Chief of Operations for Space Science and Security - Active Security Clearance Required

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Chief of Operations for Space Science and Security (SSS) within Z Program (Intelligence Program) in the Global Security (GS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD). Z Program’s mission is to apply the complete set of LLNL’s science and technology capabilities to support the Intelligence Community (IC) in overcoming its most difficult challenges. As Chief of Space Operations, you will work collaboratively with the Space Program Leader (PL) on the leadership, management, and oversight of all operational aspects of Space Program mission space. You will work as an integral part of the Space Program leadership team, with Z program leadership and with GS PAD management. Additionally, you will provide oversight of Space program workforce needs, laboratory infrastructure needs for Space, and LLNL-funded institutional investments within the Space program. This role requires leading and motivating a diverse team and building effective partnerships with senior leadership at the Laboratory, including Z and GS PAD leadership, as well as the Engineering, and Physics and Life Sciences, and Computations Directorates. Your primary role is to make technical contributions to projects and part time for Space Operations.

You will 

• Guide and provide technical and operational direction for the Space Program across all areas of the program, provide advice, guidance and assistance to the PL and program leadership; recommend and implement changes to methods and processes; and make final decisions on administrative, technical, and/or operational matters.
• Develop and strengthen strategic Space Program relationships internal to the Laboratory with key program stakeholders.
• Lead Space mission-area workforce and infrastructure management and planning activities. Exercise judgment in engaging with sponsors and communities of interest to help anticipate long-term mission needs and science and technology trends for the program and institution; and work across the Program and Institution to develop innovative concepts and promote new ideas to support strategic direction, in collaboration with the Space PL.
• Responsible for ensuring all high-level project and program operations and performance standards are realistically set and attained, and are executed in compliance with Laboratory, and Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) requirements. Understand and contribute to maintaining appropriate training, security, and ES&H rigor across the program.
• Contribute substantially to lead the direction, oversight and execution of programmatic work including sponsor funded, strategic partnership, Laboratory Directed Research & Development (LDRD), and strategic investment projects. Manage the scope and schedule of an annual budget of $100M in partnership with Z Program and GS senior management team.
• Collaborate with the Program Leader and principal investigators to ensure projects are effectively and efficiently executed while managing technical, cost, and schedule risks to ensure attainment of Laboratory mission deliverables and objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• This position requires an Active DOE Q clearance (or active Top-Secret clearance) with Active Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
• Master’s Degree or PhD in physical science, engineering, computer science, political science or related discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and significant related experience and demonstrated ability to lead the application and development of principles, theories, and concepts in a creative and innovative fashion.
• Extensive experience directing technical staff to achieve organization objectives and goals in the national security arena.
• Extensive experience in personnel management, including recruiting, hiring, mentoring, career development, corrective action, performance appraisal, ranking, and salary management.
• Extensive experience planning and directing work with technical objectives, estimating effort, setting milestones, and effectiveness in managing large-scale budgets and projects, negotiating resource allocations amid conflicting priorities, and in delivering results.
• Highly effective problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently address challenging, highly complex problems.
• Expert leadership and management skills to champion innovative direction and influence the development of broad institutional goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated track record of building inclusive organizations.

Qualifications We Desire

• Extensive experience working in the space community.
• In depth knowledge of LLNL and DOE NNSA procedures and practices in facilities management, as well as working knowledge of security practices in TS/Q and SCI facilities.

Pay Range

$272,970 - $346,140 Annually

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. 

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 2026 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 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.  Also, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.  Please note that your current active Q or Top Secret clearance with DOE or another agency does not guarantee DOE SCI access approval; if you are denied access, you may be subject to reinvestigation of your existing Q or Top Secret Clearance. 

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.

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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.