Aero Analysis Group Leader - Active Security Clearance Required

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$182,310 - $277,344

$182,310 - $231,180 Annually for the SEL.3 level

$218,700 - $277,344 Annually for the SEL.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have an opening for an Aero Analysis Group Leader. The group's work supports hypersonics and reentry systems, including modeling and simulation of hypersonic reentry bodies, feasibility studies, flight testing, and flight software development. You will work closely with programmatic customers, such as the Flight Performance Integration program, to ensure current and evolving analysis needs are satisfied. This position is in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Supervise, support, and provide technical and administrative direction/guidance for approximately 10 group members, including sharing advanced technical analysis and recommendations for the development of innovative methods and technologies.
• Recruit and hire new staff as needed to meet Section, Division, and programmatic staffing needs through active engagement in career development, performance and salary management, mentoring, and coaching activities.
• Develop and serve the group’s customer base by maintaining a close interface with programmatic and project elements.
• Formulate and maintain a long-term plan for staff development and technical research and development that will provide state-of-the-art capabilities to further the mission of LLNL.
• Interface with other groups within CED to identify and promote collaborative efforts. Collaborate with project leaders within Laboratory programs to anticipate and meet technical needs.
• Leverage advanced technical knowledge to provide and review aerospace engineering support for the enduring and future weapons stockpile, including guiding the design, testing, modification, and optimization of mechanical components and systems.
• Ensure quality of work and promote effective teamwork within the group by planning workloads, remaining aware of complex technical goals, and coordinating with project leaders to track progress on performance goals.
• Participate in Section and Division meetings and activities and plan and conduct monthly Group meetings to influence technical directions, Division strategy, and employee engagement and compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SEL.4 level

• Set broad project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for self and others.
• Develop creative new Engineering capabilities and novel technologies in one or more areas of aerospace engineering, hypersonic computational fluid dynamics, flight dynamics, aerothermodynamics, and/or ablation in reentry environments.
• Provide subject matter expertise in one or more areas of aerospace engineering, hypersonics, aerothermodynamics, and/or material ablation, including conducting highly complex and in-depth analysis within those areas.

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or Department of Defense (DOD) Top Secret clearance.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience in one or more of the following: aerospace engineering, hypersonic computational fluid dynamics, flight dynamics, aerothermodynamics, ablation in reentry environments, or a related technical area.
• Demonstrated ability to promote and lead technical projects.
• Advanced communication skills necessary to effectively give written and verbal presentations and interact with all levels of personnel and provide advice to management.
• Significant experience working in a team environment with multi-disciplinary personnel, managing multiple concurrent tasks and deliverables.
• Advanced interpersonal and listening skills to effectively collaborate and lead in a team environment.

Additional qualifications at the SEL.4 level

• Subject matter expertise in one or more relevant technical areas: aerospace engineering, hypersonic computational fluid dynamics, flight dynamics, aerothermodynamics, ablation in reentry environments, or a related technical area.
• Significant experience in the leadership of technical personnel, projects, project planning, and execution, including applying and developing creative solutions to highly complex problems.
• Demonstrated expert communication, facilitation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively lead a team, present and explain information, influence and advise senior management, while positively representing the Program and the Laboratory.

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Knowledge of Laboratory management and structure including supervision, budget, policies, and processes.
• Experience in the hiring and career development of employees.
• Experience with performance reviews, ranking, and salary management processes.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.