Department Manager for Plant Optimization

Nuclear Science and TechnologyIdaho Falls, ID

Posted August 27, 2025Reference ID: 23159

Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Department Manager for the Plant Optimization department in our Regulatory Research and Plant Optimization Division. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

The manager of the Plant Optimization department will be responsible for setting vision and direction, management of day-to-day operations, and recruiting and development for a team of highly skilled researchers who perform research to develop analysis tools, automation, and artificial intelligence to improve plant performance and efficiency. The manager of the Plant Optimization department will manage staff that support research and development for the US Department of Energy (DOE), US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), US Department of Defense (DOD), US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other Federal agencies and international organizations.

Responsibilities Include:

Develop and communicate a clear and compelling vision for the Plant Optimization department.
Lead strategic planning efforts to align departmental goals with the division and the Nuclear Science and Technology (NS&T) directorate.
Proactively foster staff development, including mentoring, coaching, and performance management.
Work with staff and programmatic leaders to identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and funding sources to expand the department's research portfolio.
Ensure the department's research projects meet high standards of quality, relevance, and impact.
Partner with other divisions within the NS&T Directorate to support collaborative research initiatives and leverage expertise across INL.
Build and maintain strong relationships with the Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and other government agencies.
Establish and nurture partnerships with universities, academic institutions, and industry.

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in nuclear, safety, reliability, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering, or related field plus 5 or more years of relevant experience, and a minimum of 2 years of leadership experience.
Proven track record of leadership or management experience in a technical environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Preferred Experience:

PhD in nuclear, safety, reliability, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering, or related.
Experience in nuclear energy sector.
Experience working in a national laboratory or similar research institution.
Knowledge and experience in a safety-critical, regulated domain.
Familiarity with emerging trends and technologies in automation and AI.
Knowledge of regulatory standards and requirements in the nuclear industry.

Job Information:

The target pay range for this position is $154,733 - $231,971 annually. The full pay range is $105,516 - $269,052. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
Paid time off (personal leave)
Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
Comprehensive Relocation Package
Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure.
INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.