Principal Mechanical Engineering Lead - 96311

Division: EG-Engineering

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL, https://www.lbl.gov/) has an opening for a Principal Mechanical Engineering Lead to support scientific construction projects in the LBNL Physics Division (https://commons.lbl.gov/display/physics/Physics+Division+Home).

Applicants must have a proven record of accomplishment of successfully managing scientific or complex technical construction projects in an inclusive work environment. The successful applicants will be hired into the LBNL Engineering Division and matrixed to the LBNL Physics Division. Typical projects are related to either the development of high-energy physics detectors e.g. as part of the international DUNE project, or the development of cosmology projects, e.g. the next generation, ground-based cosmic microwave background experiment CMB-S4. These experiments – once operating – will provide dramatic leaps forward in our understanding of the fundamental nature of space and time and the evolution of the Universe.

The Principal Mechanical Engineering Lead is a project management and technical leadership position with personnel supervision responsibilities. You will be responsible for design and baseline planning of scientific construction projects in the LBNL Physics Division. Therefore, it is required that you possess strong R&D and relevant engineering skills in addition to management experience. You will closely interface with Physics Division management and project scientific leadership. Responsibilities will evolve as projects mature and advance through different project execution phases. LBNL contributions to these large and international scientific construction projects may also evolve over time.

The primary job duties will include strategic planning and translation of initial scientific requirements into engineering designs as well as all core project management functions. Development of project cost and schedule documents as well as quality and risk plans are a main function of the job position. These plans must evolve as projects go through initial planning as well as later execution phases. Since this position acts in a leadership role, success will be defined by how well such project plans are implemented to ensure project success. Management techniques will be adapted according to project phases and project risks must be adequately managed. Physics Division projects are part of large international scientific collaborations which require travel and can complicate project management coordination.

What You Will Do:

• Lead cross-functional and geographically dispersed project teams including engineers and scientists, manage the day-to-day operations, and serve as the primary internal point of contact for the project.

• Manage engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, assembly, and pre-installation effort.

• Manage and direct technical integration of subsystems. Develop, identify, and manage requirements, interfaces and risks.

• Work closely with project procurement teams on acquisition planning and effective execution of procurements.

• Create and implement project plans and oversee their successful execution.

• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and financial forecasts. May have control account responsibilities.

• Apply project management best practices in the development, initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & controlling, and closing of projects.

• Manage and report on budget and schedule, including earned value management systems (EVMS).

• Clearly communicate project status, issues, and successes to project teams and senior management.

• Coordinate presentations at meetings of appropriate committees. Oversee preparations for reviews; organize technical reviews.

• Report at regular team meetings, advisory committee meetings, and other venues.

• Coordinate with EHS and management on work safety and ensure that work performed by the teams follow safe work practices.

• Recruit, hire, organize, and manage staff.

• Manage space, equipment, and facilities utilized for construction effort.

• Represent LBNL to the outside world in engineering through, for example, participation in design reviews, workshops and conferences.

• Author or contribute to conference presentations and publications.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• May assume responsibility for specific subtasks within the project, producing materials for level 2 or 3 managers for project reporting purposes.

• May direct the work of technical staff as required during progression of project.

What is Required:

• Advanced degree in Physics or Engineering or related field and 5 or more years of relevant experience or equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge.

• Experience managing scientific or technically complex construction projects.

• Demonstrated project management experience, preferably including DOE Order 413.3 projects or similar federally funded large projects.

• Proven experience in presenting conceptual and completed designs through design reviews and documentation.

• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills in authoring technical and scientific reports and publications.

• Ability to perform in a team atmosphere involving multidisciplinary personnel, as well as experience in advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently solve problems and make appropriate decisions.

• Experience estimating project costs and resource requirements, generating project schedules, and tracking progress to meet deadlines.

• Familiarity with project management and tracking tools and methods.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with other engineering staff, scientific staff, external collaborators, and the highest levels of LBNL management.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and understanding of detectors, telescopes, particle accelerators, beamlines, or similar large-scale scientific equipment.

• Established connections and reputation with the national and international community in areas of detectors, telescopes, particle accelerators, beamlines, or similar large-scale scientific endeavors.

• PhD in Engineering or Physics and extensive experience with scientific construction projects 

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled.

Notes:

• This is a full-time Career or Career-Track appointment depending on experience. For Career-Track, this will be a 2-year appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. For Career, this will be full-time, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

• This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

How To Apply

Apply directly online at http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=242199 and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process. 

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov (http://covid.lbl.gov/) for more information.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA, https://diversity.lbl.gov/ideaberkeleylab/) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. eBerkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf) under 41 CFR 60-1.4.