Program Group Leader, Laser Inertial Confinement Fusion Experiments Active Security Clearance Required

We have an opening for a Program Group Leader (PGL) to lead and manage the Laser Inertial Confinement Fusion Experiments (LE) group composed of three teams within the Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Science section of the Weapons Physics and Design (WPD) program. The Laser ICF Experiments PGL leads WPDs effort to improve the robustness of our fusion ignition platform and advance our understanding to ultimately achieve and use high fusion yield in support of the stockpile stewardship program. You will lead the experiments teams that develops executes and analyzes laser-driven fusion experiments and help set the future direction of laser-based fusion concepts. As part of the ICF leadership team you will be jointly responsible for the development of experimental plans and the analysis of the results of these experiments. You will also be responsible for maintaining a close partnership with the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to set facility requirements; with NIFs target diagnostic group to provide input on diagnostic development; and with the line organization for experimentalists (Joint High Energy Density (JHEDS)). This position will report programmatically to the Associate Program Director (APD) for ICF Science within WPD in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Principal 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.

In this role you will

• Provide overall technical safety security and administrative leadership of the LE group activities with a budget of roughly $20M.
• Partner with the Laser ICF Modeling program group leader in the development of experiments on the NIF to improve our understanding of ICF implosions.
• Maintain a constructive and collaborative working relationship with the other ICF and HED Science PGLs and the ICF and HED Science APDs.
• Principal interface with the NIF to help set facility requirements.
• In collaboration with the ICF Science APD provide technical direction for the development and implementation of the LE plan including staffing and budget allocations.
• In collaboration with the ICF leadership team develop experimental and analysis plans.
• Interface with the line organizations (principally JHEDS) on experiment staffing.
• Manage and communicate LE program objectives accomplishments and plans to WPD workforce NNSA HQ SNL LANL LLE and other external stakeholders.
• Conduct operations and business management in compliance with LLNS policy and procedures contract requirements and applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.
• PhD in Engineering Physics or a related technical field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Significant knowledge of inertial confinement fusion physics HED experimental facilities and engineering.
• Track record of teaming and partnering effectively to build lead and motivate cross-disciplinary and cross-laboratory teams to work toward programmatic and institutional goals.
• Experience managing and leading a technical portfolio supporting large-scale projects led by others and a demonstrated ability to deliver results.
• Advanced problem solving analytical technical organizational and management skills necessary to independently advise recommend and approve appropriate actions and implement solutions.
• Expert communication skills both written and verbal necessary to effectively explain present and advise senior management external stakeholders and staff.
• Ability to obtain and maintain authorization as a Derivative Classifier with knowledge of ICF.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiarity with laser-based (NIF and OMEGA) and pulsed-power (Z-facility) ICF facilities.
• Familiarity with SD and the LLNL weapons physics program.
• Experience in strategic planning and experience in decision-making to achieve overall objectives and long-range goals.
• Track record of delivering on objectives.

Pay Range:

$272970 - $346140 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-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)
• 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. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time