Program Manager, Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSD) is part of the National Nuclear Security Administration's Office of Global Material Security. NSDD works to strengthen partner-country capabilities to detect, disrupt, and investigate the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials. This involves collaboration with U.S. government agencies, international organizations, foreign partners, national laboratories, and contractors to provide radiation detection systems, training, technical solutions, capacity-building assistance, equipment services, and performance assessment tools. The program is structured around three key elements: Strategic Engagements, Applied Solutions, and Partner Operations. The Program Manager at PNNL serves as the primary liaison between NSDD Headquarters and PNNL, overseeing all PNNL NSDD activities. This role involves leading a multidisciplinary organization, managing a complex domestic and international portfolio with an annual budget of approximately $100 million and around 70 full-time-equivalent staff. Success in this position requires strategic leadership, disciplined program and project management, strong sponsor engagement, sound judgment, and the ability to integrate technical, operational, and business functions across diverse organizations and international settings.

Requirements

BS/BA and 11+ years of relevant project management experience OR MS/MA or higher and 9+ years of relevant project management experience
Experience working directly with DOE/NNSA sponsors, other federal agencies, national laboratories, international organizations, foreign government counterparts, or partner-country organizations.
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance.
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Mandatory Requirements: The Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience leading complex, multidisciplinary, and multi-organizational programs with significant scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder-management responsibilities.
Experience working directly with DOE/NNSA sponsors, other federal agencies, national laboratories, international organizations, foreign government counterparts, or partner-country organizations.
At least two years, preferably three to five years, of experience with NSDD or another nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear security, or international technology-deployment program.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders, sponsors, technical teams, business functions, and external stakeholders and to lead through influence in a changing environment.
Project Management Professional certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

Program leadership and execution: Translate NSDD guidance and requirements into clear direction for PNNL project managers, technical staff, and support organizations. Ensure work is executed within approved scope, schedule, and budget requirements. Conduct periodic program and project reviews, assess program effectiveness, oversee cross-cutting integration projects, and address emerging performance issues. Provide oversight and direction to PNNL organizations supporting the program and review and approve program execution guidance documents.
Sponsor and stakeholder relationships: Serve as PNNL's principal point of contact with NSDD Headquarters and communicate programmatic issues, status, needs, risks, and priorities to senior NSDD and PNNL management and other stakeholders. Maintain productive relationships with DOE/NNSA sponsors, other national laboratories, U.S. interagency organizations, multilateral organizations, foreign government counterparts, contractors, and partner-country personnel. Coordinate with PNNL sector and subsector managers regarding funding and sales expectations, program priorities, and other information relevant to institutional planning and performance. Lead through influence and adapt execution as sponsor priorities, congressional direction, U.S. and foreign government positions, and program strategies evolve.
Risk, compliance, and operational oversight: Continuously assess environment, safety, and health; security; operational; and performance risks and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are implemented. Ensure compliance with PNNL export control, security, records-management, training, travel, information-release, procurement, and other applicable policies and procedures. Review and approve PNNL NSDD foreign travel, evaluate project travel for mission need and risk, approve formal project Information Release requests, and review purchase requisitions as assigned. Manage formal program records and periodically review project-team records for compliance with applicable requirements.
Workforce, strategy, and organizational leadership: Coordinate with PNNL line management to forecast staffing needs; develop, recruit, and secure required capabilities; and approve key or senior-level staffing decisions for the program. Ensure staff complete program-required training and have the knowledge, tools, and support needed to perform their assigned roles. Develop and communicate a forward-looking vision for PNNL's NSDD work, influence program strategy and execution, and identify opportunities for PNNL thought leadership and participation in new initiatives. Support succession planning, assess staff readiness, identify development and cross-training opportunities, and build a resilient workforce with nuclear security and complementary capabilities.