Chief of Operations for Space Science and Security Active Security Clearance Required

We have an opening for a Chief of Operations for Space Science and Security (SSS) within Z Program (Intelligence Program) in the Global Security (GS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD). Z Programs mission is to apply the complete set of LLNLs science and technology capabilities to support the Intelligence Community (IC) in overcoming its most difficult challenges. As Chief of Space Operations you will work collaboratively with the Space Program Leader (PL) on the leadership management and oversight of all operational aspects of Space Program mission space. You will work as an integral part of the Space Program leadership team with Z program leadership and with GS PAD management. Additionally you will provide oversight of Space program workforce needs laboratory infrastructure needs for Space and LLNL-funded institutional investments within the Space program. This role requires leading and motivating a diverse team and building effective partnerships with senior leadership at the Laboratory including Z and GS PAD leadership as well as the Engineering and Physics and Life Sciences and Computations Directorates. Your primary role is to make technical contributions to projects and part time for Space Operations.

In this role you will 

• Guide and provide technical and operational direction for the Space Program across all areas of the program provide advice guidance and assistance to the PL and program leadership; recommend and implement changes to methods and processes; and make final decisions on administrative technical and/or operational matters.
• Develop and strengthen strategic Space Program relationships internal to the Laboratory with key program stakeholders.
• Lead Space mission-area workforce and infrastructure management and planning activities. Exercise judgment in engaging with sponsors and communities of interest to help anticipate long-term mission needs and science and technology trends for the program and institution; and work across the Program and Institution to develop innovative concepts and promote new ideas to support strategic direction in collaboration with the Space PL.
• Responsible for ensuring all high-level project and program operations and performance standards are realistically set and attained and are executed in compliance with Laboratory and Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) requirements. Understand and contribute to maintaining appropriate training security and ES&H rigor across the program.
• Contribute substantially to lead the direction oversight and execution of programmatic work including sponsor funded strategic partnership Laboratory Directed Research & Development (LDRD) and strategic investment projects. Manage the scope and schedule of an annual budget of $100M in partnership with Z Program and GS senior management team.
• Collaborate with the Program Leader and principal investigators to ensure projects are effectively and efficiently executed while managing technical cost and schedule risks to ensure attainment of Laboratory mission deliverables and objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• This position requires an Active DOE Q clearance (or active Top-Secret clearance) with Active Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
• Masters Degree or PhD in physical science engineering computer science political science or related discipline or the equivalent combination of education and significant related experience and demonstrated ability to lead the application and development of principles theories and concepts in a creative and innovative fashion.
• Extensive experience directing technical staff to achieve organization objectives and goals in the national security arena.
• Extensive experience in personnel management including recruiting hiring mentoring career development corrective action performance appraisal ranking and salary management.
• Extensive experience planning and directing work with technical objectives estimating effort setting milestones and effectiveness in managing large-scale budgets and projects negotiating resource allocations amid conflicting priorities and in delivering results.
• Highly effective problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently address challenging highly complex problems.
• Expert leadership and management skills to champion innovative direction and influence the development of broad institutional goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated track record of building inclusive organizations.

Qualifications We Desire

• Extensive experience working in the space community.
• In depth knowledge of LLNL and DOE NNSA procedures and practices in facilities management as well as working knowledge of security practices in TS/Q and SCI facilities.

Additional Information :

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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 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.  Also you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.  Please note that your current active Q or Top Secret clearance with DOE or another agency does not guarantee DOE SCI access approval; if you are denied access you may be subject to reinvestigation of your existing Q or Top Secret Clearance. 

  Pre-Employment Drug Test

  External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

  Wireless and Medical Devices

  Per the Department of Energy (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes but not limited to cell phones tablets fitness devices wireless headphones and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

  If you use a medical device which pairs with a mobile device you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

  How to identify fake job advertisements

  Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under Find Your Job of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent we strongly recommend you do not respond.

  To learn more about recruitment scams:  Employment Opportunity

  We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion marital status national origin ancestry sex sexual orientation gender identity disability medical condition pregnancy protected veteran status age citizenship or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

  Reasonable Accommodation

  Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process please use our online form to submit a request. 

  California Privacy Notice

  The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

  
  

  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time