Director, Laboratory Protection Division

Date: Oct 2, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 17216 

 

Overview:  

The Facilities & Operations Directorate (F&O) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking applicants with experienced leadership and a strong security background for the Division Director of the Laboratory Protection Division (LPD).  This critical division is responsible for protecting Special Nuclear Material, information, property, and personnel.  Additionally, the division provides emergency preparedness; 24-hour fire protection, emergency medical services and site operations; foreign national visits, assignments, processing, and export control services. LPD resides within the Facilities and Operations Directorate at ORNL. The Director of LPD must ensure DOE and operational compliance and will also serve as the lab-wide owner for all aspects of ORNL procedures, processes and systems related to DOE’s emergency management and safeguards and security requirements.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Provide a vision and implement a strategy for the development and integration of division capabilities that address changing organizational needs and serve LPD, F&O, and ORNL.
  • Prepares and implement division business plans and budgets, manage commitments and schedules, develop solutions, and set priorities for safety, programmatic, and operational needs across LPD.
  • Attracts, develops, motivates, and retains a diverse staff of emergency management and security professionals through effective staff recruitment and development, salary planning, performance management, and employee relations.
  • Establishes and maintains effective relationships with key internal and external customers and stakeholders while managing the implementation and flow down of DOE requirements to achieve high performance and enable ORNL’s mission.
  • Communicates and supports strategies for protection and use of intellectual property, including identification, proper disclosure, and adequate safeguards.
  • Authorizes work and ensures work activities are performed safely, securely, and effectively and in compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality requirements, applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Ensures that external safeguards and security and emergency management requirements are analyzed and appropriately implemented through ORNL management systems.
  • Continuously improves performance of management systems by assessing system performance and by addressing performance and implementation issues.
  • Delivers ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promotes equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications

  • BS/BA degree and a minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in the US military, law enforcement, DOE security, and/or emergency management roles with at least five years in a management or leadership role.
  • Hours outside of the normal work schedule and occasional travel may be required.

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • MS/MA degree.
  • Significant prior knowledge of and experience managing physical security operations and emergency management organizations.
  • Experience working in a research and development environment (i.e., DOE National Laboratory)
  • Experience developing corporate level policies and strategies and preparing briefings to senior decision makers.
  • Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, and verbal and written communication skills.

 

Special Requirements:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing. 

 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

 

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

 

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville