Project Management Office Director
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-12102 · Type: Full-Time · Pay: $227,200-$374,900/yr
Duties
Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world. Responsibilities The Project Management Office Director (PMOD) leads the Global Security and Integrated Systems Project Management Office (PMO 71), providing strategic oversight and expert delivery stewardship for a portfolio of approximately 180 projects that support PNNL’s national security mission. The PMOD executes and continually improves a codified, repeatable approach to project management excellence, ensuring that projects are effectively planned, delivered, and aligned with sponsor expectations. PMO 71 delivers high-quality products and services to domestic and international partners in weapons of mass destruction, nonproliferation, safeguards and security, threat reduction, international security, systems engineering, operations research, and testing and evaluation. The portfolio includes projects addressing nuclear and radiological, chemical, biological, missile, and physical security challenges, as well as the development and deployment of technology and engineered systems across the technology readiness spectrum—from concept refinement and development through demonstration, integration, deployment, and post-transition support. The PMOD provides disciplined management of project risk, technology life cycles, operational and regulatory requirements, environmental, health and safety considerations, security requirements, and complex domestic and international interfaces. The position works collaboratively with project managers, group leaders, division directors, market sector managers, sponsors, and technical organizations to ensure that risks are identified, planned for, accepted when appropriate, and effectively mitigated during project execution. Through a systems-oriented approach that integrates scientific expertise, engineering, sensors and electronics, data and communications architectures, sponsor operations, and rigorous testing and evaluation, the PMOD enables the reliable delivery of solutions that help predict, prevent, detect, and respond to threats affecting national and global security. The PMOD serves as a recognized expert in project management, providing executive leadership and strategic direction for complex, high-impact projects and programs. Key Responsibilities Identify, assess, document, and manage project risks; ensure risks are addressed in project planning, formally accepted when appropriate, and mitigated throughout project execution. Provide delivery oversight for a diverse portfolio of domestic and international projects supporting weapons of mass destruction nonproliferation, safeguards and security, threat reduction, international security, and related national security missions. Ensure projects effectively and efficiently deliver high-quality products, services, research, and engineered technical solutions that meet sponsor, operational, regulatory, and mission requirements. Work with Contracts, Finance, line management, project managers, and technical organizations to establish adequate budgets, realistic schedules, appropriate staffing, and resource plans that support delivery on time and within budget. Understand and meet sponsor expectations regarding project scope, technical content, quality, cost, schedule, performance, and delivery. Oversee projects across the technology life cycle, including concept refinement, development, integration, technology demonstration, deployment, and post-transition support. Ensure projects are executed in a safe, secure, environmentally responsible, and operationally compliant manner, consistent with applicable ES&H, security, contractual, regulatory, and international requirements. Ensure appropriate quality assurance, testing and evaluation, verification, and validation activities are incorporated to produce technically sound, reliable, and sponsor-ready results. Apply a systems approach that integrates scientific and engineering disciplines, sponsor operations, sensors and electronics, data processing and communications architectures, and other technical capabilities. Tailor project management systems, processes, controls, and staffing models to the scope, complexity, risk, and technology readiness of each project. Establish and maintain effective relationships with sponsors, domestic and international partners, regulators, and other stakeholders. Promote operational discipline, accountability, continuous improvement, and consistent project management practices across the PMO. Identify process shortcomings and implement improvements that strengthen project delivery, risk management, quality, and organizational performance. Hold authority to approve or reject proposals, assign risk levels, and direct proposal teams to ensure risks are adequately managed. Accountable for demonstrating compliance with institutional risk management standards and for gaining Laboratory Director approval for high-risk proposals. Exhibit leadership in coaching and mentoring senior project managers, collaborating with Line Managers to provide staff performance input and recommendations on succession planning for key positions. Lead continuous improvement initiatives in proposal preparation and project execution, investigating causes for missed expectations and communicating improvement opportunities to stakeholders. Provides performance feedback to project managers and support staff to drive delivery excellence. This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 15+ years of relevant project management experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 13 years of relevant project management experience Experience leading complex, technically diverse, domestic and international projects involving multiple sponsors, partners, work locations, or regulatory environments. Preferred Qualifications: Experience managing projects involving nonproliferation, safeguards and security, threat reduction, arms control, nuclear or radiological materials, chemical or biological threats, missile threats, or other national security missions. Background in nuclear, chemical, biological, radiological, physical, or systems engineering; the physical sciences; operations research; systems engineering; or testing and evaluation. Demonstrated experience managing project risks, budgets, schedules, resources, technical quality, and delivery across multiple technology readiness levels. Experience integrating scientific and engineering solutions with sponsor operations, sensors and electronics, data processing, communications architectures, or other complex technical systems. Demonstrated ability to identify shortcomings in organizational processes, influence change, and implement improvements that increase operational discipline and delivery effectiveness. Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships and communicate effectively with sponsors, technical staff, line management, regulators, domestic and international partners, and other stakeholders. Experience working in laboratory, facility, Hanford Site, or remote field environments and understanding the associated ES&H, security, operational, and regulatory requirements. Demonstrated external recognition for project management and leadership, with experience defining long-range project and program management strategy. Experience coaching and mentoring senior project managers and contributing to succession planning for key positions. Graduate of the PNNL Project Management Development Program (PMDP), Management and Supervisory Development Program (MSDP), and/or Executive Leadership Program (ELP) preferred. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or demonstrated equivalent project management knowledge and competency. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment The incumbent must be familiar with laboratory, facility, and remote field operations; understand the hazards associated with these environments; and be able to work with staff and project teams to identify and mitigate potential risks while supporting safe, secure, and compliant project execution. Additional Information This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct. 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 applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment 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 if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot 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, and flexible work schedules. 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 and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 15+ years of relevant project management experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 13 years of relevant project management experience Experience leading complex, technically diverse, domestic and international projects involving multiple sponsors, partners, work locations, or regulatory environments. Preferred Qualifications: Experience managing projects involving nonproliferation, safeguards and security, threat reduction, arms control, nuclear or radiological materials, chemical or biological threats, missile threats, or other national security missions. Background in nuclear, chemical, biological, radiological, physical, or systems engineering; the physical sciences; operations research; systems engineering; or testing and evaluation. Demonstrated experience managing project risks, budgets, schedules, resources, technical quality, and delivery across multiple technology readiness levels. Experience integrating scientific and engineering solutions with sponsor operations, sensors and electronics, data processing, communications architectures, or other complex technical systems. Demonstrated ability to identify shortcomings in organizational processes, influence change, and implement improvements that increase operational discipline and delivery effectiveness. Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships and communicate effectively with sponsors, technical staff, line management, regulators, domestic and international partners, and other stakeholders. Experience working in laboratory, facility, Hanford Site, or remote field environments and understanding the associated ES&H, security, operational, and regulatory requirements. Demonstrated external recognition for project management and leadership, with experience defining long-range project and program management strategy. Experience coaching and mentoring senior project managers and contributing to succession planning for key positions. Graduate of the PNNL Project Management Development Program (PMDP), Management and Supervisory Development Program (MSDP), and/or Executive Leadership Program (ELP) preferred. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or demonstrated equivalent project management knowledge and competency.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $227,200.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $374,900.00/Yr.