Defense Programs Lead

As a Defense Programs Lead at Argonne National Laboratory, your responsibilities will encompass leading interdisciplinary research projects related to defense and national security. You will oversee the creation and enhancement of defense tools, models, and technical assessments, while also providing subject matter expertise to enhance project outcomes. Fostering relationships within Argonne and with external stakeholders like the U.S. Department of Defense will be a key part of your role, ensuring that research is effectively aligned with national security needs. Moreover, managing project administration, including financial oversight and reporting, will be crucial for securing resources and delivering impactful results.

To be considered for the Defense Programs Lead position at Argonne National Laboratory, you must possess significant experience, with at least 10 years in senior-level defense and national security roles. A strong background in defense policy and economic security is essential, alongside a relevant advanced degree such as a Masters or PhD. Furthermore, candidates must have strong leadership capabilities and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively. A TS/SCI clearance is also required due to the sensitive nature of the work, emphasizing the importance of meeting federal regulations.

Yes, the Defense Programs Lead position at Argonne National Laboratory offers flexible work options. You can work remotely, onsite in Lemont, IL, or in the DC area, or a combination of both. This flexibility allows you to choose an arrangement that best fits your lifestyle while still contributing to the critical research and development efforts in the field of national security.

The Defense Programs Lead at Argonne National Laboratory is expected to model the organization's Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork. These values are integral to promoting a collaborative atmosphere conducive to scientific discovery and ensuring that all activities are conducted ethically and safely. As a leader, integrating these values into your team dynamics and project management will be crucial to fostering a productive and innovative work environment.

The expected hiring range for the Defense Programs Lead position at Argonne National Laboratory is between $130,467.00 and $208,431.99. However, the exact pay offered will depend on several factors, including your qualifications, the scope of responsibilities, and internal equity within the organization. Additionally, extensive benefits are part of the overall compensation package, further enhancing the value of this exciting position.

In answering this question, you should highlight your extensive background in defense and national security, emphasizing specific projects or roles that align with the responsibilities of the Defense Programs Lead. Discuss how your leadership experience has prepared you to manage multi-disciplinary teams effectively and drive impactful research. Providing examples of successful collaborations with external stakeholders, such as the Department of Defense or industry partners, will also demonstrate your readiness for the role.

To respond effectively, share specific strategies you use to keep informed about the latest developments in national security policy, such as following key publications, attending conferences, or engaging with professional networks. Highlight any relevant courses or certifications you have pursued that enhance your understanding of contemporary challenges and solutions within the field. Demonstrating your commitment to lifelong learning will resonate well with interviewers.

In your answer, focus on a specific project that was complex or faced significant obstacles. Describe how you navigated these challenges through strategic planning and collaboration, and explain the outcomes. Emphasize your leadership style, problem-solving abilities, and how you motivated your team to succeed despite difficulties. This narrative will showcase your competencies as a Defense Programs Lead.

When addressing this question, emphasize the importance of clear communication, mutual respect, and fostering an inclusive environment. Discuss strategies you employ to leverage the diverse skills and perspectives of team members, ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard. Providing examples of successful team-building efforts or collaborations will illustrate your hands-on experience with managing diverse groups effectively.

In your response, outline your approach to building relationship networks within the defense community. Discuss previous experiences where you successfully secured partnerships or sponsorships, emphasizing the importance of understanding stakeholders' needs and aligning research agendas with their objectives. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and interpersonal skills, both critical for the Defense Programs Lead role.

To effectively answer this question, mention specific project management tools or methodologies you have utilized, such as Agile, Scrum, or traditional project management software. Explain how these tools help you manage finances, timelines, and performance. Provide examples of how you have effectively used these methodologies to navigate complex projects successfully, ensuring that they align with organizational goals.

Discuss your methodologies for evaluating project outcomes and their contributions to national security. Emphasize the importance of collecting measurable data, gaining stakeholder feedback, and conducting post-project reviews. Giving examples of impactful projects you were involved in can illustrate your ability to assess effectiveness and adaptability in response to evolving challenges in defense.

In your response, choose a scenario where you had to simplify intricate data or concepts for a non-expert audience. Highlight how you tailored your communication style, used visual aids or analogies, and engaged in active listening to ensure understanding. Demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences is crucial for the Defense Programs Lead position.

Share specific programs or initiatives you have developed or supported to boost team engagement and productivity. This could include professional development opportunities, workshops, or team-building exercises. Focus on the results those initiatives produced, such as improved morale or efficiency, to illustrate your commitment to fostering a high-performing team environment.

In your answer, reflect on Argonne's mission and values, and how they resonate with your professional goals and ethics. Express enthusiasm for contributing to essential research in national security and collaborating with a team dedicated to impactful scientific discovery. Understanding and articulating Argonne's core values will show your alignment with the organization's culture and objectives.