Special Assistant to the Director - job 1 of 2

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

$386,730 - $496,620

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.

We have an opening for a Special Assistant to the Laboratory Director. You will serve as a key member of the Laboratory’s senior management staff responsible for advising the Laboratory Director on a number of topics relevant to the Laboratory’s mission and operation. You will develop and present recommendations for the development of strategic initiatives on Laboratory work environment and culture, new or enhanced partnerships, and capability investments to position the Laboratory for the next 25 years or more. To accomplish these goals, you will also assist the Laboratory Director in strengthening interactions with DOE/NNSA, federal and state government agencies, other national laboratories, academia, and the private sector to further these new initiatives. You will work with and provide support to the Director’s Office staff, including the Director’s Chief of Staff and the Director of Strategy and Planning. The successful candidate will report to the Director as a member of the Laboratory’s senior management staff and will closely coordinate activities with the members of the LLNL Senior Management Team. At the direction of the Director, you will advise, lead, and participate in emerging and ongoing initiatives. You will work with various stakeholders, drawing from different organizations within the Laboratory, external partners, and subcontractors.

You will

• Serve as a Special Assistant to the Laboratory Director and senior management team interacting with internal and external stakeholders regarding matters of significance to the Laboratory.
• Develop and recommend strategic initiatives to advance a more agile, effective, and efficient Laboratory via investments in workplace, culture, new or reinvigorated capabilities, and partnerships.
• Advise the senior management team on plans to best position the Laboratory in emerging technologies with the most potential to advance the Laboratory’s mission.
• Provide strategic vision and technical direction regarding strengthening or developing new interactions with federal and state government, academia and industry.
• Act as a key liaison representing the Laboratory on local and national-level panels and organizations.
• Develop, foster and manage partnerships with other laboratories and industry that enhance and leverage the Laboratory’s capabilities.
• Influence senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the organization and institution.
• Provide support to Director’s Office staff across myriad initiatives and activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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 and must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (SCI) access.
• Master’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline with substantial, relevant experience or equivalent level of education and related experience.
• Extensive experience working effectively in a high-impact, high-visibility, multitasking environment and ability to work within a multidisciplinary senior management team contributing to the operational preparedness, strategic planning, and direction of national security and commercial programs.
• Proven track record of delivery in developing, executing, and transitioning strategic initiatives, including the creation, execution, and institutionalization of those initiatives.
• Extensive experience with the DOE/NNSA laboratory complex and the Nation’s nuclear weapons programs and establishment.
• Extensive experience with workforce planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure investment plans.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with Federal departments and agencies, Congress, state institutions and agencies, and industry to deliver results.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills necessary to explain, present, direct, negotiate, influence, and coordinate technical and programmatic activities over a wide range of topic areas with senior managers and staff internal and external to LLNL.
• Expert leadership and management skills to champion innovative directions and influence the development of institutional goals and objectives.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in a scientific or engineering discipline with substantial, relevant experience or equivalent level of education and related experience
• Well-respected, established reputation and network with the business community and federal agencies with significant established contacts.
• Significant experience with Federal funding lifecycle and procurements.

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 core beliefs - 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.

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.

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.