Fusion Program Manager

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fusion Program Manager creates and directs research program management for the ORNL nuclear fusion portfolio. Develops strategy and establishes processes to ensure effective project execution and governance. Responsible for advancing ORNL’s aspirations to be a national leader and key resource in US plans for accelerating fusion energy development. These aspirations are founded on world-class technical capabilities in plasma physics, fusion materials, and fusion technology combined with project excellence through the US ITER Project Office and Materials Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX) efforts.

Requirements

Advanced degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field of study and 12+ years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience at a scientific organization, national laboratory or other research institution.
Project management experience, particularly in terms of defining deliverables, managing conflicting schedules and requirements, and setting and meeting deadlines.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Responsibilities

Partner with scientists and engineers across ORNL and other DOE laboratories to demonstrate advancements in Fusion in science and engineering applications.
Engage with laboratory senior leadership to develop strategic objectives and priorities for Fusion research.
Interact regularly with sponsor to describe ORNL program capabilities, activities, highlights, and relevant initiatives including laboratory directed research and development (LDRD); to understand their needs, concerns, and directions; and to improve alignment between ORNL and sponsor.
Serve as primary point of contact for industry / external partner engagement and strategic project development.
Coordinate proposal preparation and submission process for renewals and new projects in program and organize high-quality submissions.
Consolidate information and analyze organization to identify areas for improvement.
Stimulate opportunities and new lab initiatives consistent with program strategy.
Approve project plans and ensures governance throughout the research lifecycle.
Collaborate with multiple departments and counsels staff to foster cross-functional partnerships.
Communicate direction to stakeholders and facilitates risk assessments.
Communicate strategy as well as current and upcoming program opportunities to relevant line managers and staff.
Deliver progress updates and follows up on key initiatives.
Contribute to the recruitment, succession, and retention of key staff critical for the program. development of workforce.
Support coordination of partnerships and proposal coordination.