Electromagnetics Section Group Leader

Job Description

We have multiple openings for Group Leaders within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) to lead the Energy Manipulation Technology Group, the Plasma Engineering Group, and the Accelerator Operations Group.  Each group is a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists responsible for a diverse portfolio spanning conventional, solid-state, and explosive pulsed power, applied electromagnetics research and development, and accelerator / plasma-based systems.

These Group Leaders will provide technical leadership and line management for teams performing theoretical analysis, modeling and simulation, electrical and mechanical design, and experimental execution. Core activities include the design, execution, and diagnosis of large-scale, complex experiments, as well as operation of pulsed power, accelerator, and plasma systems. These roles are responsible for workforce planning, program alignment, and capability development, while maintaining strong individual technical contributions. These roles require close collaboration with program sponsors, project leaders, and senior management to ensure successful execution of mission-critical objectives. You will have a meaningful role in managing technical activities, developing successful careers, building a positive working environment, and developing an extraordinary staff to meet program needs.These positions are 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.

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.

You will 

• Provide technical leadership and administrative supervision to a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in support of national security missions. 
• Serve as a subject matter expert to direct and oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of complex research and engineering activities in electromagnetics, pulsed power, accelerator, and plasma-based systems. 
• Provide extensive technical guidance in the development, analysis, and application of electromagnetic systems and experimental platforms. 
• Advocate for and grow future high-impact projects across multiple funding streams including Programmatic, LDRD, ISCP, and SPP developing organizational strategies that influence program direction and enable innovative, high-impact capabilities.
• Lead and shape the development, implementation and execution of strategic plans and long-term goals for the EM section, working in collaboration with senior NSED and programmatic management to ensure consistency with Directorate and Laboratory strategy.
• Establish and maintain high standards for technical quality through formal reviews, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement of methods and processes.
• Lead workforce development, including recruiting, mentoring, performance management, and career development planning for group members including summer students, postdoctoral researchers and engineers
• Ensure compliance with Laboratory policies, safety and security requirements, and training expectations.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management and sponsors, to communicate technical progress and support program objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SEL.5 level

• Serve as a LLNL subject matter expert and leader to provide expert-level technical leadership in electromagnetics, pulsed power, or plasma-based systems.
• Develop and implement high-level technical and organizational strategies that influence program direction and enable innovative, high-impact capabilities contributing to strategic planning efforts.
• Pilot change by developing and guiding technical direction across projects and programs, including shaping long-range research and development strategies in collaboration with senior management and sponsors.

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.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical science, or related field with significant experience.
• Subject matter expertise of electromagnetics, pulsed-power systems, accelerator systems, plasma physics, or closely related technical disciplines, with  expertise applying this knowledge to research and development projects.
• Expertise leading technical projects or teams, including planning, execution, and coordination of multidisciplinary efforts.
• Ability to apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to solve complex problems and contribute to the successful execution of projects.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to achieve program objectives.
• Effective leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills necessary to guide teams, mentor staff, and interact with management and sponsors.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direction, exercising sound judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for achieving objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional qualifications at the SEL.5 level 

• Expert-level knowledge in one or more relevant technical areas (e.g., electromagnetics simulation, pulsed-power system design, accelerator systems, plasma-based systems), with extensive experience applying and advancing state-of-the-art technologies.
• Ability to independently define technical direction and influence organizational or programmatic strategies under broad consultative direction.
• Extensive experience leading large-scale, complex programs or teams, including shaping long-term technical vision and driving innovation across projects.
• Extensive experience with strategic planning of projects and programs to align with future needs and growth in innovative R&D areas.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Experience with large-scale experimental facilities or high-energy-density physics systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing new technologies, methods, or capabilities in electromagnetics or pulsed power applications.
• Familiarity with soliciting Programmatic, LDRD, ISCP, SPP, or other funding streams.
• Experience mentoring postdoctoral researchers.

Pay Range

$227,430 - $346,140 Annually

$227,430 - $288,396 Annually for the SEL.4 level

$272,970 - $346,140 Annually for the SEL.5 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-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.

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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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