Superblock Chief Scientist – 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 Superblock Chief Scientist to lead and manage mission-critical support for multiple stakeholders within the Superblock, LLNL’s DOE Hazard Category 2 Nuclear Facility. You will provide technical leadership, develop and implement strategies for the Pu Modernization program, and coordinate cross-programmatic activities to leverage investments and foster partnerships. You will represent the Superblock to internal and external stakeholders; maintain a safe, secure, responsive, and effective environment across the organization, and ensure technical excellence in the execution of programmatic objectives. This position is in the Strategic Deterrence 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. 

In this role, you will

• Provide technical leadership to Associate Superblock Directors in program integration, tritium operations, Pu operations, and engineering support.
• Develop and implement, in coordination with the Superblock Director, strategy, objectives, and messaging for the Pu Modernization program, including research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDTE) activities, as well as capability, equipment, and infrastructure modernization.
• Coordinate cross-programmatic development activities to leverage Pu Modernization investments and engage in enduring partnerships with other NNSA stakeholders (e.g., NA-1, NA-12, NA-11, NA-19, LANL, KCNSC, SRPPF, among others).
• Communicate strategies, objectives, tactical shifts, status, challenges, and issues both internally within the Superblock/SD organizations and externally to other stakeholders.
• Represent the Superblock internally to LLNL staff and cross-directorate senior leadership, and externally to Production Agency partners, Federal Program Sponsors, university collaborators, and the international actinide R&D community.
• Serve as a backup for the Superblock Director as the Pu Modernization (NA-191) point-of-contact, including exercising management of  >$700M portfolio by providing leadership, evaluations and perspectives on feasibility of broad range of activities with SBK programs under an Earned Value Management System framework while ensuring technical excellence and success.
• Provide technical judgment and leadership, in collaboration with Associate Superblock Directors and Program Integration teams governing the scope of ~400 staff to deconflict, optimize, or prioritize technical development as well as pit support activities across Pu Modernization and other SBK supported programs, accounting for near- and far-term milestones.
• Support the Program Integration in enhancing efficiency, impact, responsiveness, and utilization of unique Superblock resources for multi-mission support.
• Lead and participate in technical reviews regarding the scope and objectives of RDTE and recapitalization efforts within the Superblock and across programmatic organizations.
• 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.
• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Internationally recognized expertise in actinide physics, chemistry, and materials science with an emphasis on weapons physics and manufacturing.
• Extensive experience managing highly technical research and development portfolios, including strategic vision, objective and deliverable development, implementation planning, fiduciary stewardship, decision-making, personnel recruitment and staffing, safety basis navigation, equipment installation, infrastructure renovation, and reporting.
• Extensive experience with product realization teams within the NNSA complex, including certification and qualification activities and establishing production solutions. 
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines or institutions to achieve programmatic goals and objectives in a timely manner.
• Familiarity with the technical, administrative, and hazard constraints and processes of working with radiological materials, including quantities present in a nuclear facility.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills to lead a multi-disciplinary team comprising scientists, engineers, mechanical technicians, facility operators and managers, and safety and hazard experts.
• Demonstrated record of establishing innovative research and development programs and infrastructure that execute with the highest standards of safe and secure work practices.

Pay Range

$338,580 - $431,568 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.  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.

#LI-Hybrid

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. 

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

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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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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.

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