Program Manager

Idaho National Laboratory•Idaho Falls, ID

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is hiring a Program Manager for the Nuclear Science & Technology (NS&T) directorate’s Business Operations group. This shared-resource position supports multiple groups across NS&T and requires fluency across program and project management disciplines. The Program Manager is accountable for aligning strategy, stakeholders, budgets, and schedules while adapting to the distinct needs of the teams supported. The role oversees integrated programs and multiple ongoing, rapidly expanding projects, some managed by subordinate Project Managers. It establishes program vision, governance, decision frameworks, and escalation protocols; coordinates interdependencies and resources; manages budgets and schedules; and addresses risks and deviations. The Program Manager serves as a key interface with external stakeholders, including DOE program offices, DOD sponsors, and industry partners, and works across INL operations, research, and business organizations. The position may also involve directly managing individual projects, including facility upgrades or construction, and supporting research, engineering, and operations teams. The role contributes to customer reporting, project acceptance and close-out, business growth, capability alignment, data-informed solutions, team development, coaching, and succession planning. This is a multi-level posting, with placement at Level 3 or Level 4 based on the depth and breadth of proven experience and skills. The position is on a 9x80 schedule, with every other Friday off, and is based at the Engineering Research Office Building facility. It is a testing-designated position requiring a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and obtain and maintain a Q DOE clearance.

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 these 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 these fields and 6 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in one of these fields and 4 years of relevant experience.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate consistently and effectively.
Proven ability to manage program budgets, schedules, and performance metrics.
Experience functioning as a project lead, project manager, or in a lead role, as determined by level.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must obtain and maintain a Q DOE clearance.
Frequently stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, and bend while working in office and field/laboratory environments.
Hand and finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms.
Operate job-related equipment and drive a vehicle.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.
Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with the public.

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 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 multiple projects, including resource allocation, milestone sequencing, integration points, and trade-offs among competing needs.
Serve as the primary interface between NS&T and 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 spanning 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, develop mitigation strategies, and escalate critical issues with recommended courses of action.
Provide leadership and direction to Project Managers and functional leads, foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and mentor program and project management talent.
Directly manage individual projects when needed, including scope, budget, schedule, and technical milestones.
Oversee multiple ongoing projects, including projects managed by subordinate Project Managers, and track deliverables using appropriate tools.
Ensure operational activities are properly planned and scheduled for timely program and project completion.
Implement and manage project changes and interventions; execute projects as programs on schedule and within assigned budgets, and correct schedule or budget deviations.
Recommend timely resolutions to project problems and issues 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 to support partners’ goals.
Coordinate with partners and 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 in work acceptance and integration.
Integrate managed scope with ongoing and evolving mission needs and maintain customer contact and work relationships throughout the program.
Conduct periodic project and customer meetings to review progress and discuss issues; ensure project teams resolve coordination, schedule, and priority problems.
Obtain customer acceptance of work, document turnover activities, prepare final project reports, and promptly close out supporting projects.
Identify new opportunities and support growth in a dynamic security R&D business environment; match INL capabilities with client capability gaps and needs, and advise on emerging capabilities.
Analyze data to understand organizational disparities and implement solutions; combine data analysis with experience and knowledge to deliver reliable, executable solutions.
Develop teams, coach other managers, support succession planning, and develop future leaders at INL.