Section Head, Classified Computing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Field Intelligence Operations Division (FIOD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Classified Computing Professional to lead our new FIOD National Security Computing Section. This section will provide operational management of the routine operations and resources to enable classified high-performance computing (HPC) and the associated secure data center operations to support classified HPC in accordance with intelligence community policies, directives, and regulations. The Section Head will directly supervise at least two Group Leaders and contribute to the development of the structure and functions of the section as it develops. The initial two group leaders will be focused on classified HPC operations and providing support to computing in support of classified AI research and development (R&D). The Section Head will work in coordination with the FIOD Operations Section Head who manages the following four groups: FIOD Information Technology (IT) for classified systems, Enterprise IT, Information Assurance (IA) for classified systems, and Special Security Office (SSO) group that provides Personnel Security and Physical Security for the secure operations of the SCIF. As part of our team, you will be joining a vibrant group of professionals eager to provide premier customer service to ensure people and information technology remain secure. The team is collaborative and strives to ensure security practices and procedures are understood, implemented, and enforced.

Requirements

BS degree in computer science, engineering, data science, information systems, or a related technical or scientific field and 12 years of relevant technical experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Demonstrated technical depth in one or more relevant areas such as HPC, AI/ML, advanced analytics, cyber technologies, or large-scale data systems.
Proven experience leading complex technical programs in classified and unclassified environments.
Strong understanding of secure system design, risk management, and compliance in national security or government contexts.
Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing technical resources.

Nice To Haves

Active Top Secret clearance preferred.
Experience within a national laboratory, Intelligence Community, or DoW mission environment.
Track record of transitioning advanced technologies from research and development to operational use.
Experience managing sponsor relationships and briefing senior leadership.
Familiarity with ORNL and NSSD mission space and governance processes.

Responsibilities

Lead the technical vision, strategy, and execution for emerging and advanced technology capabilities aligned with FIE mission requirements and NSSD priorities.
Identify, assess, and mature emerging technologies (e.g., HPC, AI/ML, advanced analytics, data platforms, cyber and information assurance technologies) for operational application.
Translate complex mission needs into technically sound, executable solutions.
Direct day-to-day execution of a diverse technical portfolio across classified and unclassified environments.
Ensure delivery of capabilities meets cost, schedule, performance, and security requirements.
Establish and track technical, operational, and mission-relevant performance metrics.
Ensure all systems and activities comply with applicable security, information assurance, export control, and classified computing requirements dictated by intelligence community and DOE policy, regulations, and orders.
Partner closely with Special Security Officers (SSO), Information Assurance (IA), Cybersecurity, and IT organizations to achieve and maintain system authorization and continuous compliance.
Proactively identify and mitigate technical, security, and operational risks.
Guide the integration of advanced technologies into operational environments, ensuring scalability, resilience, and sustainability.
Drive rapid prototyping, pilot efforts, and transition of successful capabilities from development to sustained operations.
Ensure interoperability with ORNL enterprise infrastructure and sponsor systems.
Serve as a primary technical interface with sponsors, other laboratory computing directorates, divisions, and sections, laboratory leadership, and mission partners.
Communicate technical approaches, risks, and outcomes effectively to executive, operational, and non-technical stakeholders.
Strengthen partnerships across ORNL directorates, other national laboratories, the Intelligence Community, DoW, academia, and industry.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing technical workforce.
Build and sustain a culture of technical excellence, accountability, security awareness, and mission focus.
Support workforce planning, professional development, and succession planning.
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.