Laser and Alignment Systems Associate Section Manager for Operations

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in supporting the worlds most advanced laser facility We are seeking a dynamic Associate Section Manager for Operations Lasers & Alignment Systems Engineering (LASE) to join the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the team that achieved fusion ignition in December 2022 a historic moment in science that opened new physics regimes and set the stage for future fusion energy this critical position you will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for the operation and maintenance of laser sources diagnostics target and beam alignment and pulsed power systems. You will manage operational execution integration and continuous improvement of LASE activities across NIF sections ensuring seamless support for NIFs shot schedule and mission. This position is in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

In this role you will 

• Lead teams programs or functions with a technical focus operate under consultative direction with substantial authority use subject matter expertise and significant team leadership experience and exercise judgment within established policies to monitor workflow allocate resources ensure timely completion of projects independently determine strategies and achieve objectives while managing organizational impact and pursuing actions to achieve long-term goals.
• Oversee the management and execution of the LASE Operations & Integration team scope identifying planning and executing courses of action essential to obtaining desired outcomes and managing internal sponsor.
• Lead a team of work center supervisors and technicians providing 24/7 operational support for the operations and maintenance of the NIF laser system including laser sources & diagnostics target and beam alignment and pulsed power.
• Manage highly complex operational interfaces between key internal stakeholders responsible for NIF shots Laser System Operators and Pulsed Power Operators to ensure seamless completion of critical path activities to support NIFs shot schedule.
• Represent LASE interests in working group interactions with other associate section managers for operations including participation in the improvement of the Safety Security Quality And Efficiency (SSQE).
• Identify and coordinate with the appropriate organizations the support from work teams and resources required for each phase of LASE activities including personnel equipment and facility needs while ensuring that LASE scope is clearly understood appropriately represented and effectively prioritized.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for LASE Operations representing LASE at planning and coordination meetings ensuring that LASE scope and priorities are communicated and understood and escalating gaps in planning and execution as needed.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement through regular meetings with section managers planners system managers work center supervisors and appropriate project teams to clarify roles processes integration needs and priorities for LASE and solicit feedback for continuous improvement.
• Oversee the management and development of the operations training program including development of highly advanced methods and metrics to track progress towards strategic goals.
• Ability to support a team that is responsible for 24/7 facility operations of Lasers & Alignment Systems Engineering including fielding off-hours/at-night calls and providing onsite presence as needed to resolve highly complex technical or operational issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Science or Engineering or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and significant related experience and ability to lead independent work.
• Expert level knowledge in science or engineering that relates to implementation of integrated highly complex and large-scale systems.
• Expert level experience in management of operations for large and highly complex technical systems operated by multidisciplinary teams including 24/7 operations complex work control and configuration management.
• Significant experience managing and executing integrated safety management processes and applying SSQE principles in an operational environment.
• Expert interpersonal skills including the ability to manage personnel conflicts and maintain high morale in a demanding and dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team and/or group effectively in a fast-paced high pressure complex multidisciplinary team environment working across organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated leadership skills for successfully leading and managing multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Expert level verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate and lead in a team environment present and explain technical information and provide advice to management personnel and stakeholders.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters degree in Science Engineering Physics or related technical field.
• In-depth knowledge of NIF&PS management and structures and familiarity with laser systems operations and interfaces across NIF sections.

Pay Range

$227430 - $288396 Annually

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-Onsite

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 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