Job Description

What You Will Do

The Engineering and Technology Maturation (ETM) Program Office is seeking candidates for a Professional Staff Assistant 2 (PSA-2) position. Working as a valued member of the business operations team and reporting to the Staff Operations Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting operational efficiency, informed business decisions, and the overall administrative functions of the ETM Program Office.



The ETM Program Office resides under the associate Laboratory Director for Weapon Physics (ALDX) and conducts research to improve America's ability to rapidly design, produce, qualify, and certify nuclear weapons. The main goals of ETM are to 1) Develop, mature, and integrate technologies and capabilities for the future nuclear deterrent 2) Build and test prototypes and apply lessons learned to future activities & 3) Rapidly bring proven technologies, capabilities, and prototypes together to address urgent and future nuclear deterrence needs. To that end, ETM is focused on developing modeling and simulation tools, testing capabilities, weapon technologies, materials, explosives and surveillance methods for weapon systems to assure production, qualification and certification in the absence of underground nuclear testing.



The PSA-2 role requires a proactive and detail-oriented individual who demonstrates exceptional accuracy, initiative, versatility, tact, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality. This position operates with minimal supervision and contributes to a cohesive, high-performing operational environment.



As a collaborative team member, the PSA-2 will work closely with the ETM Program Director, Deputy Program Director, Program Managers, and deployed staff supporting both the Program Office and the ALD office.



Work is performed in a busy, fast-paced team environment that values adaptability, initiative, and teamwork. The successful candidate will take ownership of assigned tasks and provide support wherever needed to ensure the success of ETM operations.

Serve as a primary point of contact for the ETM Program Office, communicating professionally and effectively with internal and external managers, administrators, and staff at all levels. Ensure consistency and standardization of administrative processes and support activities across the Program Office. Coordinate facility utilization, space planning, maintenance, housekeeping, and related operational needs. Compose, prepare, and proofread correspondence, reports, presentations, and other documents with accuracy and attention to detail. Provide comprehensive organizational and logistical support for high-level visits, stakeholder reviews, tours, and interactions with government dignitaries and Federal Program Managers. Serve as an expert resource to Program Office staff regarding administrative policies, procedures, and systems. Act as the ETM Program Office point of contact for Records Management, ensuring compliance with Laboratory requirements. Manage Guest Scientist and Laboratory Associate Agreements for the ETM Program Office, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Employment Administrative Support

Demonstrated competence in providing high-level administrative support in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, including effective communication and coordination with all levels of personnel. Proven experience managing complex calendars, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining business continuity through proactive email management-reviewing, organizing, and triaging communications to optimize workflow and ensure management's time is used efficiently and strategically.

Planning and Coordination

Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute high-profile meetings, events, and visits involving both internal and external partners. Demonstrated experience assuming responsibility for projects from inception to completion, including tracking deliverables, managing logistics, and reporting results.

Organization and Time Management

Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under pressure while managing multiple deadlines, frequent interruptions, and shifting priorities. Skilled in maintaining accuracy, organization, and attention to detail in daily operations, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.

Business Systems and Technical Proficiency

Extensive knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including the ability to independently interpret data and produce advanced Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. Demonstrated proficiency with Laboratory business systems such as Ariba, Oracle, Concur (Domestic and Foreign Travel), and UTrain, with a proven ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems and technologies.

Programmatic and Business Operations

Experience preparing reports, maintaining records, and managing documentation related to program and operational functions. Provides input on process improvements, ensures compliance with Laboratory policies and procedures, and serves as a knowledgeable resource for business operations within the programs.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Demonstrated ability to analyze and evaluate complex administrative and operational challenges to develop practical and effective solutions. Works independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and initiative within defined parameters. Provides informed recommendations to the Staff Operations Manager, ETM Program Director, and Deputy Program Director.

Communication and Strategic Engagement

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong grammar, formatting, and editing proficiency. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership. Skilled in preparing professional correspondence, reports, and presentations that advance strategic objectives and uphold Laboratory standards.

Education:

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

Demonstrated working knowledge of Laboratory policies, procedures, and administrative systems, with the ability to interpret and apply them effectively to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. Experience coordinating activities and communications across directorates and program offices. Proven ability to support senior-level managers and adapt to shifting operational priorities. Demonstrated initiative in identifying and implementing process improvements to increase efficiency. Experience working in a secure environment and handling sensitive or classified information with discretion, sound judgment, and strict adherence to security protocols and Laboratory policies. Knowledge of LANL's mission, organizational structure, and administrative protocols. Active Q Clearance.


Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM in a classified environment. All work locations are at the discretion of management.




Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.




To be formally considered please attach a cover letter that addresses the requirements of the position.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:



PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network



Dental and vision insurance



Free basic life and disability insurance



Paid childbirth and parental leave



Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)



Learning opportunities and tuition assistance



Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)



Onsite gyms and wellness programs



Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2

- Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance:

Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirementsfor access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.


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 Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test:

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position:

Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants:

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity:

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.