Special Projects Program Group Leader

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 Special Projects Program Group Leader for the Radioactive Hazardous Waste Management (RHWM) Special Projects Group. You will provide strategic leadership for a diverse portfolio of complex radioactive and hazardous waste projects that support critical Laboratory and DOE missions. You will establish program direction, integrate technical, operational, financial, and regulatory objectives, and ensure successful execution of high-consequence projects across the Special Projects Program. This position provides leadership for multidisciplinary technical and administrative staff while fostering operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within the RHWM Program. This position is in the RHWM Program within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) 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.

You will

• Provide strategic leadership for the Special Projects Program, establishing priorities and ensuring alignment with Laboratory, Directorate, and RHWM strategic objectives.
• Direct a portfolio of complex, high-visibility radioactive and hazardous waste projects from planning through completion, balancing technical scope, schedule, cost, risk, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop long-range program strategies that support emerging Laboratory missions, facility transitions, decommissioning activities, and non-routine waste management challenges.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with DOE, regulators, Laboratory organizations, project sponsors, and external stakeholders to ensure successful program execution.
• Provide leadership for multidisciplinary technical and administrative personnel by establishing organizational priorities, developing staff capabilities, and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee programmatic budgeting, resource allocation, and capital planning to ensure effective execution of current and future mission requirements.
• Establish program performance metrics and monitor project execution to identify risks, resolve issues, and improve organizational performance.
• Ensure Special Projects are executed safely and in full compliance with applicable DOE Orders, federal and state regulations, Laboratory requirements, quality assurance standards, and Integrated Safety Management principles.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, strengthen regulatory compliance, reduce project risk, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the TSL.5 level

• Develop strategic initiatives that expand Special Projects capabilities to support evolving Laboratory and DOE mission requirements.
• Serve as the Laboratory's senior programmatic authority for complex radioactive and hazardous waste projects requiring innovative technical and operational solutions Special Projects Group.
• Lead enterprise-level project portfolios involving multiple organizations, significant technical complexity, substantial financial resources, and executive-level visibility.
• Represent RHWM with senior Laboratory leadership, DOE, regulatory agencies, and external organizations on complex waste management initiatives.
• Identify emerging technical, regulatory, and operational risks and develop long-term strategies that position the Special Projects Program for continued mission success.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of regulations related to hazardous and/or radioactive waste management, wastewater management, or operations in nuclear or other high-hazard facilities.
• Significant technical experience in radioactive or hazardous waste management, including operating a Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF), waste treatment, process engineering, characterization, packaging, handling, and transport.
• Advanced knowledge of ES&H, quality assurance, security, technical, and related requirements needed to provide technical leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading complex technical programs involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant organizational impact.
• Experience developing strategic plans, establishing organizational priorities, and managing complex project portfolios.
• Expert verbal and written communication, interpersonal, facilitation, and collaboration skills needed to review and evaluate documents, present technical information, and advise management, technical staff, DOE, and other external agencies.

Additional qualifications at the TSL.5 level 

• Expert knowledge of and experience with state-of-the-art waste management technologies.
• Ability to resolve highly complex, unusual, and sensitive issues through innovative problem solving, sound judgment, and effective negotiation.
• Ability to lead and champion large, complex, high-visibility projects in support of the Program mission.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with DOE waste management programs.
• Advanced experience with RCRA, DTSC, DOE, and/or DOT requirements.

Pay Range

$200,760 - $305,544 Annually

$200,760 - $254,544 Annually for the TSL.4 level

$240,960 - $305,544 Annually for the TSL.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.  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 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.

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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.

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