Group Leader - Micro and Nano Technology Section

Job Description

We have multiple openings for Group Leaders in the Micro and Nano Technology Section (MNTS) within the Materials Engineering Division (MED). You will provide leadership for research and development activities in areas such as micro- and nanoscale materials, devices, and systems; nanofabrication and advanced manufacturing; materials characterization and metrology; microfluidics and microsystems, including micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS); sensors and instrumentation; and bioengineering and biotechnology. You will have a key role in developing successful careers, building a positive working environment, and developing staff to meet program needs. In addition to the Group Leader role, you will be expected to maintain a technical programmatic project assignment. These positions are in MED, which is part of the Engineering Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization. 

These positions 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

• Provide leadership, supervision, and technical, strategic, and administrative direction, guidance, and support to a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technologists in accomplishing project and program goals and objectives.
• Set technical strategy and direction for the group and collaborate with Engineering Center Leaders, Program Leaders, and the Associate Division Leader for MNTS to define work objectives, identify and lead complex technical work assignments, and guide workload planning across multiple projects, tracking progress against schedules and milestones.
• Collaborate with Project Leaders to identify workforce needs and lead recruiting, hiring, training, career development, and performance and salary management activities, including career counseling, mentoring, coaching, and conducting annual performance reviews.
• Advise and evaluate staff on the execution of technical work, and lead the team in thoughtful, comprehensive reviews of complex designs, experiments, and analyses, providing expert technical recommendations.
• Provide advanced technical analysis and communicate project risks, requirements, and progress through technical updates and presentations to senior leadership, customers, and external sponsors.
• Identify networking opportunities, technical and non-technical growth areas, and training and mentoring needs for group personnel, facilitating periodic career development discussions.
• Monitor and influence the work environment to develop employee morale and well-being; recruit, hire, and retain outstanding technical staff.
• Ensure team compliance with all safety, security, and operational standards across laboratory, cleanroom, and fabrication environments, making certain that Laboratory and Directorate policies are understood, applied, and followed.
• Provide support to the Associate Division Leader for MNTS to address organizational needs and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SEL.4 level

• Contribute to higher-level goal setting and strategic planning toward long-range goals with the Division Leader and Associate Division Leader for MNTS, influencing strategic decisions made by program management and external stakeholders and identifying new opportunities.
• Engage sponsors and develop new projects and programs with a focus on long-term growth of the group’s expertise and capabilities.
• Develop creative and innovative solutions to highly unusual, highly complex, and/or sensitive problems where the solution path is not known ahead of time.
• Serve as a primary technical contact and on external scientific or technical committees, representing the program and the Laboratory.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or biomedical engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of and significant experience in one or more areas such as micro- and nanoscale materials, devices, and systems; nanofabrication and advanced manufacturing; materials characterization and metrology; microfluidics and microsystems, including micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS); sensors and instrumentation; and bioengineering or biotechnology.
• Significant experience collaborating with technical business partners to identify and lead complex technical projects, including workforce planning, tracking milestones, and providing performance feedback to team members.
• Significant experience giving technical presentations and participating in reviews, identifying technical needs, developing practical approaches, and delivering working solutions for program customers.
• Significant leadership experience and demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team of technical staff, including training, coaching, team building, and career and performance management.
• Advanced problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, responding to changing priorities while ensuring timely and accurate completion of work.
• Advanced communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present and explain technical information and to advise senior management and external sponsors.

Additional qualifications at the SEL.4 level

• Extensive experience leading personnel on highly complex technical projects, including project planning and execution and developing creative solutions to a diverse range of highly complex problems.
• Track record of building programs with a focus on capability development and growth.
• Track record of attracting, hiring, developing, directing, and retaining teams in the successful accomplishment of major project goals and objectives.
• Expert communication, facilitation, negotiation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present, explain, influence, and advise senior management, external sponsors, and/or key stakeholders.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or biomedical engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related field.
• External technical leadership supported by publications, presentations, patents, and research initiatives.
• Experience developing and leading multi-institutional research efforts for sponsors such as DOE, DoW, and other federal agencies.
• Experience with LLNL and Engineering administrative policies, procedures, and design safety practices and standards.

Pay Range:

$189,660 - $288,396 Annually

$189,660 - $240,528 Annually for the SEL.3 level
$227,430 - $288,396 Annually for the SEL.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.

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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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