.
• Significant communication skills both written and verbal necessary to effectively explain present negotiate advise and influence all levels of management.
• Experience fostering productive relationships with other divisions directorates laboratories institutions across the DOE.

Additional qualifications at the SEL.5 level

• Expert knowledge of secondary modeling and simulation with demonstrated deep experience in design and familiarity with the LLNL weapon-physics programs.
• Extensive experience teaming and partnering effectively to build lead and motivate cross-disciplinary and cross-laboratory teams to work toward programmatic and institutional goals.
• Extensive experience managing and leading a significant technical portfolio supporting large-scale projects led by others building budgets and spending plans and a demonstrated ability to deliver results.
• Expert communication skills both written and verbal necessary to effectively explain present negotiate advise and influence all levels of management.
• Experience in strategic planning and in decision-making on matters that significantly impact WPDs ability to achieve its overall objectives and long-range goals.
• Substantial experience sustaining productive relationships with other divisions directorates laboratories NNSA management and institutions across the DOE.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiarity with WPD program planning and budgeting.
• Experience in the design and fielding of experiments with associated interpretation and application of experiment results.

Pay Range

$227430 - $346140 Annually

$227430 - $288396 Annually for the SEL.4 level
$272970 - $346140 Annually for the SEL.5 level 

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to specific competencies relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority geographic location performance and business or organizational needs. 

Additional Information :

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
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  This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time