Program Manager

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

4d • $95,256 - $234,336 • Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory's Nuclear Science & Technology directorate is hiring a Program Manager for its Business Operations group. This shared-resource role supports multiple groups across NS&T and is accountable for aligning program strategy, stakeholders, budgets, and schedules while adapting to the needs of the teams served. The position oversees integrated programs and projects, including work related to nuclear energy, research, engineering, operations, facilities, and security R&D.

The Program Manager establishes program objectives, governance, decision frameworks, and escalation processes; manages interdependencies, resources, milestones, and trade-offs across projects; develops and oversees multi-year budgets; and manages strategic and institutional risks. The role interfaces with executive-level external stakeholders and customers, including DOE, DOD, and industry partners, and coordinates with INL operations, research, and business organizations. It also provides direction and mentorship to Project Managers, functional leads, and developing leaders, and may directly manage project scope, budgets, schedules, and technical milestones when needed.

The position supports a 9x80 schedule, with every other Friday off, and is located at the Engineering Research Office Building facility. It is a multi-level posting, with placement at Level 3 or Level 4 based on the depth and breadth of proven experience and skills. It is a testing-designated position requiring a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing.

Requirements

• Level 3: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field from an accredited institution and 5 years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree in one of those fields and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Level 4: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field from an accredited institution and 9 years of relevant experience; or a master's degree in one of those fields and 6 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in one of those fields and 4 years of relevant experience.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Consistent and effective collaboration.
• Proven ability to manage program budgets, schedules, and performance metrics.
• Experience functioning as a project lead, project manager, or in a lead role, as appropriate to the level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification with demonstrated program-level experience, and/or Program Management Professional (PgMP®) certification or equivalent, or ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe.
• Fluency across program and project management disciplines, with versatility to support multiple groups and shift between distinct mission priorities.
• Proficiency in program management tools such as MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent, and familiarity with performance-tracking methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor emerging leaders, and interface effectively with government and external partners such as DOE and DOD.

Responsibilities

• Define and communicate program vision, objectives, and success criteria aligned with INL's mission, and establish governance structures, decision frameworks, and escalation protocols.
• Manage interdependencies across projects, including resource allocation, milestone sequencing, integration points, and trade-offs among competing needs.
• Serve as the primary interface between NS&T and executive-level external stakeholders, including DOE program offices, DOD sponsors, and industry partners; lead business reviews, planning sessions, and contract negotiations.
• Develop and manage multi-year program budgets across funding sources, work breakdown structures, and cost pools; direct financial planning cycles and ensure compliance with federal cost accounting standards.
• Identify, assess, and manage strategic and institutional risks across projects, developing mitigation strategies and escalating critical issues with recommended actions.
• Provide leadership and direction to Project Managers and functional leads, fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and mentoring program and project management talent.
• Directly manage individual projects as needed, including scope, budget, schedule, and technical milestones.
• Oversee multiple ongoing, rapidly expanding projects, some managed by subordinate Project Managers.
• Track project deliverables using appropriate tools; ensure planning and scheduling support timely completion; and implement and manage project changes and interventions.
• Manage sets of projects as programs on schedule and within assigned budgets, correct deviations, recommend timely resolutions, and use conflict-resolution skills to manage competing stakeholder interests.
• Direct or support engineering projects for facility upgrades and new facility construction, including planning, budgeting, procurement, and project management.
• Help develop research, engineering, and operations teams so they can meet partner goals.
• Interface with partners, including DOE and DOW, and coordinate with INL operations, research, and business organizations to support programs in the area of specialty.
• Prepare or direct progress and special reports for customers and management.
• Ensure laboratory project-management requirements and standards are met and consistently applied; integrate managed scope with evolving mission needs.
• Maintain customer contact and work relationships throughout programs; conduct project and customer meetings; resolve coordination, schedule, and priority issues; obtain customer acceptance; document turnover; prepare final reports; and promptly close out projects.
• Identify new opportunities, support business growth, match INL capabilities with client needs, and advise on emerging capabilities in a dynamic security R&D environment.
• Analyze organizational data to identify disparities and implement reliable, executable solutions.
• Develop teams to complete projects successfully, coach managers, support succession planning, and develop future INL leaders.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to a 4.8% match for regular positions
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program tuition assistance for eligible positions
• Comprehensive relocation package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level