Wireless Research Department Manager

Idaho National Laboratory seeks an exceptional leader to serve as Department Manager for our Wireless Research department. This role will lead a dynamic team focused on advancing secure and resilient wireless technologies for high-consequence scenarios related to national security and critical infrastructure protection. The department occupies a unique position bridging academia, industry, and government, transforming emerging research concepts into practical, impactful solutions that address real-world challenges.

The Department Manager will be responsible for building and sustaining a world-class research team, fostering innovation, and ensuring INL maintains its leadership position in wireless research. This role requires a leader who can balance technical vision with exceptional people management skills, creating an environment where researchers thrive and breakthrough ideas transition from concept to implementation.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

Personal Leadership & Development (40%)

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of wireless researchers, engineers, and technical staff

• Recruit top-tier talent and build strategic capabilities aligned with national security priorities

• Conduct performance evaluations, provide career development guidance, and create advancement opportunities

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that encourages innovation and professional growth

• Manage team resources, workload distribution, and personnel conflicts

• Develop succession planning strategies to ensure continuity of critical expertise

• Establish policies and procedures for the department

  Research Strategy & Innovation (25%)

• Guide the development of emerging research ideas from initial concept through proof-of-concept

• Facilitate collaboration between research sub-teams and identify synergies across projects

• Ensure research portfolio balances foundational science with mission-driven applications

• Identify technology gaps and opportunities relevant to national security and critical infrastructure

• Establish partnerships with universities, industry, and government agencies

• Champion innovative approaches to wireless challenges including AI/ML applications, novel detection methods, and next-generation communication systems

• Participate in the development of overall objectives and long-term goals of the department and broader division.

  Laboratory & Stakeholder Representation (20%)

• Serve as the primary voice for wireless research within INL leadership discussions

• Build and maintain relationships with sponsors, collaborators, and the broad wireless community

• Advocate for wireless research priorities in strategic planning and resource allocation decisions

• Communicate research impacts and capabilities to diverse audiences including technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Coordinate with other INL departments to integrate wireless expertise into multidisciplinary projects

• Represent the ideas of wireless researchers to broad audiences

  Program Development & Execution (15%)

• Work with business development teams to identify and pursue funding opportunities

• Develop compelling research proposals aligned with sponsor priorities

• Ensure projects meet technical, schedule, and budget requirements

• Monitor research progress and make strategic adjustments as needed

• Facilitate technology transition from research to operational deployment

• Manage department budget and resource allocation

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Management, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or directly related field
• 8 years of relevant professional experience in wireless communications, networking, or related fields
• 3 years of demonstrated leadership experience in personnel management
• Working knowledge of wireless communications systems, protocols, spectrum, and security principles from tactical to strategic and government use to commercial implementations.
• Proven track record of successful personnel management including hiring, development, and retention
• Experience leading or contributing to research and development projects
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" and "TS/SCI" clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Technical Management, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in wireless communications research or development
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience managing research or engineering teams
• Direct experience in areas relevant to department's mission such as
  • Wireless security and resilience
  • Cellular network technologies (4G/5G/6G)
  • RF sensing and detection systems
  • AI/ML applications to wireless systems
  • Spectrum analysis and interference mitigation
• Experience working in national laboratory, government, or defense contractor environments
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding from federal sponsors (DOE, DOW, DHS, NSF, etc.)
• Experience with technology transition and commercialization
• Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive collaborations with academic and industry partners
• Experience mentoring early-career researchers and fostering innovation
• Strong strategic thinking and program development skills

Target Salary: $158,712 - $237,174

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.