Energy Program Director

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Program (IFE) Director to join our Inertial Fusion Technology team in San Diego, CA.

The Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) Director will report to the Vice President of Inertial Fusion Technology and is responsible for the planning, managing and technical performance of significant IFE related engineering and technology development program(s) in Energy Group’s San Diego facilities. Specifically, the position is responsible for developing and driving strategic direction and execution of R&D process development for high volume manufacture, fueling, insertion, tracking/targeting pertaining to fusion target concepts for Inertial Fusion Energy reactor concepts and roadmaps in collaboration with Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) companies. You will build up and lead a team, operate facilities, and collaborate with IFE companies to advance target fabrication research and development. The position will oversee all phases of program(s) from initiation through delivery. You will manage budgets, timelines, and milestones across internal and external developments. In the collaboration with IFE partner companies, you will influence target design concepts and specifications to realize the aforementioned objectives. The IFE program represent several distinct areas and/or components opportunities and is has become a significant factor in GA’s Energy group strategic business outlook.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including acquisition, planning, and managing technical performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are attained.
• Develop and coordinate new program plans or delivery methods with little precedence for coordination across distinctive products while serving multiple customers.
• Consult with executive management to develop and implement current, annual, and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives for the program(s) and contribute to the development of Group/Company objectives which have a long-range forecast projected to continue for multiple years.
• Manage the establishment of design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, testing, and integration.
• Interact with senior management concerning matters of significance to the company. Act as primary contact for program issues.
• Direct, influence, and coordinate the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets, and financial terms/conditions of contract(s). Influence contract acquisitions, negotiations and modifications.
• Ensure technical leadership and excellence is maintained by directing and participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, professional, and technical talent.
• Act as the primary customer contact for program activities and lead program review sessions with customers to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Identify program issues and provide leadership in developing solutions such as re-allocation of resources or modifying contract specifications.
• Lead the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities. Participating with Group management in pursuing business partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures that enhance the capabilities of the Group/Company and may result in new products, programs and business opportunities.
• Direct the development of and ensure the security of proprietary technology, and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information. Other duties as assigned or required.

• Requires a Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field as well as fifteen or more years of progressively complex program experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• Must be an internationally recognized expert in one or more scientific fields as demonstrated by; (1) original work(s) published in national or professional scientific journals; (2) invited presentations to national scientific symposiums; (3) participation on national scientific review panels or scientific committees; (4) recognition via scientific awards or distinction as fellow (or equivalent) by a major scientific organization; and (5) scientific patents held.
• Has demonstrated leadership ability by directing/developing the solution(s) to highly technical and complex scientific problems, and has experience in influencing, attracting, and retaining technical business opportunities as well as professional staff.
• Possesses the ability to; (1) guide the resolution of unusually complex technical problems; (2) develop solutions to complex problems that require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity ; (3) champion the development of new concepts and principles; and (4) serve as an expert spokesperson on those concepts and principles.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, computer, presentation, and interpersonal skills, be customer focused, and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
• Able to work extended hours and travel as required.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD in a scientific or related technical field and progressively complex scientific experience as follows; twenty or more years experience with a Bachelors degree, eighteen or more years experience with a Masters degree, and fifteen or more with a PhD. Equivalent comprehensive scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• Must be an internationally recognized expert in one or more scientific fields as demonstrated by; (1) original work(s) published in national or professional scientific journals; (2) invited presentations to national scientific symposiums; (3) participation on national scientific review panels or scientific committees; (4) recognition via scientific awards or distinction as fellow (or equivalent) by a major scientific organization; and (5) scientific patents held.
• Has demonstrated leadership ability by directing/developing the solution(s) to highly technical and complex scientific problems, and has experience in influencing, attracting, and retaining technical business opportunities as well as professional staff.
• Possesses the ability to; (1) guide the resolution of unusually complex technical problems; (2) develop solutions to complex problems that require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity ; (3) champion the development of new concepts and principles; and (4) serve as an expert spokesperson on those concepts and principles.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, computer, presentation, and interpersonal skills, be customer focused, and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
• Able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• US Citizenship is required.

Job Category

Scientists

Experience Level

Senior (8+ years)

Workstyle

Onsite

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time Salary

Pay Range Low

187,600

Pay Range High

335,808

Travel Percentage Required

0% - 25%

Relocation Assistance Provided?

Yes

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Clearance Required?

Desired

Clearance Level

DOE - Q