Principal Lead Engineer

The Berkeley Lab is hiring a Principal Lead Engineer to lead the technical and engineering efforts on major scientific instrumentation projects. Initially, this role will serve as Lead Engineer for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment - Near Detector (DUNE-ND) Project, involving the development of a liquid-argon neutrino detector with cutting-edge pixelated read-out electronics. The DUNE-ND project, part of the LBNF/DUNE initiative, aims to advance our understanding of fundamental physics.

The position involves managing technical design, development, and verification of the DUNE-ND system, with oversight of work and personnel at Berkeley Lab and at collaborating institutions, including Fermilab. Responsibilities include translating scientific requirements into engineering designs, supervising staff, and ensuring system verification and validation. The role also entails coordination with project leadership, safety teams, and laboratory management. Responsibilities will evolve as the project progresses.

What You Will Do:

• Lead cross-functional, geographically dispersed project teams within a Systems Engineering framework.
• Manage requirements, interfaces, and risks.
• Oversee engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, assembly, and pre-installation efforts.
• Direct technical integration of subsystems.
• Collaborate with procurement teams on acquisition planning and execution.
• Communicate technical status, issues, and successes to teams and senior management.
• Coordinate presentations and technical reviews.
• Report in team meetings, advisory committees, and other forums.
• Ensure safety in project deliverables in coordination with EHS and management.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise staff.
• Manage space, equipment, and facilities for construction.
• Represent LBNL in design reviews, workshops, and conferences.
• Contribute to conference presentations and publications.

What is Required:

• Advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field with a minimum of 5+ years relevant experience or equivalent knowledge.
• Experience leading technical aspects of scientific construction projects.
• Proven expertise in developing, delivering, and verifying complex systems within a Systems Engineering framework.
• Knowledge of large-scale scientific equipment (e.g., detectors, telescopes, accelerators, beamlines).
• Familiarity with project management practices and tools.
• Strong team collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Experience presenting designs through reviews and documentation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for technical reports and publications.
• Knowledge of large scientific experimental systems.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, physicists, and construction staff.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes and project management tools.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration with internal and external teams, including LBNL management.

Desired Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience leading engineering projects.
• Established reputation and connections in particle accelerators, beamlines, detectors, telescopes, or similar large-scale scientific fields.
• PhD in Engineering or Physics with extensive experience in scientific construction projects.
• Familiarity with management of projects under DOE Order 413.3B.

Required Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter, with statement of professional experience and interests
• Publication list

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• The expected salary range for this position is $169,000.00 - $237,000.00 annually, which fits into the full salary range of $126,874.00 - $304,509.00 annually depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.