Job 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 Required
- 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.
About Us
"We put science to work!"
Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi-program laboratory applying state of the art science and practical, high-value, cost-effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation’s environmental, energy, and national security challenges.
Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA) is constantly assessing trends to provide the best possible benefits to our workforce. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce.
Some of the *Benefits offered to employees include:
- Benefits vary based upon employment status
- Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed
- Short- & Long-Term Disability (company paid)
- Life Insurance Non-Contributary 1X salary (company paid)
- AD&D Non-contributary 1x salary (company paid)
- Savings & Investment plan:
- Qualified Non-Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting
- Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (3 yrs. vesting in company match)
- Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
- Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)
- Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Plan
- SRNL offers a competitive relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the
“About” tab at www.srnl.doe.gov .
BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BSRA is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. Please email us at SRNLRecruiting@srnl.doe.gov with any questions regarding the hiring process or to request an accommodation.
