Job Information
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Chief Operating Officer for National Security Directorate in Richland, Washington
Overview
Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the National Security Directorate (NSD) provides overall leadership for the capability stewardship and programmatic execution functions within NSD. This position and the Chief Science & Technology Officer (CSTO) position fill a critical deputy Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) role to act for and represent the ALD across the full range of responsibilities. This position has a critical role in NSD’s success against a range of metrics including Business Volume (BV), strategic hiring and retention, risk management, sponsor satisfaction, and Performance Evaluation and Measurement Plan (PEMP) evaluation metrics. This position is also responsible for ensuring effective execution of strategy via capability development and management of NSD facilities and instrumentation. Lastly, this position is responsible for the operational success of NSD.
Responsibilities
Relevant Quantitative Indicators of NSD:
1800+ staff
$850-million in programmatic volume
Direct reports include 4 Project Management Office directors and the Operations Manager. Partners with 4 Division Directors and the Directors for the Field Intelligence Element and Counterintelligence. Operationally partners with the Chief Operating Officers across the Laboratory.
Management team includes 20-24 Technical Group Managers at any one time.
Numerous high risk laboratories including secure, radiological, explosive, biological, and chemical facilities
The COO for NSD effectively leads the directorate with respect to internal functions such as programmatic execution and capability development and stewardship. As such, this position is a critical part of the strategic success of the directorate. This position also has an important role in working to ensure strong operations both within the directorate and across the laboratory as a whole. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• To the ALD:
Development of future leadership talent.
Achieving diversity goals and establishing a strong diversity culture.
Achieving critical financial measures such as BV targets.
Robust hiring practices and successful strategic hiring and retention.
Workforce planning and development.
Strategic success through capability development.
Operational excellence.
Full participation in the directorate strategy development process.
Represent the ALD fully and effectively in Executive Committee meetings, external interactions, and any other venue when ALD participation is precluded.
• To the Sectors:
Successful programmatic execution that strengthens sponsor relationships.
Development of business capture capability as needed to achieve sales targets.
Successful development and oversight of facilities to meet mission needs.
• To the Deputy Laboratory Director for Operations (DDO):
NSD’s operational excellence.
Support and drive appropriate operational practices across the laboratory.
• To the NSD CSTO:
- Development of capability to support our investment portfolio and strategic execution.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of the position:
Ability to have well-developed planning, organizational development, S&T mapping, and business skills.
Ability to manage a broad range of individuals, many of whom are experts in their fields and individualistic in approach.
Ability to achieve results.
Ability to be function independently and to persevere under crisis conditions to achieve outcomes.
Ability to have team- and self-development orientation.
Ability to influencing, both internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to have well-developed leadership talent.
Ability to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Knowledge of financial acumen.
Knowledge of strategic and conceptual thinking skills and creativity in approach.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
BS/BA and 15 years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA or higher and 13 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field of science or engineering.
Experience with national security sponsors and stakeholders is an advantage.
Increasingly responsible leadership experience with preference given to candidates that have successfully led large, complex research organizations.
Understanding of national security research capabilities housed in other organizations around the DOE complex and within potential partner or competitor organizations.
Well-developed planning, organizational development, S&T mapping, and business skills.
Understanding of DOE and associated agencies.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable.
Additional Information
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Requirements:
U.S. Citizenship.
Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.
Testing Designated Position
This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or 3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
- Research Associates excluded.
**Once eligibility requirements are met.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)
Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $226,600.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $358,100.00/Yr.
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