Research and Development WBS Manager

Date: Nov 8, 2023

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 12018 

Overview:  

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. The Enrichment Systems Engineering Section is seeking multiple Technical Project WBS Managers who will support the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) within the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ESED serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of ORNL to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments. ESED is the national steward for the research, development, and demonstration of centrifuge technology innovations; advances electromagnetic isotope separations technology; and delivers stable isotopes for medical, industrial, and DOE mission critical applications. The successful candidate will execute these important missions by teaming with ESED’s division director, program managers, and staff to build on a rich history of accomplishments in enrichment science and engineering.

 

As part of our team, you will be responsible for using project management principles along with sound technical judgment to plan, status, and report technical execution within the Domestic Uranium Enrichment Centrifuge Experiment (DUECE) project. Specifically, this project scope includes the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of multiple facility infrastructures, process capabilities, and testbed systems. This WBS Manager position works closely with the DUECE Technical Project Manager (PM), other DUECE WBS Managers, ESED Line Management, and matrixed project controls staff to manage discrete project scope according to approved schedules, budgets, and technical achievements within the DUECE Project Management Plan (PMP). Additional interfaces will be with principal investigators, engineers, technicians, and other individual team member personnel.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical direction, with input from subject matter experts (SMEs), the DUECE PM, and the sponsor, regarding the research and development activities needed to meet the goals of the Project Management Plan (PMP) and advance centrifuge science.
  • Manage the scope, schedule, and budget for the Research and Development WBS to complete level 2 project milestones as described in the PMP.
  • Support the DUECE PM in facilitating and coordinating project activities, project reporting, sponsor communication and field work coordination.
  • Work with project staff to develop and maintain schedules, cost estimates, and division resource profiles.
  • Work with project staff to develop and maintain the project risk register, assisting with risk identification and proactive mitigation plans.
  • Evaluate the project’s critical path, near critical path activities, and activity logic to aid in resource and activity prioritization.
  • Identify project scope changes, then work with project staff to prepare and present the necessary change control plans and baseline change requests.
  • Participate in and supervise risk analysis and variance reporting.
  • Assist in generating monthly reports on project status and performance.
  • Support the project management staff in preparing for various internal and external project evaluations.
  • Effectively communicate project status, updates, and plans to ORNL management and external project sponsor leadership.
  • Provide oversight of large subcontracts, and the integration of subcontractor schedules into the overall project schedule.
  • Perform ad-hoc activities as directed by the PM, principal investigators, or supporting ESED line management.
  • Provide day-to-day support and communication to project team members, providing execution feedback to activity participants.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Required Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in engineering or related technical field with 10 years of relevant professional experience OR a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field with 15 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience executing large projects in a technical or activity management role of responsibility.
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience with project controls and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of and experience with gas centrifuge technology.
  • Successful execution of research and development or other large technology-based projects at ORNL or within the DOE complex.
  • Previous experience as a work coordinator / planner, coordinating with engineers, technicians, and operators in regulated or hazardous environments.
  • Past performance in the planning and execution of technical projects to aid in accurately estimating labor hours and procurement cost estimates.
  • Experience preparing input to formal project scheduling software such as Primavera P6.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to successfully interact with DOE, project reviewers, senior laboratory management, and senior project staff members.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to constantly evolving needs.
  • An active Q clearance.

 

Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

 

Q clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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.

 

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

 

Other benefits include Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Pet 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.

 

Promoted:  #LI-DC1

 

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.


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