Associate Program Director (APD) for Energetic Materials and Manufacturing Transformation

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$271,320- $345,840 for the TSM.1 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.

We have an opening for an Associate Program Director (APD) for Energetic Materials and Manufacturing Transformation to lead and manage laboratory efforts in developing and deploying advanced energetic materials and manufacturing methods for deployment within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) production agencies (PA). The role requires frequent travel to one or more of the NNSA sites, particularly Pantex. This position is within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) 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.

You will

• Work in close partnership with SD leadership, the Director of the Energetic Materials Center, and Production Agency Production and Development leadership to identify, prioritize, and collaboratively advance transformative technology maturation opportunities in Energetic Materials.
• Develop strategies, in collaboration with key laboratory and partner organizations, for modernizing the Nuclear Security Enterprise; work with key program leaders to execute those strategies.
• Envision new approaches to design agency (DA) and PA interactions, including evaluating partnership opportunities for new materials and manufacturing methods, with a particular focus on Pantex and Department of Defense (DoD) partners.
• Develop and implement strategies to foster greater collaboration, partnership, and transformation within the NNSA, bridging gaps between stakeholders.
• Promote and maintain strong relationships with laboratory disciplines to continue evolving materials and manufacturing to accelerate product realization within the nuclear security enterprise.
• Identify and leverage opportunities to utilize existing and emerging strategic collaborations with academia and industry.
• Coordinate between SD program areas to prioritize investments, capitalize on opportunities, and ensure schedules and performance standards are realistically set and attained.
• Represent the Program within SD management, in internal and external meetings, working groups, and on special assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• PhD in science, engineering, or a related technical area or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience in energetic materials discovery, development, scale up, production realization and maturing these technologies within the NNSA enterprise.
• Demonstrated track record of teaming and partnering effectively to build, lead, and motivate cross-disciplinary and cross-laboratory teams to work toward programmatic and institutional goals.
• Extensive experience managing and leading a significant technical portfolio, supporting large-scale projects led by others, and a demonstrated ability to deliver results.
• Demonstrated advanced problem solving, analytical, technical, organizational, and management skills, necessary to independently advise, recommend, and approve appropriate actions and implement solutions.
• Experience in strategic planning, and experience in decision-making on matters that significantly affect the ability of the organization and Laboratory to achieve its overall objectives and long-range goals.
• Expert communication skills, both written and verbal, necessary to effectively explain, present, negotiate, advise, and influence all levels of management and government officials.

Qualifications We Desire

• Ability to obtain and maintain an SCI.
• Experience working with DoD energetics enterprise and the United Kingdom through the Mutual Defense Agreement.
• Experience sustaining productive relationships with other divisions, directorates, laboratories, NNSA management, other institutions across the DOE and DoD enterprise, and external advisors and reviewers.
• Extensive experience with Pantex and experience with NNSA technology maturation and manufacturing maturation assessment processes.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.