Nuclear Facility User Operations Manager

Company Description

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.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Nuclear Facility User Operations Manager that will report administratively to the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) and provide programmaticsupport to the Superblock Program in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate. You will be part of the Superblock management team and will oversee the management and utilization of the facility users operations group and provide direct technical programmatic support.

You will provide complex programmatic support to the Plutonium and Tritium facilities, as well as other Superblock facilities, and act as the interface between facility users and other groups or organizations both internal and external to the Superblock Program. You will enable coordination of work task priorities and ensure safety and compliance for fissile material handling and tritium handling operations. You will interact daily with Superblock, SD, Engineering, and Physical and Life Sciences Management. You will also be responsible for compliance oversight and management of the Superblock Radioactive Materials Area (RMA) Supervisors and provide advocacy and resolution for this diverse group. You will be responsible for maximizing the effectiveness of the facilities in the accomplishment of program work while adhering to all guidelines, requirements, and controls applicable to SBK facilities. You will report to the Associate Superblock Director for Plutonium.

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 complex direct programmatic support of the work conducted in the radioactive materials area for the Superblock Program.
• Exercise independent judgment and utilize advanced level of technical and administrative experience to resolve complex administrative and technical problems and to establish work procedures and priorities, and direct others to accomplish work in pursuit of the program's technical and administrative mission.
• Oversee and ensure compliance with the B332 DSA, B332 TSRs, and other requirements that apply to work activities of facility and programmatic users working in the facility by providing coaching, participating in safety walkdowns, and auditing room logbooks.
• Manage and maintain the roster of Radioactive Materials Area (RMA) Supervisors and collaborate, by providing input, developing solutions, implementing improvements, and planning and executing activities to maximize the effectiveness of the Facility in the conduct and successful accomplishment of work performed in the RMA.
• Review, advise, provide guidance, and make determinations on training qualifications for fissile material handler certifications.
• Participate in design reviews, fissile material handler procedures development and implementation, all phases of work control processes, and other activities to support technical and administrative assignments.
• Oversee and administer FSP level activities for B332 utilizing work control documents, procedures, and compliance documentation such as general glovebox work, movement of nuclear materials, and material limit calculations.
• Monitor performance requirements and lead actions to ensure programmatic milestones and deliverables are met.
• Communicate with stakeholders and leadership to report on program activities and progress as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the TSL.4 level

• Serve as a principal technical resource and subject matter expert on fissile material and tritium handling operations, and as Superblock Program Representative in institutional working groups and committees focused on nuclear operations, work control, and high hazard activities.
• Lead the development, review, approval, and update of highly complex work packages and work control documents that involve multiple hazards, facilities, and disciplines, as well as updates to procedures and guidance documents to reflect lessons learned and evolving requirements.
• Provide highly advanced technical guidance advice, and solutions to cross‑organizational teams of technical staff, facility personnel, and program representatives to resolve highly complex problems and conflicting priorities, optimize facility utilization, and ensure mission milestones are met.
• Represent FMH personnel and champion key operational processes for facility user operations, including fissile material handler qualifications, material movement processes, and glovebox work practices.
• Lead, develop, and implement new or creative ideas, performance metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), advanced techniques and approaches, and/or redefine requirements that impact organizational operation or direction.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering technology or related technical field or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced level skills, knowledge, and experience in mechanical, electronics, design, and/or technical coordination technology.
• Experience with and knowledge of nuclear facility safety basis requirements, configuration management principles and conduct of operations requirements, as well as previous fissile material handler experience.
• Demonstrated ability and experience using a high degree of independent judgment in directing technical support work through the effective utilization of people and available resources.
• Advanced level technical and organizational problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to effectively provide solutions to complex or conflicting issues.
• Advanced level verbal and written communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills necessary to lead a team and ensure that program requirements are effectively communicated in a timely manner, as well as to present, explain, and provide advice to management and stakeholders.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Familiarity with high hazard Work Control processes.

Additional qualifications at the TSL.4 level

• Significant experience and subject matter expertise, knowledge, and skills in nuclear facility operations or a closely related field, including significant experience in a lead, supervisory, or technical authority role supporting high hazard nuclear operations.
• Demonstrated ability and experience successfully leading highly complex, multi‑disciplinary technical efforts in a nuclear or high‑hazard facility environment, with responsibility for safety, compliance, and mission delivery.
• Proven ability and significant experience using a high degree of independent judgment in effectively coordinating competing program and facility priorities to meet mission, safety, and security requirements.
• Significant experience and demonstrated ability in effectively leading and developing technical staff in a matrix or line management structure to successfully achieve project objectives by setting expectations, providing performance feedback, mentoring others, defining and verifying requirements and resources, resolving highly complex problems, and prioritizing tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to represent an organization in high‑visibility reviews, audits, or readiness activities, effectively addressing highly complex technical and compliance questions by presenting, explaining, negotiating, influencing, and providing advice.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of Superblock Program's policies, procedures and applicable institutional documents.
• Experience with safety systems associated with radiation technologies and hazards and nuclear facility safety culture.
• Experience as a Certified Fissile Material Handler and knowledge of DOE Order 426.2A.
• Knowledge and experience interpreting and implementing Laboratory policies, procedures, and practices, especially in the area of ES&H, safety, and security.

Pay Range

$167,340 - $254,544 Annually

$167,340 - $212,160 Annually for the TSL.3 level

$200,760 - $254,544 Annually for the TSL.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; 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.

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

Security Clearance

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.

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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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