Advanced Photonic Systems Section Manager Active Clearance Required

We are seeking an Advanced Photonic Systems Section Manager for the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directed Energy Technology Programs (DETP). You will lead advanced photonic system modeling design build and testing projects oversee business development project planning with external sponsors and manage execution of high-impact photonic system initiatives. You will collaborate across Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) NIF&PS PAD and DETP leveraging institutional strengths to deliver successful projects and influence strategic investments. This position is part of 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.

You will 

• Lead teams programs or functions with a technical focus operate under broad consultative direction with significant autonomy use expert knowledge and extensive team leadership experience and exercise judgment within established policies to monitor workflow allocate resources ensure timely completion of projects and influence and direct high-level strategic plans to achieve objectives while managing organizational and operational impact and attaining long-range goals.
• Oversee project execution for Radio Frequency (RF) photonic system projects within DETP by ensuring technical objectives milestones and deliverables are met on time and within budget with significant impact on Laboratory objectives and sponsor relationships.
• Lead and facilitate highly complex high-impact business development activities for the Advanced Photonic Systems Section including identifying new sponsors and growing relationships with existing sponsors to advance Laboratory programs.
• Establish and drive project vision and strategy with external sponsors setting scope schedule and budget for future efforts in collaboration with stakeholders and ensuring alignment with long-range organizational targets.
• Provide direct leadership and direction for multi-disciplinary project teams ensuring adherence to safety security and quality standards and serving as a primary technical and managerial contact for large projects/programs.
• Exercise judgment and influence in recommending institutional indirect S&T and capability investments aligning resources and priorities with organizational strategy and long-range Laboratory direction.
• Partner and negotiate across LLNL NIF&PS PAD and DETP to build successful projects by leveraging institutional capabilities fostering effective partnerships and influencing Laboratory and sponsor priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Active DOE Q clearance (or active Top Secret clearance) with ability to obtain Sensitive Compartmented Information access.
• Masters degree in Science Engineering Physics or related technical field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience in business development project planning management and execution oversight for advanced photonic system projects with significant impact on organizational objectives.
• Extensive experience of advanced photonic systems including state-of-the-art high speed high dynamic range low noise signal processing for transmitters and receivers.
• Proven leadership and direction of large multi-disciplinary project teams with demonstrated verbal and written communication collaboration budgeting and problem-solving skills necessary to influence and advise senior management and external sponsors.
• Extensive experience advising and influencing on strategic technical decisions and institutional investments.
• Demonstrated experience working across organizations to build successful innovative projects and programs.
• Extensive experience with managing conflicting priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment with significant autonomy and judgment.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally for programmatic and scientific meetings.

Qualifications We Desire

• Ph.D. in Science Engineering Physics or related technical field or equivalent combination of education and related experience and extensive experience and demonstrated ability to champion lead and develop innovative cutting-edge principles theories and concepts.
• Experience with NIF&PS DETP and Strategic Partnerships Projects.
• Experience collaborating with DoW DoE US Industry Federally Funded Research and Development centers (FFRDCs) and/or University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs).
• Familiarity with RF photonic engineering scientific facility operations and strategic planning.

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-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)
• 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. 

  Pre-Employment Drug Test

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time