Job Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) Training & Exercise Program Lead supporting the NEST within the N Program of the Global Security (GS) Directorate. This role serves as a senior technical and programmatic leader responsible for the strategy, development, integration, and execution of NEST training and exercise programs at LLNL. You will lead the design and delivery of high-fidelity, mission-driven training systems that support national-level nuclear emergency response operations. The scope includes coordination across multidisciplinary technical teams and collaboration with interagency partners to ensure training effectiveness, operational readiness, and alignment with mission requirements. This position is within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) in the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Lead the planning, integration, and execution of NEST training and exercise programs, including complex multi-agency activities supporting Device Response (DR) operations.
• Develop and implement realistic operational scenarios, training plans, and performance metrics to evaluate readiness and mission effectiveness.
• Coordinate with LLNL organizations and external partners (e.g., NNSA, DoD, DoJ) to align training objectives, requirements, and execution strategies.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to multidisciplinary teams in the design, development, and deployment of training systems, simulation environments, and operational tools.
• Oversee the lifecycle of training programs, including concept development, design, execution, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure training activities comply with safety, security, and classification requirements while supporting operational objectives.
• Represent LLNL in interactions with internal leadership and external stakeholders on training-related initiatives and activities.
• Analyze training outcomes and operational feedback to refine approaches, improve performance, and support mission readiness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Establish and drive long-term strategy, priorities, and vision for NEST training and exercise programs aligned with national mission requirements.
• Serve as the primary LLNL authority and recognized subject matter expert for NEST training with interagency partners and senior stakeholders.
• Direct and lead multidisciplinary technical team, including responsibility for work planning, task assignment, and performance oversight.
• Influence program direction, resource allocation, and integration of new capabilities to enhance training effectiveness and operational impact.

Qualifications

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of training program development, execution, and evaluation within complex technical or operational environments.
• Significant experience planning, coordinating, and executing complex programs or exercises involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to integrate technical systems, engineering solutions, or operational capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direction, applying judgment to determine methods and approaches to achieve objectives.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate with technical teams and present information and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expert knowledge of training systems, program development, or nuclear emergency response operations with demonstrated impact on organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to operate under consultative direction, establishing program objectives, strategy, and priorities with significant autonomy.
• Experience leading and directing multidisciplinary technical teams and influencing programmatic direction across organizations.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience supporting NNSA nuclear emergency response or national security programs.
• Experience working with interagency partners (e.g., DOE, DoD, DoJ).
• Experience developing high-fidelity simulation systems, training environments, or operational scenarios.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in engineering, physical sciences, or related field.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level

$210,630 - $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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