Remote Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What You Will Do
Help support our National Security Mission and discover why we attract the best minds in the world! The Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group (ISR-6) is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic scientific and engineering leader with expertise and experience in remote sensing, data science, and space research.
The Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group (ISR-6) is an innovative, vibrant group in the Intelligence & Space Research (ISR) Division. ISR Division has been designing, building, and operating innovative ground, air, and spaced-based measurement and detection systems for over 60 years to provide solutions for some of the most challenging scientific and national security problems facing the nation and the world. The ISR-6 Group, with nearly 40 scientists & engineers, postdocs, and students, develops and deploys sophisticated and customized detection systems and analysis tools to address needs in our key mission areas of nuclear non-proliferation, space domain awareness, atmospheric science, planetary science and exploration, and multi-source intelligence. To develop and deploy these tailored solutions, we leverage our core capabilities in spectral, spatial, and temporal sensing (acoustic, optical, infrared, RF, and x-rays); source phenomenology modeling, interpretation, and propagation; data analysis, algorithm development and machine learning; and detector and system design, development, and deployment (ground, airborne and space-based platforms). Our data analysis capabilities include, but are not limited to, time-frequency analysis, anomaly detection, extraction of faint signals from cluttered backgrounds, machine learning, ptychography and tomography. Our systems are tested in laboratory and operationally relevant (field and testbed) scenarios and range from low TRL (proof of principle systems) to high TRL (deployed).
NASA's NACHOS hyperspectral cubesat missions (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/esnt/2022/high-flying-nasa-nachos-instrument-may-help-predict-volcanic-eruptions), the RAPid Telescopes for Optical Response (RAPTOR) which is an array of "thinking" telescopes for time-domain astronomy (https://www.lanl.gov/discover/publications/1663/2014-august/tracking-transients.php), ultra-low light imaging systems such as the Remote Ultra-low Light Imaging (RULLI) system (https://www.osti.gov/biblio/964958-remote-ultra-low-light-imaging-rulli-space-situational-awareness-ssa-modeling-simulation-results-passive-active-ssa) as well as a wide range of projects not described in open literature.
The ISR-6 Group Leader will be responsible for establishing and executing a strategic vision that positions the group for future mission success while maintaining excellence in ongoing program execution. You will participate in the leadership and management of the technical work and administrative operations in the group. You will work closely with the Deputy Group Leader, ISR Division Leadership, Program Managers, Project Leaders, and external sponsors to advance the group's technical capabilities and mission impact. As a member of the ISR Division Leadership Team, you will help shape divisional strategy, workforce planning, capability investments, and cross-organizational collaborations while supporting delivery of mission-critical programs and products.
The Group Leader will foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, safety, security, accountability, and continuous learning. You will support workforce development across all career stages, strengthen the student and postdoctoral pipeline, and ensure the group remains positioned to address future national security and scientific challenges.
As the Group Leader, you will also facilitate success by identifying, managing, and mitigating technical and organizational risk; collaborating closely with Program Managers and Project Leaders to ensure delivery of National Security Programs and information products on time and within budget; and by providing a safe and secure working environment for all using the ISR core values supported by Human Performance Improvement and Safe Conduct of Research principles. You will be responsible for performance and salary management of staff; strategic workforce planning; providing growth and development opportunities; and recognizing individual and team accomplishments.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

Leadership

• Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and lead multidisciplinary teams through complex scientific, engineering, operational, and organizational challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to drive a creative, entrepreneurial R&D work environment in which innovation and continuous learning are essential for solving some of the most difficult challenges in science, engineering, and national security.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to developing the next generation of scientists and engineers through mentorship, sponsorship, succession planning, student engagement, and postdoctoral development.
• Proven ability to work and interact effectively in a dynamic team environment; to build and lead cross-organizational collaborations and teams; and to motivate staff through common goals and objectives.

Management

• Demonstrated record of advocating for resources, personnel, and projects within your team or organization.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex research portfolios and balancing mission execution, workforce development, strategic investment, and sponsor expectations.

Technical Knowledge

• Demonstrated scientific/engineering and technical leadership in one or more areas of ISR-6's key mission areas such as remote sensing, space systems, space domain awareness, advanced analytics, AI/ML, data science, phenomenology, or related disciplines.

Communication

• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups, and effective presentations for a wide variety of audiences. Strong active listening skills are required for this position.

Safety and Security

• Demonstrated success in improving workforce safety, security, environment, and health such as through implementing Human Performance Improvement (HPI) and/or Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles, or equivalent techniques.
• Demonstrated commitment to mission assurance, protection of sensitive information, and responsible execution of national security missions.

Workplace Culture

• Demonstrated ability to foster a respectful, collaborative, and high-performing workplace where individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can contribute and succeed.

Education/Experience:
Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a relevant science or engineering field is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work broadly across a large organization to provide insight and advice on the successful completion of major programs.
• Demonstrated ability to take a concept from low TRL to high TRL to provide insight and advice on maturing promising capabilities.
• Working knowledge of DOE/NNSA, DoD, NASA, or other government agencies.
• Demonstrated record of successful proposal development, sponsor engagement, and portfolio growth.
• Active Q clearance and SCI eligibility.

Note to Applicants:
Interested applicants must include a cover letter and resume detailing how they meet the minimum requirements of the position.
Physical Requirements:

• Physical movement between buildings located primarily within a half-mile radius, which may include movement across uneven and/or inclined ground.
• Physical movement within large interior facility spaces and corridors, which may require travel up and down stairs.
• Direct interaction with hardware, equipment, and instruments in office and laboratory environments.

Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.