The National Renewable Energy Laboratory - NREL - is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
IMPORTANT:This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Laboratory Program Manager – Solar Energy Technologies
3956BR
Golden, CO
Regular Employee
40
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an energy future that is both environmentally and economically sustainable. With locations in Golden, Boulder and Washington D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States. The NREL mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and practices, advance related science and engineering, and transfer knowledge and innovation to address the nation’s energy and environmental goals.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Laboratory is seeking a Laboratory Program Manager (LPM) for activities in support of the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). This position reports administratively and programmatically to the NREL Associate Laboratory Director for Technology Program Development & Management and interacts with research centers and offices at NREL that have major roles in Solar technology research, development, and power market transformation.
The responsibilities of this position are primarily related to supporting EERE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office by providing technical leadership, program development (annual & multi-year), program direction, and program implementation for NREL’s Solar program funded by EERE.
NREL’s Solar program consists of four subprograms: PV, CSP, Systems Integration, & Balance of Systems/Soft Costs.
These subprograms include funding and plans for: state-of-art materials & device fabrication laboratories, advanced materials, devices measurement & characterization capabilities, PV theory & supporting high performance computing, advanced thermal R&D for CSP applications, grid & power systems modeling & R&D, resource characterization, market analysis & barrier reduction, and policy analysis.
The EERE-Solar Program at NREL has a combined annual budget of approximately $70 million. Specific duties of this position include, but are not limited to: • Manage all aspects of NREL’s relationship with EERE for the Solar program, and maintain strategic partnership with EERE as their leading FFRDC in Solar • Achieve high level of customer satisfaction by EERE Solar Program leadership at DOE • Lead collaboration between NREL’s and EERE’s Solar programs, and represent DOE on Solar within NREL • Oversee all aspects of NREL’s Solar program planning, including: development of project plans, new project proposal/development, and comprehensive Annual Operating Plan (AOP) • Team with NREL Centers and Offices to ensure effective resource planning and allocation to accomplish Solar AOP objectives, and deliver high quality outcomes • Ensure high degree of rigor in management of change for Solar AOP and all projects within AOP throughout period of performance • Actively manage NREL’s portfolio of Solar projects and EERE’s investments at NREL to maximize the Lab’s value and impact to EERE’s mission priorities in Solar; including proactively proposing AOP project/portfolio changes in partnership with EERE • Provide high degree of fiscal responsibility for NREL’s Solar program financial matters, including disciplined management, execution, and monitoring of internal and subcontracted activities • Manage Solar program to deliver quality outcomes and operate within scope, schedule, and budget in the AOP • Support NREL executive management in successful execution of solar-related work and milestones in NREL’s annual Performance Evaluation and Measurement Plan • Team with other LPMs to coordinate program planning & execution, and implement Best Practices for Program Management • Support Center Directors to ensure compliance with NREL health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures in order to maintain a safe work environment • Coordinate NREL’s response to Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) and Lab Calls (Lab RFPs) for which NREL is eligible to submit proposals to EERE Solar Program • Partner with relevant centers and NREL Business Development leaders to develop impactful industry partnerships in Solar R&D that well-align with EERE priorities • Provide final approval of proposals submitted to EERE Solar Program FOAs and Lab Calls to ensure technical quality and eliminate potential duplication with existing AOP work • Plan, arrange, and host visits/meetings at NREL by DOE/EERE SETO program managers, industry and/or associations, and universities to strengthen relationships and enhance NREL’s Solar program • Coordinate activities and partnership with DOE national laboratories in Solar • Interact effectively with industry, universities, states, associations and federal government to represent NREL in Solar related matters and develop/strengthen relationships with external stakeholders
Relevant PhD and 15 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Or, relevant Master's Degree and 18 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 20 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Expert understanding and application of project management principles, concepts, practices and standards. Expert knowledge of technical field and related disciplines. Often exhibits an exceptional degree of ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness.
Outstanding interpersonal, conflict resolution, teaming and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage and oversee complex and high-impact technical programs, and to design/implement effective work breakdown structures with an effective hierarchy of task leaders, project leaders, and sub-program managers.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, lead strategic planning, and build consensus. Ability to propose and develop new/novel concepts and approaches where little or no precedents exist.
Ability to make difficult decisions. Capable of working independently when needed. Highly effective teaming skills, including a proven ability to form and lead high-impact, cross-organizational teams.
NREL LPMs must be able to work effectively with NREL Executive Management, Center/Office Directors, other LPMs, and EERE leadership as well as EERE program staff.
Extensive travel is required in this position, including frequent travel to Washington DC. 30% travel is typical.
Demonstrated ability and proven track record of sponsor or customer satisfaction in managing one or more technical projects or programs with combined annual budget greater than $5 million.
At least one area of deep specialized knowledge and expertise related to solar energy technology R&D, Analysis, or Deployment; including a strong international reputation in the area
A relevant technical degree, PhD preferred, in engineering or an applied scientific discipline, which may include mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering, physics.
Experience at successfully developing, forming, and leading one or more interdisciplinary project team(s) that included national laboratories, industry, and universities.
NREL is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. NREL promotes a work environment that does not discriminate against workers or job applicants and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or veteran status, including special disabled veterans.
NREL validates right to work using E-Verify. NREL will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please see www.nrel.gov/employment/eeo.html.
