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Division Director, Safeguards and Security Technology Division (SSTD)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 17 Aug 2026

About the role

Requisition Id 16926 

 

Overview:

The National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks applicants for the position of Division Director for the Safeguards and Security Technology Division (SSTD). Reporting to the NSSD Associate Laboratory Director (ALD), the Division Director is responsible for leading and managing the Division's science and technology (S&T) capabilities, ensuring excellence in current mission execution while establishing and implementing a strategic vision for increased impact for national security.

 

SSTD is comprised of multidisciplinary scientists, engineers, and mission-focused professionals who advance the scientific and technical foundations of nuclear safeguards and security. The Division develops innovative technologies and operational solutions that enable U.S. government agencies to strengthen the security and safeguards of nuclear and radiological materials in the U.S. and around the world, ultimately enhancing U.S. national security.

 

SSTD also develops and applies advanced software and digital capabilities to support nonproliferation and nuclear security missions, including information management systems, data collection and analysis platforms, nuclear material tracking systems, and modeling and simulation tools that inform operational decision-making and policy.

 

The Division collaborates extensively across ORNL and the broader DOE complex to advance technologies and approaches supporting nuclear safeguards, security, treaty verification spanning the nuclear fuel cycle and radiological operations. SSTD maintains internationally recognized expertise in safeguards and security technologies, implementation methodologies, and integrated safeguards concepts applicable across the full spectrum of nuclear fuel cycle activities.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership that focuses and integrates Division capabilities toward world-class S&T goals consistent with the programmatic missions of NSSD and the Laboratory
  • Collaborate with management peers to assist the ALD in defining and implementing strategic programmatic R&D missions for NSSD and the Laboratory
  • Represent ORNL before advisory committees
  • Emphasize the scientific productivity, impact, and reputation of SSTD and engagement of staff in professional organizations
  • Ensure the Division executes projects and delivers outcomes consistent with commitments on budget and schedule
  • Execute line management responsibilities including supervision of Division leadership, budget and business planning, salary planning, staff recruitment and development, employee relations, and performance management
  • Build Division capabilities by attracting a quality, diverse pool of top candidates, and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field
  • Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated
  • Serve as the Division work authority, striving to implement a culture within the workplace that is attentive to the identification of hazards and responsive to providing controls and processes to address the hazards

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • Qualified candidates will have a Ph.D. in engineering, the physical sciences, or related technical fields
  • At least 12 years of experience focused on nuclear nonproliferation within an R&D environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Strong leadership and business management skills with a proven track record of communication through technical publications, development and execution of an R&D vision and strategy

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills that can interact effectively with a broad spectrum of people and issues in a fast-paced environment that spans R&D
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
  • Focused delivery on the operational missions of nonproliferation sponsors

 

Special Requirements:

  • Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
  • Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: This position requires

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Company

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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