Department Manager for Risk and Reliability Research

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Department Manager for the Risk and Reliability Research 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.

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a leader to join the Regulatory research and Plant Optimization division as the Department Manager for the Risk and Reliability Research Department. The manager of the Risk and Reliability Research 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 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 Risk and Reliability department.
• Lead strategic planning efforts to align departmental goals with the division, the Nuclear Science and Technology (NS&T) directorate, and INL’s overarching mission and objectives.
• Proactively foster staff development, including mentoring, coaching, and performance management.
• Execute financials, business planning, organizational priorities, and workforce. Ensure that budgets, schedules, and performance standards are realistically set and attained.
• 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, government agencies and industry.
  
  

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 the nuclear energy sector.
• Experience working in a national laboratory or similar research institution.
• Knowledge and experience in a safety-critical, regulated domain.
• Strong background in hazard, risk, reliability, and vulnerability assessments.
• 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.

Primary Location

US-ID-Idaho Falls

Job

Management

Organization

Nuclear Science & Technology (Cxxx)

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Sep 26, 2025, 9:12:55 AM

Unposting Date

Oct 24, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

RELOCATION

Position Relocation Eligible

TELEWORK

On-Site Worker