NEST Training & Exercise Program Lead Active Clearance Required

We have an opening for a Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) Training & Exercise Program Lead supporting the NEST within the N Program of the Global Security (GS) Directorate. This role serves as a senior technical and programmatic leader responsible for the strategy development integration and execution of NEST training and exercise programs at LLNL. You will lead the design and delivery of high-fidelity mission-driven training systems that support national-level nuclear emergency response operations. The scope includes coordination across multidisciplinary technical teams and collaboration with interagency partners to ensure training effectiveness operational readiness and alignment with mission requirements.  This position is within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) in the Engineering Directorate.

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

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.

In this role you will 

• Lead the planning integration and execution of NEST training and exercise programs including complex multi-agency activities supporting Device Response (DR) operations.
• Develop and implement realistic operational scenarios training plans and performance metrics to evaluate readiness and mission effectiveness.
• Coordinate with LLNL organizations and external partners (e.g. NNSA DoD DoJ) to align training objectives requirements and execution strategies.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to multidisciplinary teams in the design development and deployment of training systems simulation environments and operational tools.
• Oversee the lifecycle of training programs including concept development design execution and continuous improvement.
• Ensure training activities comply with safety security and classification requirements while supporting operational objectives.
• Represent LLNL in interactions with internal leadership and external stakeholders on training-related initiatives and activities.
• Analyze training outcomes and operational feedback to refine approaches improve performance and support mission readiness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level

• Establish and drive long-term strategy priorities and vision for NEST training and exercise programs aligned with national mission requirements.
• Serve as the primary LLNL authority and recognized subject matter expert for NEST training with interagency partners and senior stakeholders.
• Direct and lead multidisciplinary technical team including responsibility for work planning task assignment and performance oversight.
• Influence program direction resource allocation and integration of new capabilities to enhance training effectiveness and operational impact.

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 physical sciences or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of training program development execution and evaluation within complex technical or operational environments.
• Significant experience planning coordinating and executing complex programs or exercises involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to integrate technical systems engineering solutions or operational capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direction applying judgment to determine methods and approaches to achieve objectives.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate with technical teams and present information and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expert knowledge of training systems program development or nuclear emergency response operations with demonstrated impact on organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to operate under consultative direction establishing program objectives strategy and priorities with significant autonomy.
• Experience leading and directing multidisciplinary technical teams and influencing programmatic direction across organizations.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience supporting NNSA nuclear emergency response or national security programs.
• Experience working with interagency partners (e.g. DOE DoD DoJ).
• Experience developing high-fidelity simulation systems training environments or operational scenarios.
• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in engineering physical sciences or related field.

Pay Range

$175530 - $267060 Annually

$175530 - $222564 Annually for the SES.3 level

$210630 - $267060 Annually for the SES.4 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.  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. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time