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Join a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world’s energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community. We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.
At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL's environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.
Learn about NREL’s critical objectives: NREL's Mission and Vision.
NREL is seeking a new Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) to lead our Mechanical and Thermal Engineering Sciences (MTES) directorate. The ALD is responsible for providing inspirational leadership and direction to the directorate, shaping its strategic vision and driving excellence in science and technology. The MTES directorate (https://www.nrel.gov/research/mechanical-thermal) is organized around a dedicated team of researchers, technicians and operational professionals focused on transforming the nation’s energy systems, enabling a diverse, secure, and sustainable advanced energy future through technological innovations in, buildings and industry, renewable energy, and systems integration.
Reporting to the Laboratory Director and serving on the laboratory’s senior leadership team, this position provides strategic leadership and supervision in the following research areas: Building Technology Sciences, Energy Conversion and Systems Storage, Wind Energy, Geothermal, Water Power, Advanced Manufacturing and Artic and Extreme Climate Research. The MTES directorate comprises 650 staff that executes over $270 million in annual research and development. MTES is the largest science and technology directorate at the laboratory spanning three different campus locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and Fairbanks, Alaska. This position has 16 direct reports spanning center directors, senior research advisors, laboratory program managers, a project manager and an executive assistant. This individual should have scientific and/or technical contributions in the relevant areas of research performed by the MTES directorate.
In addition to the scientific leadership in the areas detailed above, the ALD is also responsible for aligning facility and infrastructure operations with the laboratory’s vision and strategy and for ensuring that research operations are conducted safely. The ALD oversees stewardship of DOE-owned facilities and equipment to ensure they are research ready and compliant with regulations and DOE requirements.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
A successful leader at NREL demonstrates the following values and attributes:
Please ensure your cover letter describes how your leadership and career experiences align with these attributes.
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* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Comprehensive acumen in leadership and organization.
Proven capacity for excellent managing and leading people and teams; ability to connect with staff both on an individual level and in large groups; demonstrated ability to enforce accountability and cultivate collaboration.
Established track record of negotiating complex partnerships that provide impactful results while being compliant with regulatory and organizational requirements.
Strong interpersonal skills in developing and maintaining effective and trusting relationships.
Comprehensive oral and written communications skills are essential.
Critical skill capabilities in decision-making and innovative problem-solving required, as well as strong business acumen.
Experience and proven skill in interpreting and articulating laboratory policies and procedures and navigating DOE leadership.
Demonstrated ability in strategic planning; the ability to establish and communicate goals and objectives; and to develop impactful partnerships and strategies within the context of a mission-oriented organization.
This position requires an onsite hybrid work arrangement and remote applicants will not be considered.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance and SCI access. SCI access may require a polygraph examination.
Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE O 472.2A for additional information.
Experience working within the DOE National Laboratory systems and associated science and technology. Ideal candidates would have made research contributions in the areas outlined above.
Previous experience managing a large organization is highly preferred.
A high level of emotional intelligence is required to be successful in this position.
Ability to resolve issues quickly and make decisions that meet NREL’s objectives in a collaborative culture.
Working knowledge of state-of-the-art technology and the ability to apply it to administrative functions.
Experience in multiple functions within a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), major research or academic institution.
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The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
* Based on eligibility rules
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
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NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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