Directorate Chief Operations Officer, Weapons Production Technology

Savannah River National Laboratory

Posted on: February 5, 2026

Closing: March 07, 2026

Salary: Undisclosed

Position Type: Full Time

Job Description

Job Description

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking to hire a Directorate Chief Operations Officer (DCOO), reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) of Weapons Production Technology. The DCOO provides operational leadership and direction needed for ensuring safe, secure, compliant, and effective execution of Savannah River National Laboratory's mission. This includes work needed to meet the directorate's objectives while maintaining excellence in research operations.

The DCOO serves as the principal operational representative of the ALD and is delegated authority to act on operational matters, manage directorate risks, drive continuous improvement, and align resources with mission priorities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee directorate operations to ensure alignment with SRNL mission objectives, laboratory strategy, directorate risk management, and DOE contractual requirements.
  • Foster and sustain a strong culture of safety, security, quality, and operational excellence in accordance with SRNL's Safe Conduct of Research principles.
  • Ensure operations are conducted safely, securely, efficiently, and in compliance with DOE regulations, SRNL policies, and applicable requirements.
  • Lead the development and implementation of laboratory and directorate initiatives and actions needed for laboratory-level continuous improvement in operational practices and systems.
  • Ensure that directorate operational and programmatic risks are properly identified, effectively managed, and appropriately mitigated.
  • Ensure directorate has the appropriate resources and capabilities to enable scientific mission objectives.
  • In partnership with mission support organizations, lead the directorate interface to ensure effective and efficient support of policies, procedures, processes, and systems enabling the science and programmatic mission of the directorate.
  • Develop and manage metrics to monitor programs, key performance indicators, and assessment programs to ensure that directorate goals are attained.

Accountabilities:
  • To the ALD, for leadership and oversight of the directorate operational performance, safety, compliance, and assessments
  • To the ALD for leadership, support and administration of operations, interfacing between division directors and staff, to support the directorate's strategy and mission
  • To line management and staff, for development and deployment of processes, systems and facilities that support safe, efficient, and effective research
  • To deputy laboratory director for operations for initiatives assigned to improve laboratory operational performance and reliability

Authorities:
  • Represent ALD on all operational matters, including additional responsibilities and authorities delegated as appropriate by the ALD.
  • Direct actions necessary to correct deficiencies and to enforce corrective actions within the directorate.
  • Act to ensure and enable safe, compliant, efficient and effective operations.
  • Commission independent assessments, reviews, and other oversight mechanisms within the directorate.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science or non-technical (with extensive operations experience)
  • Minimum 12 years of leadership experience in DOE or similarly regulated environments
  • Experience leading operations in safety-conscious organizations
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in engineering, science, or 15+ years of operational experience in a DOE lab/site system with strong communication skills
  • Leadership experience at a DOE National Laboratory/Site
  • Experience supporting nuclear operations
  • Experience or knowledge with nuclear weapon component/process design, development, production, surveillance, or disposition.

About Us

"We put science to work!"

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi-program laboratory applying state of the art science and practical, high-value, cost-effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation's environmental, energy, and national security challenges.

Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA) is constantly assessing trends to provide the best possible benefits to our workforce. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce.

Some of the *Benefits offered to employees include:

*Benefits vary based upon employment status

  • Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability (company paid)
  • Life Insurance Non-Contributary 1X salary (company paid)
  • AD&D Non-contributary 1x salary (company paid)
  • Savings & Investment plan:
    • Qualified Non-Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting
    • Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (5 yrs. vesting in company match)
  • Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
  • Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • SRNL offers a competitive relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the "About" tab at www.srnl.doe.gov.

BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BSRA 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. Please email us at [email protected] with any questions regarding the hiring process or to request an accommodation.

Savannah River National Laboratory

Posted on: February 5, 2026

Closing: March 07, 2026

Salary: Undisclosed

Position Type: Full Time

Career Focus: Operations

This role is part of a curated selection of life science opportunities featured on Xtalks. Employers may request edits or removal here.

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