Project Engineering Section Leader - Active Clearance Required

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Section Leader to lead the Project Engineering Section (PES). The PES delivers integrated engineering leadership across a portfolio of programs supporting the national security missions, spanning system integration, project engineering, fabrication coordination, controls, software, in support of Strategic Deterrence and Global Security Directorates. Flagship programs that engineers in PES support include ASD Scorpius (a next generation accelerator located at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), facility and equipment controls at Site 300, and project controls for the Laboratory's largest and most complex national security projects.  You will lead complex, fast-paced R&D efforts at scale - translating mission needs into executable strategies, guiding technical direction, and ensuring delivery across multiple sites within the NNSA complex. You will work through Group Leaders to align priorities, enable execution, and sustain high-performing teams operating in an agile, multidisciplinary environment.  As part of a capability-driven organization, you will shape and grow engineering capability for future missions - anticipating emerging challenges, cultivating technical and leadership depth, and positioning the organization to respond to evolving national security priorities. This position reports to the Deputy Division Leader in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

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

You will 

• Lead the PES management team of Group Leaders in carrying out the day-to-day management tasks of the section.  These include policy implementation, resource allocation, recruiting and hiring, and serving as the primary contact between NSED management and the section members while setting technical expectations, priorities, and standards for section execution and capability development.
• Participate in performance management and salary management activities, and promote career development, mentoring, and technical guidance for section members.
• Oversee the delivery of complex engineering projects and programs, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with mission objectives, cost, and schedule.
• Lead and shape the development, implementation and execution of strategic plans and long-term goals for the PES section, working in collaboration with senior NSED and programmatic management to ensure consistency with Directorate and Laboratory strategy.
• Champion, develop and apply disciplined engineering, quality management, and project management best practices in support of the Section’s customers.
• Anticipate emerging technical and programmatic opportunities, positioning the Section to support new initiatives, capability sustainment and advancement and respond to evolving priorities.
• Engage with senior management, sponsors, and partners to shape future program direction and investments and influence key decisions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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. 
• Master’s degree in engineering, physics, or related field, or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.
• Expert knowledge in one or more of the following areas: project controls, accelerator-based radiography, weapons engineering, or control systems.
• Extensive experience leading technical teams in R&D environments, leading the delivery or operation of large-scale, complex systems, facilities, or programs in multi-organizational environments.
• Demonstrated success in developing technical leaders and building organizational capability aligned with evolving mission needs.
• Expert leadership, communication, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present, explain, align teams, influence outcomes, represent the organization, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD degree in engineering or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience as an Engineering Group Leader and broad experience in a variety of Laboratory Programs. Expertise and experience managing projects and programs with earned value management.
• Experience designing, commissioning, operating, maintaining, or upgrading large linear accelerator or similar complex experimental systems.
• Experience with ELM and Windchill.
• Experience working within DOE/NNSA or similarly complex, regulated environments.
• Experience working at LLNL Site 300 or NNSS.

Pay Range

$272,970 - $346,140 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 employee’s 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.

#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 https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security 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

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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