DESCRIPTION

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Department Manager for the Plant Optimization department in our Regulatory Research and Plant Optimization Division. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.
The manager of the Plant Optimization department will be responsible for setting vision and direction, management of day-to-day operations, and recruiting and development for a team of highly skilled researchers who perform research to develop analysis tools, automation, and artificial intelligence to improve plant performance and efficiency. The manager of the Plant Optimization department will manage staff that support research and development for the US Department of Energy (DOE), US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), US Department of Defense (DOD), US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other Federal agencies and international organizations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in nuclear, safety, reliability, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering, or related field plus 5 or more years of relevant experience, and a minimum of 2 years of leadership experience.
• Proven track record of leadership or management experience in a technical environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• PhD in nuclear, safety, reliability, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering, or related.
• Experience in nuclear energy sector.
• Experience working in a national laboratory or similar research institution.
• Knowledge and experience in a safety-critical, regulated domain.
• Familiarity with emerging trends and technologies in automation and AI.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and requirements in the nuclear industry.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SELECTIVE SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

• Develop and communicate a clear and compelling vision for the Plant Optimization department.
• Lead strategic planning efforts to align departmental goals with the division and the Nuclear Science and Technology (NS&T) directorate.
• Proactively foster staff development, including mentoring, coaching, and performance management.
• Work with staff and programmatic leaders to identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and funding sources to expand the department’s research portfolio.
• Ensure the department’s research projects meet high standards of quality, relevance, and impact.
• Partner with other divisions within the NS&T Directorate to support collaborative research initiatives and leverage expertise across INL.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and other government agencies.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with universities, academic institutions, and industry.