Plutonium Technology Division Director

Description

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory stewarded by the DOE office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM), seeks a dynamic and visionary Division Director to lead the Plutonium Technology Division within the Weapons Production Technology (WPT) Directorate. WPT serves a critical role for National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Defense Programs missions. SRNL is the technical authority for developing, validating, and implementing tritium processing technologies to meet current and future stockpile needs. Similarly, WPT is engaged with engineering development and technology maturation efforts for plutonium processing activities in support of NNSA plutonium pit production and other emerging plutonium related Defense Program activities.

In this capacity, the Division Director works closely with the Associate Laboratory Director of WPT to lead the science and technology programs to: 1) establish a compelling vision complemented with a strategic execution plan, 2) strengthen stakeholder engagement and relationship management with major sponsors and production facilities, and 3) drive staff professional growth and development while creating organizational momentum that enhances our facilities and capabilities. The Division Director works with their leadership team and the Laboratory’s operations staff to develop and execute priorities for facility operations and planning. Together with the other Division Directors, this position participates in institutional research and management initiatives, develops cross-cutting research proposals and initiatives, and fosters collaboration across SRNL and with partner universities and other institutions outside of SRNL.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the long-term strategic vision for WPT related to plutonium science and manufacturing to sustain and propel national and international prominence; this includes meeting production goals, developing new and continuing research funding, workforce development, scientific program goals, operational support, and scientific infrastructure needs.

Serve as the Laboratory’s primary liaison for all plutonium related NNSA Defense Programs activities and other key sponsors, providing thought leadership about new technology frontiers and ensuring that client needs and expectations are met.

Promote a culture of scientific excellence, while performing work in a safe and secure manner.

Proactively promote principles of stewardship, and accessibility.

Contribute as a key member of the WPT Senior Leadership Team to the formulation and execution of WPT’s strategic priorities, initiatives and programmatic growth.

Develop research programs and strategic partnerships with other national laboratories, colleges, and universities, other research institutions, and public and private corporations.

Drive strategic initiatives for the directorate including use of machine learning in advanced manufacturing.

Provide direct line management responsibilities for the Weapons Production Technology Directorate.

Oversee the recruitment and retention of talent, ensuring a diverse applicant pool and employee workforce.

Promote science education and work to build a pipeline of next generation researchers through outreach and education programs with other national laboratories and learning institutions.

Foster employee development through mentoring, performance management, and succession planning.

Act as the primary Division contact, representing the Division on Lab-Level committees, task forces, and working groups with a shared responsibility for the overall lab-wide science and technology strategy.

Integrate and implement commercialization activities through the Laboratory’s business plan and strategies.

Develop communications strategies across the directorate on multi-disciplinary programs and initiatives.

Effectively communicate relevant information to key internal and external stakeholders.

Lead community engagement activities to support regional and national stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Position requires a recognized degree, B.S. minimum, in an engineering or physical science discipline, and/or equivalent combination of education and related experience.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” clearance.

For ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, US Citizenship is Legally

At least 10 years of R&D experience in advanced manufacturing, actinide science or a closely related technical field, with a minimum of 5 years in technical leadership or program management roles.

Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary research programs, managing scientific staff, and building research portfolios.

Experience engaging with federal sponsors, including DOE, NNSA, DOD, or industry partners in regulated environments.

Willingness to travel for stakeholder engagement, site reviews, and partnership development.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in engineering or physical science.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Operational experience in a Hazard Category II nuclear facility or similar radiological facility.

Experience with the NNSA, especially with Defense Programs.

Broad knowledge of advanced manufacturing challenges in support of national security, nuclear material handling, clean energy, or environmental remediation.

Proven record of winning competitive R&D funding and managing multi-stakeholder collaborations.

Experience transitioning research from lab-scale to industrial or field-scale demonstration.

Familiarity with DOE national lab systems, project management principles, and regulatory compliance.

Demonstrated ability to build external partnerships with academia, consortia, and industry.

Recognized expertise (e.g., publications, patents, awards) in one or more areas of advanced manufacturing.

Commitment to mentoring early-career professionals and creating inclusive research environments.