Nuclear Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company 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.
Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to manage the delivery of complex nuclear infrastructure and capital projects, as part of a nuclear facility portfolio exceeding $200M. As the main point of contact for nuclear facility projects assigned to you, you will ensure safe, compliant, and successful project execution while managing all phases from planning through completion. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience managing projects at a nuclear facility or in a nuclear environment (DOE or commercial nuclear), with exceptional organizational and communication skills, and a passion for advancing nuclear technology and safety.
The Project Management Office (PMO) provides LLNL with engineering, design, estimating, construction, and project management services. PMO provides infrastructure services to enable cutting-edge research and development in the areas of defense technologies, global security, laser science, bioscience, and more. PMO offers cradle to grave infrastructure services to achieve reliable delivery of completed projects with priority on safety, collaboration, and a workforce working toward our shared vision.
This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.
You will

• Manage assigned complex construction and infrastructure projects, or major work packages within larger Hazard Category 2 nuclear-facility projects. Manage day-to-day safety, quality, schedule, cost, contracts, subcontractors, suppliers, and field activities with minimal guidance by supervisor.
• Manage project scope, schedule, risk, and budget in alignment with processes. Develop or contribute to estimates, change-control actions, and monthly status reports for assigned projects.
• Monitor and report on earned value and cost performance as directed.
• Lead collaboration with project task managers, team members, outside consultants, contractors, users, clients, and DOE on all project matters. Prepare and deliver project updates and presentations to customers and stakeholders with infrequent supervisor oversight.
• Lead preparation and maintenance of the Project Execution Plan and other project documents. Ensure project files and records are updated and suitable for audit review.
• Participate in and facilitate assigned client-interface activities and stakeholder meetings. When necessary, escalate complex or sensitive stakeholder issues to supervisor.
• Regularly participate in safety walkdowns, constructability and design reviews, and status meetings. Monitor contractor and project team adherence to LLNL safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, including projects with unique or complex safety and quality needs under supervisor oversight.
• Exercise advanced problem-solving abilities to recommend and implement innovative solutions to project challenges.
• Provide intermittent coaching to other PMs and support staff to share project expertise and institutional knowledge.

Additional job responsibilities at the TSS.4 Level

• Serve as the project management SME and primary point of contact for assigned large projects and nuclear facility projects.
• Recommend solutions to highly complex issues and requirements from programs sponsors while representing the organization to clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Lead and direct all aspects of project management: scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, and resource management for assigned nuclear projects.
• Ensure strict compliance with DOE Orders, NRC regulations, industry codes, quality control/assurance, and internal safety.
• Develop, maintain, and manage detailed project management plans, budgets/estimates, earned value management parameters, project authorization requests, change control actions, and project documentation suitable for audit review.
• Oversee project delivery from concept through completion, including design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout.
• Utilize independent judgement to identify, assess, and manage project risks. Implement mitigation strategies and ensure project delivery within schedule and cost objectives.
• Prepare and deliver project proposals, presentations, and status reports to a broad audience of customers, stakeholders, and senior leaders.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, outside consultants, vendors, contractors, and clients to resolve complex technical and performance issues.
• Mentor and guide less experienced project managers, sharing technical expertise and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for project delivery and reporting efficiency.
• Stay current on nuclear industry trends, technical developments, and regulatory changes.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and related nuclear experience.
• Minimum 6 years of direct project management experience in the nuclear industry (DOE or commercial nuclear power), including oversight of medium to large-scale projects in highly regulated environments.
• Significant experience in DOE nuclear project management and/or NRC-regulated commercial nuclear project delivery.
• Working knowledge of applicable nuclear industry regulations (DOE Orders, NRC, ASME, etc.), construction contracts, industry codes, and standards.
• Experience in various aspects of project management, including project planning, scheduling, cost estimating, and baseline control.
• Significant experience conducting technical reviews, interpreting construction drawings, and overseeing large project budgets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (including MS Project and SharePoint); experience with Primavera P6, Deltek Acumen Fuse, Active Risk Manager (ARM), and Cobra preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a record of innovative solutions in complex nuclear project environments.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills; ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, customer service, and timely project delivery.

In Addition, at the TSS.4 Level

• Current Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification or ability to obtain within 1 year from the start date of onboarding.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience leading highly complex or high-impact nuclear projects or programs.
• Knowledge of the ASME NQA-1 standard and its application to suppliers of nuclear grade materials and services.
• Substantial experience guiding and mentoring more junior project managers and technical teams, including across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative solutions, methodologies, and best practices in nuclear project management.
• Familiarity with technologies in nuclear facility design, construction, commissioning, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience representing organization to senior management, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders on matters of strategic importance.
• Expert verbal and written communication, facilitation and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present, explain and advise senior management and external sponsors and experience as a spokesperson for a project or program.

Qualifications we desire

• California Professional Engineering Registration or equivalent.
• Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Certification.
• Experience with ALARA planning and nuclear safety principles.
• Experience in managing projects meeting the requirements of DOE Order 413.3B.
• Experience with facility demolition, site remediation, and project execution in radiological or hazardous category areas.
• Experience mentoring and developing project managers in a nuclear environment.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear facility design, construction, and commissioning.

Pay Range
$154,950 - $235,692 Annually
$154,950 - $196,476 Annually (TSS.3)
$185,850 - $235,692 Annually (TSS.4)
This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. This position may be filled at either the TSS.3 level or TSS.4. An employee's TSS level and 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-Hybrid
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 a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
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.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
Videos To Watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITnv867DReU