Project Management Office Director

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.  If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. 

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication.  The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

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PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.