"Facilities Engineering Department Head"

Job Overview

Berkeley Lab is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as our next Facilities Engineering Department Head. You will lead a team of talented engineering professionals responsible for delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective utilities and infrastructure that support groundbreaking scientific research. The Department Head leads multiple engineering programs—including Plant and Project Engineering, Reliability Engineering, and Design Management—plays a central role in long-range infrastructure planning, daily operational support, and aligns resources with mission priorities.

We're looking for a licensed Professional Engineer (or Architect) with strong leadership experience in multi-disciplinary engineering organizations with a passion for continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will bring a customer-oriented approach to engineering leadership, as well as deep knowledge of regulatory compliance, infrastructure systems, and performance metrics. This position reports to the Facilities Division Director.

What You Will Do:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to a diverse engineering team responsible for planning, designing, and delivering infrastructure solutions that support scientific programs and institutional operations.
• Ensure the safe, reliable and cost-effective delivery of site utilities and infrastructure in alignment with mission priorities and regulatory requirements.
• Develop long-range strategies for utility modernization, infrastructure renewal, and lifecycle asset management.
• Oversee engineering resource planning and execution to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective support for capital projects, maintenance operations, and scientific work requests.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, scientific divisions, and project management teams to deliver coordinated engineering support.
• Collaborate closely with project management and scientific leadership to improve cross-functional planning, streamline delivery, and ensure quality execution of complex infrastructure projects.
• Modernize engineering standards, technical specifications, and QA/QC processes to enable safe, consistent, and predictable project execution. Ensure engineering deliverables comply with DOE Orders and applicable standards.
• Drive performance through metrics, stakeholder input, and process improvement.
• Embed Integrated Safety Management (ISM) principles in all engineering activities.
• Promote a high-performance culture of safety, innovation, mentorship, and accountability.

What is Required:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Architect, registered in California.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in engineering design and management, preferably in scientific, research, or federally funded settings.
• Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams and delivery of complex engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of utility systems, building infrastructure, and design strategies that optimize long-term performance, maintainability, and total cost of ownership.
• Demonstrated ability to manage safe, compliant, cost-effective, and innovative engineering programs.
• Success in aligning infrastructure strategies with institutional goals for resilience and sustainability.
• Working knowledge of DOE Orders, NFPA codes, federal regulations, and industry standards as they apply to design, construction, and operation of laboratory infrastructure.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse technical and organizational boundaries.
• Experience with work management systems like Maximo and other enterprise platforms that support planning, metrics tracking, and visual management for enhanced decision-making and process improvement.
• Demonstrated commitment to accountability and collaborative stakeholder engagement to advance institutional goals and enable LBNL's scientific mission.
• Demonstrated leadership grounded in emotional intelligence, openness to feedback, and a strong commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Architecture, Business or Project Management.
• Relevant industry certifications, i.e., LEED AP, PMP, or equivalent.
• Experience in applying DOE Orders and managing projects under DOE or federal oversight.
• Familiarity with Maximo CMMS or similar computerized maintenance management systems.

Notes:

This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. The Facilities Engineering Department Head is a career position that is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause. The Facilities Engineering Department Head position is expected to pay $288,000 - $324,000 annually, which fits into the full range of $205,020 - $345,972 for the job classification of G02.4. 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. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule where an employee is required to work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA generally four (4) days per week. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Occasional travel may be required to other DOE or partner laboratory sites.