Technical Project Manager for Optical Diagnostics

We are seeking for a Technical Project Manager for Optical Diagnostics to lead and oversee complex engineering projects in optical diagnostics optomechanical systems and high-power laser technologies integral to the National Ignition Facilitys target diagnostics this role your primary focus will be on project managementdriving projects from initiation through completion ensuring delivery on time within scope and on budget. While an optical engineering background is strongly preferred the essential requirement is proven excellence in project management within a technical or optical engineering environment.

You will coordinate multidisciplinary teams establish project objectives develop and maintain detailed plans allocate resources and monitor progress. You will serve as the main point of contact for stakeholders sponsors and external partners ensuring all project deliverables meet the highest standards of Security Safety Quality and Efficiency (SSQE). This is an opportunity to make a significant impact by advancing optical technologies through effective project leadership in a collaborative and dynamic environment. This position is within the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division supporting the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate.

In this role you will

• Function independently with minimal direction taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives prioritize parallel tasks allocate resources and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Conduct advanced level technical tasks and engineering projects in optical diagnostics and related fields ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer requirements.
• Collaborate in the development and manage comprehensive project schedules budgets and resource allocations adapting to evolving priorities and constraints.
• Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional teams ensuring effective communication task prioritization and timely completion of project milestones.
• Apply project management best practices and systems engineering frameworks to guide project execution and risk mitigation.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for project stakeholders sponsors and external partners providing regular updates and ensuring stakeholder needs are met.
• Prepare deliver and explain clear concise presentations and reports to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor and support team members fostering a culture of collaboration accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Safety Security Quality and Efficiency (SSQE) principles across all project activities.
• Leverage advanced technical expertise (preferably in optical engineering) to support operational troubleshooting complex problem-solving and multifaceted decision-making throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Bachelors degree in engineering physical sciences or a related technical field or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced level skills and experience in technical project management within a technical or optical engineering environment including project planning systems engineering and integration execution and delivery.
• Advanced level leadership skills with demonstrated experience and ability to successfully manage multidisciplinary teams and the delivery of complex system development projects.
• Advanced communication facilitation and collaboration skills with the ability to effectively present and explain technical information and provide advice to senior management and external stakeholders.
• Advanced level skills and demonstrated experience effectively collaborating with technical staff managers stakeholders and vendors at all organizational levels.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced degree (or higher) in optical engineering electrical engineering mechanical engineering physics or a related technical field.
• Significant experience leading complex projects and teams in optical diagnostics in relevant R&D environments with significant operational requirements such as HED experimental facilities accelerators defense contractors etc.
• Certification in Project Management (e.g. PMP) or Systems Engineering.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and deliver innovative solutions with experience in optical systems engineering optomechanical opto-electronics or advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a record of building effective collaborations across internal teams sponsors and industry partners.

Additional Information :

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit  Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time