Program Associate Jobs in Manteca, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 Deputy Associate Program Leader (DAPL) for Pyrochemical Operations. You will partner with the Associate Program Leader in the actinide pyrochemical operations in the Superblock. This role involves project, personnel, and resource management, including work prioritization, project scheduling, reporting, task delegation, and providing performance feedback. You will work in a highly complex environment that requires disciplined execution, sound technical judgment, extensive foresight and planning, and a collaborative leadership style. This position is in the Materials Science Division, supporting the Superblock within Strategic Deterrence (SD).

You will 

• Provide technical direction for pyrochemical processing capabilities that address unique and complex programmatic needs, including electrorefining, direct oxide reduction, process salt cleanup, metal alloying, salt production, and related plutonium and actinide recovery operations.
• Ensure programmatic objectives are met by operations performed in full compliance with the ES&H Manual, the facility Documented Safety Analyses (DSA) and Facility Safety Plan (FSP), and applicable Work Control Documents (WCDs).
• Communicate project priorities, plan schedules, assess resource requirements, and oversee project development and maturity.
• Use project management methods and tools to develop metrics and reporting criteria to ensure successful programmatic project execution.
• Oversee the procurement, installation, and deployment of new capabilities.
• Support efficient and effective onboarding and training of new employees.
• With the APL, work with individuals on the team to set performance goals and ensure the necessary resources are provided for those goals to be met.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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 of Science degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, radiochemistry, metallurgical engineering, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant experience in nuclear materials processing, with demonstrated experience in pyrochemical, electrochemical, metallurgical, or closely related actinide processing operations.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear materials process flowsheets, especially those relevant to plutonium and actinide pyrochemical processing and recovery.
• Knowledge of fissile material handling, contamination control, glovebox operations, and Nuclear Materials Control & Accountability principles.
• Experience managing a small team performing laboratory work (2-5 individuals).
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to present, explain, and advise senior management.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, manage operational complexity, solve practical and technical problems, and maintain program execution in a demanding environment.
• Ability to travel.

Pay Range

$189,660 - $240,528 Annually

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.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

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.

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.