Director of Lab Operations

The HRL Materials and Microsystems Laboratory (MML) is seeking a dynamic, results-driven leader to join our senior management team as the Director of Operational Excellence. In this critical role, you will directly support the Vice President, driving operational efficiency, managing cross-organizational priorities, and ensuring rigorous execution of MML’s research and development programs.  MML supports The Boeing Company, General Motors, and numerous government organizations, developing advanced technologies across the aerospace, automotive, and national security sectors.  Our core competencies include high performance materials and digital manufacturing, compact precision sensing and timing devices and subsystems, quantum device technologies, and advanced testing systems. 

This is an opportunity to lead at the intersection of technology, strategy, and operations ensuring MML’s continued success as a cutting-edge technology incubator and technology solutions provider.  

Operational Leadership: Drive lab-wide operational efficiency for space, facilities, staffing, and resources. Identify and implement workflow process improvements to facilitate improved execution. Lead cross organizational coordination to align goals and set priorities. Oversee and manage overall process execution for internal proposals, reviews, and customer engagement activities.

Strategic Execution and Risk Management: Support effective program execution through data-driven decision making and risk management.  Triage and manage day-to-day programmatic and organizational demands, addressing issues quickly and effectively and elevating as required to address urgent issues.

Project Execution: Organize and host regular internal MML program reviews, track deliverable execution, and support teams in addressing issues and OFIs. Support proposal planning and execution to manage resource conflicts.

Financial Operations: Partner with finance teams to oversee budget forecasting, resource allocation (space and people), capital planning, and overhead expenditures.

Leadership and Organization Representation: Represent MML for internal initiatives and for external relations as required.  Support leadership in staff meetings, customer visits, and in events and external relations.

10 yrs+ in R&D operations, program management, or applied technology development in industry or government 

5 yrs+ leading technical teams, with experience in organizational strategy, and resource planning 

History of solving complex organizational and bureaucratic challenges through effective stakeholder engagement and influence

Experience in financial management, including budget oversight, and capital resource oversight

R&D proposal and contracting experience with diverse federal agencies 

Preferred: Experience in technology, aerospace and defense, or advanced manufacturing environments

Preferred: Exceptional communication and leadership skills with ability to influence across the organization

PhD in related engineering, science and technology field  

U.S. citizenship is required.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Keywords: CRAD Programs, Operational Excellence, Program Execution, Research & Development, Principal Investigator, Team Leadership

The base salary range for this full-time position is $229,275 - $293,753 + bonus + benefits.

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed reflect the base salary only, and do not include potential bonus or benefits.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.