W87-1 System Test and Qualification Leader Active Security Clearance Required

We have an opening for a System Test and Qualification (STQ) Leader for the W87-1 Modification Program. Your primary focus will be to provide professional leadership and programmatic oversight for a range of technical qualification activities and lead groups of individuals to design build instrument test and report on warhead component and assemblies. As the LLNL STQ Leader you will work closely with Sandia National Laboratories Lockheed Martin NNSA and other Joint Test Partners. You will collaborate with the W87-1 leadership team as well as other DTED groups including the Engineering Design & Test and Environmental and Mechanical Test groups. This position is in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) within the Engineering Directorate supporting the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.

Depending on your assignment this position may offer a hybrid schedule blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Provide W87-1 System Test and Qualification group with leadership in project development system integration warhead expertise and design qualification / warhead certification work.
• Oversee multiple W87-1 portfolios of system test activities ensuring that scope schedule costs and project risks are developed executed communicated and tracked appropriately.
• Direct and assign work to group members and remain cognizant of the technical goals workload balances and progress of group projects.
• Define track and complete warhead reserve (WR) and Joint Test Assembly (JTA) system test objectives on time and within budget in collaboration with W87-1 personnel. Monitor performance required to meet programmatic milestones and deliverables and lead corrective actions where necessary.
• Lead the W87-1 Production Planning team to ensure that hardware needed for tests is planned within the Material Requirement Schedule (MRS).
• Represent STQ at meetings briefings and committee activities both internal and external to the Laboratory. Provide advice to program leadership customers and external sponsors.
• Regularly interface with relevant groups across the engineering divisions to ensure system test and qualification priorities are communicated and carried out.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SEL.5 level 

• Work with program management and external stakeholders to perform high level goal setting contribute to strategic planning efforts for long range goals identify new opportunities and influence strategic decisions.
• Strategically anticipate identify and provide technical leadership to the team to stay ahead of potential high complexity problems.
• Utilize expertise in weapon design engineering product lifecycle processes and qualification to mentor staff across the test team and provide advice across the program.

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.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering or related technical field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant experience with engineering testing hardware management sensors and product lifecycle processes.
• Subject matter knowledge of nuclear warhead engineering systems engineering and integration and warhead qualification.
• Advanced facilitation and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross functional teams and collaborate with diverse stakeholders as well as to promote and maintain productive relationships across directorates with other laboratories and with personnel from external entities.
• Significant experience in project leadership. Advanced knowledge of project management tools and techniques including work planning scheduling cost estimating and managing budgets.
• Advanced level problem-solving skills with the ability to develop and implement effective solutions for complex technical challenges.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.
• Experience working independently and responsively to changing priorities and ability to meet deadlines.

Additional qualifications at the SEL.5 level 

• Extensive experience leading large complex engineering test and qualification efforts involving multiple organizations interfaces and high-consequence deliverables. Expert communication facilitation negotiation and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present explain mediate compromise influence and advise senior management and external stakeholders.
• Extensive experience and expertise in testing technical knowledge to address capability advancements that may have impact beyond the laboratory.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters degree or PhD in Engineering or related field.

Pay Range

$227430 -  $346140 Annually

$227430 - $288396 Annually for the SEL.4 level

$272970 - $346140 Annually for the SEL.5 level

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