Space Data & Software Systems Deputy Group Leader (R&D Manager 3)
Los Alamos National Laboratory· Research & Development (National Security)· Oct 7, 2026 · 21d ago
Los Alamos, New Mexico
In office
Full-time
Manager
$158K–$227K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
The Space Data & Software Systems Group (ISR-3) 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.
As a leader in space research for over sixty years, the Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory designs, builds, and operates space-based and remote measurement systems to uphold nuclear nonproliferation treaties, provide remote sensing for situational awareness, complete agile space missions, conduct space weather research, and enable the study of planetary bodies to advance cosmic research. ISR's 400+ instruments fly on over 200 satellites, including numerous NASA missions like Voyager, which has left our solar system, and the last two Mars Rovers.
The ideal Deputy Group Leader will be highly organized, self-motivated, adaptable, and able to lead across technical disciplines and mission 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 serve as an active member of the ISR-3 Leadership Team, working closely with the Group Leader, administrative support, and fellow Deputy Group Leader.
The Deputy Group Leader will devote approximately 50% of their time to group management and leadership responsibilities, with the remaining time focused on technical projects or programs relevant to the group, division, and broader Laboratory mission. This balance is critical: the role requires both active technical engagement and the ability to lead people, programs, and operations effectively.
Specifically, the DGL's management responsibilities include:
• participate in the leadership and management of technical work and administrative operations of the Space Data and Software Systems Group
• serve as an active member of the group and division leadership teams.
• assist the Group Leader (GL) in providing leadership in the following areas:
• strategic direction and identification of new opportunities.
• being a spokesperson for development and maintenance of the group's technical capabilities and a resource for professional expertise.
• mentoring, coaching, and building effective teams.
• interacting with Project Leaders on project tasks, schedule, and deliverables to ensure delivery of quality products and services on time and within budget.
• Lead critical conversations, resolving issues and challenges as they come up.
• Providing administrative management of:
• safety and security
• environmental impact
• integrated work management
• performance appraisal and salary management
• human resources
• staff planning and forecasting.
• financial management and oversight
• facilities
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
• Strong technical experience in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or other relevant science and engineering field
• Proven leadership experience in technical projects, programs, teams or other organizations as demonstrated by successful collaboration, planning, management, and delivery.
• Strong record of effective written and verbal communication skills relating to interactions inside and outside the Laboratory, presenting seminars, giving briefings, delivering presentations, or writing publications
• Excellent interpersonal and personnel management skills and proven ability in recruiting, including a demonstrated commitment to teamwork, professional development, encouraging open communications, and resolving conflicts among personnel.
• Record of commitment to safety, security, environment, quality, and diversity in the workplace
Education: position requires a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution and 5 years of related experience or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. A Masters. or Ph.D., in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience is preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
• Experience in software engineering and best practices including software quality management.
• Experience in data analytics, algorithms, machine learning, and/or computational statistics
• Experience in data processing of satellite data, scientific data sets, and formats
• Experience in data acquisition systems, instrumentation, real-time display, and/or TCP/IP programming
• Strong record of technical accomplishments and leadership in projects/programs directly relevant to ISR capabilities or application areas described above.
• Experience participating to help deliver satellite hardware/subsystems, providing space-based operations support and/or providing ground and space-based data processing, or contributing to relevant scientific research supporting ISR missions
• Proven record of success in line management in a scientific or technical organization including performance and salary management, strategic and business planning, organization and staff development, and successful recruitment of technical staff in a dynamic and changing environment
• Familiarity with LANL operational and administrative policies and procedures
• Formal leadership and management training
• Working knowledge of DOE/NNSA, DoD, NASA, and other government agencies dealing with verification and detection programs
• Active "Q" clearance
Notes to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses the key requirements of the position.
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.
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