Deputy Group Leader, Space Remote Sensing and Data Science

What You Will Do

The Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group (ISR-6) is seeking a Deputy Group Leader (DGL) to join our collaborative and dynamic team! As the DGL you will help manage the technical work and administrative operations of the group.

The Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group (ISR-6) is an innovative, vibrant group in the Intelligence & Space Research (ISR) Division. ISR Division has been designing, building, and operating innovative ground, air, and spaced-based measurement and detection systems for over 60 years to provide solutions for some of the most challenging scientific and national security problems facing the nation and the world. The ISR-6 Group, with nearly 40 scientists & engineers, postdocs, and students, develops and deploys sophisticated and customized detection systems and analysis tools to address needs in our key mission areas of nuclear non-proliferation, space domain awareness, atmospheric science, planetary science and exploration, and multi-source intelligence. To develop and deploy these tailored solutions, we leverage our core capabilities in spectral, spatial, and temporal sensing (acoustic, optical, infrared, RF, and x-rays); source phenomenology modeling, interpretation, and propagation; data analysis, algorithm development and machine learning; and detector and system design, development, and deployment (ground, airborne and space-based platforms). Our data analysis capabilities include, but are not limited to, time-frequency analysis, anomaly detection, extraction of faint signals from cluttered backgrounds, machine learning, ptychography and tomography. Our systems are tested in laboratory and operationally relevant (field and testbed) scenarios and range from low TRL (proof of principle systems) to high TRL (deployed).

The ISR-6 Deputy Group Leader (DGL) will work closely with the ISR-6 Group Leader (GL), providing scientific, technical, and operational leadership along with management oversight for Space Remote Sensing and Data Science staff members. The ideal Deputy Group Leader will be highly organized, self-motivated, and adaptable, with the ability to proactively address tactical needs as they arise across areas ranging from facilities management to dynamic staffing needs. A learning mindset is essential, along with strong problem-solving skills, the ability to anticipate and remove obstacles, and the emotional intelligence to lead critical conversations with empathy, clarity, and professionalism. The Deputy Group Leader will devote approximately 50% of their time to group management and leadership responsibilities, while continuing to perform technical work in a half-time capacity, providing balance between growth in management and contributing directly to project deliverables.

The Deputy Group Leader will partner with the Group Leader to lead and manage technical work and administrative operations of the Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Work with the ISR Division Leadership Team, program offices, project leaders, and key stakeholders to provide oversight, support, and coordination of work to ensure delivery of quality products and services on time and within budget.
• Mentor, coach, and build effective leaders and performers, with particular emphasis on individual staff career development. This includes identifying growth opportunities and ensuring recognition of individuals and teams, performance and salary management, development of staffing plans, and onboarding of new staff.
• Marshal resources and investments for development and sustainment of the group's technical capabilities, facilities, and computational infrastructure.
• Manage workforce and group administration, including group financial oversight, specialized facility sustainment and modernization, and development and optimization of processes to enable all staff to achieve mission objectives safely and securely.
  
  

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Leadership and Management

• Demonstrated ability to model collaborative leadership to develop and sustain a creative, entrepreneurial R&D work environment in which innovation and continuous learning are essential for solving some of the most difficult challenges in science, engineering, and national security.
• Experience and skill in conflict management and resolution.
• Experience in or aptitude for working in a large, complex institution with many systems, policies and processes.
  
  

Collaboration and Communication

• Demonstrated record of developing collaborations, promoting teamwork, building consensus, and motivating others through common goals and objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, to communicate effectively with staff, upper-level management, sponsors, and stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to convey complex concepts or difficult decisions.

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• Strong organizational skills, sound technical judgment, and the ability to evaluate tradeoffs. Ability to influence and support project execution or organizational direction.
• Strong active listening skills.
  
  

Workforce Development

• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages continuous learning, expands technical and leadership capabilities, recognizes contributions, and supports the career development and long-term success of technical and support staff.
• Demonstrated experience and skill at developing relationships with individuals and acting as an effective mentor and coach for them.
  
  

Safety and Security

• Record of effective management of safety, environment, and health risks and processes.
• Experience with effective protection of sensitive information, and responsible execution of national security missions.
• Technical Knowledge
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of and accomplishments in one or more areas relevant to ISR-6's key mission areas such as remote sensing, space systems, space domain awareness, advanced analytics, AI/ML, data science, source phenomenology, or related disciplines.
  
  

Security Clearance

Ability and desire to obtain Q clearance, which generally requires U.S. citizenship.

Education/Experience:

Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Degree in a STEM field preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior record of project leadership, proposal development, marketing of capabilities, and growth of customer relationships.

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• Prior experience supervising and leading multidisciplinary teams of individuals with diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with the administration of operational and administrative policies and procedures at LANL and/or demonstrated experience navigating complex institutional policies and processes of a large research and development enterprise.
• Working knowledge of DOE/NNSA, DoD, and other government agencies, particularly in programs dealing with ground and/or space-based detection missions.
• Working knowledge of Human Performance Improvement (HPI) and/or Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles, or equivalent techniques.
• Active Q/SCI clearance/access
  
  

Notes to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses the key requirements of the position.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical movement between buildings located primarily within a half-mile radius, which may include movement across uneven and/or inclined ground.
• Physical movement within large interior facility spaces and corridors, which may require travel up and down stairs.
• Direct interaction with hardware, equipment, and instruments in office and laboratory environments.
  
  

Work Environment:

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
  
  

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
  
  

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.