ESnet Pilots and Prototypes Group Lead

ESnet is a high-performance scientific network connecting DOE national labs, universities, and research institutions. Widely regarded as a global leader in network innovation, it enables collaboration on major scientific challenges such as energy, climate, and cosmology. Funded by the DOE Office of Science and operated by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, ESnet provides access to unique research facilities and computing resources.

The Group Leader of ESnet's Pilots and Prototypes Group reports to the Planning and Innovation Department Head and leads efforts to develop new network services through strategic pilots. The role includes advising senior management on technology strategy aligned with ESnet's mission. This position requires strong technical expertise, leadership, and communication skills, along with experience managing projects, processes, and teams. You will collaborate with national and international stakeholders, supervise 5-10 staff, and oversee budgets and operations in alignment with ESnet goals.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

You will:

• Lead and manage the Pilots and Prototypes Group, including staffing, mentoring, and performance management.
• Define technical engagement strategies aligned with ESnet's mission.
• Oversee pilots and prototypes, guiding development of new services.
• Set group priorities and manage projects in line with ESnet strategy.
• Foster an inclusive, innovative, and policy-compliant work environment.
• Represent ESnet/LBNL externally and contribute to organizational direction.
• Lead exploration of next-generation network services and drive innovation.
• Support customer engagement through requirements gathering, co-design, and integration.
• Coordinate with operations to transition prototypes into production.
• Contribute to national/international standards efforts (e.g., IETF, ITU).
• Promote knowledge sharing and build external collaborations.
• Support outreach through publications, presentations, and partnerships.
• Ensure security is integrated into systems and organizational culture.

We are looking for:

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field, and or equivalent experience. Advanced degree, MS preferred.
• Typically requires a minimum of three years' experience in a managerial/leadership role within a network engineering organization. This includes experience providing supervision, guidance, and mentoring for team members.
• A minimum of 10 years of prototype development and deployment experience in a network environment.
• Demonstrated ability to run a moderate-sized, team-oriented organization and attract, retain and develop a talented and diverse staff, foster positive work relationships and to resolve technical and interpersonal conflicts with diplomacy and tact.
• Project Management experience, specifically demonstrated expertise in developing technical project scope, schedule, and budget planning and execution. Demonstrated ability to lead project teams to successfully completing project scopes, on time and within project budgets.
• Demonstrated experience as a subject matter expert in National and International forums.
• Demonstrated experience with user requirements gathering and developing technical specifications.
• Familiarity with DOE Office of Science research programs, and/or Research and Education networking communities in the US or abroad.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; demonstrated high level of collaboration skills with technical peers, vendors, and ESnet users.
• Demonstrated ability to create and present technical research and findings at key committees, and network conferences.
• Demonstrated experience with requirements gathering.
• Experience with developing a project business case, including cost-benefit analysis, SWOT analysis, and implementation strategy.
• Travel will be required to present project status and data to various committees and organizations. Some international travel may be required.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 3, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type:This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $203,496 - $248,736 which fits into the full salary of $180,876 - $305,268 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work may be performed on-site, hybrid, full-time telework. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.