Optics Materials Science and Technology Manager for Capabilities

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in supporting world-class optics processing capabilities at the National Ignition Facility We are seeking a dynamic Capabilities Manager to lead capability development for the Optics Materials Science & Technology (OMST) engineering and maintenance organization within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a team that supports critical national security missions through advanced optics processing specialized manufacturing and operational this role you will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers technicians and designers responsible for developing upgrading sustaining and improving specialized optics processing systems and associated facility capabilities at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and off-site vendor locations. Your responsibilities will include capability development technology support and strategic integration of systems used to enable OMST operations reliability lifecycle sustainment and future mission needs. 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 of the execution of optics processing capability projects including managing internal customer expectations and funding for a complex portfolio.
• Oversee the management of a team of engineers and designers to develop upgrade and sustain specialized optics processing systems and infrastructure in support of OMST mission needs.
• Manage highly complex interfaces between key internal stakeholders such as operations engineering maintenance facilities project management safety quality and program partners to ensure high quality development assembly qualification integration commissioning and sustainment of OMST capabilities.
• Represent OMST capability interests in working group interactions with other associate section managers including participation in the improvement of Safety Security Quality and Efficiency (SSQE).
• Oversee the execution of engineering safety notes to include assigning resources holding teams accountable coordinating safety note approval with LSEO and approval designee and providing mentoring and coaching for less experienced staff.
• Interact report to and negotiate with NIF senior management and/or internal/external customers about the progress and performance of OMST capability projects and systems.
• Oversee the management of the integration of key R&D technologies process improvements and system upgrades that improve optics processing capability performance toward OMSTs strategic and mission objectives.
• Review technical and engineering progress for projects inside OMST capabilities to ensure that defined goals and objectives are being met participate in the design review process for OMST systems to ensure that defined goals objectives and requirements are appropriately addressed.
• Mentor train and coach team members particularly the acceptance of risk work induction the IPRB design review process and the Work Authorization Point process.
• 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 Engineering Physics or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and significant related experience and ability to lead independent work.
• Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering technology and science teams in the design upgrade commissioning qualification integration and sustainment of highly complex technical systems especially involving facility mechanical electrical optical controls and/or process systems.
• Extensive experience in planning and monitoring the performance of multimillion dollar budgets and portfolios.
• Extensive experience integrating and operating highly complex systems in a rigorous operating environment including coaching others in the execution of key processes.
• Extensive experience in complex systems engineering project management work control work authorization risk assessment and acceptance and system operations.
• Expert communication facilitation collaboration and problem-solving skills necessary to lead cooperative multi-disciplinary teams present highly complex technical information and influence at multiple levels of the organization from individual contributors through to senior management and internal stakeholders in partner organizations.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters degree in Science Engineering Physics or related technical field.
• In-depth knowledge of NIF&PS management and organizational structures and familiarity with OMST optics processing systems and interfaces across NIF&PS organizations.
• Experience supporting systems involving cleanliness stability controls and specialized processing systems.
• Familiarity with engineering and execution of projects in high-consequence environments.

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