Job detail for Section Head, Classified Computing

Requisition Id 17199

Overview:

The Field Intelligence Operations Division (FIOD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Classified Computing Professional to lead our new FIOD National Security Computing Section.  This section will provide operational management of the routine operations and resources to enable classified high-performance computing (HPC) and the associated secure data center operations to support classified HPC in accordance with intelligence community policies, directives, and regulations.  The Section Head will directly supervise at least two Group Leaders and contribute to the development of the structure and functions of the section as it develops.  The initial two group leaders will be focused on classified HPC operations and providing support to computing in support of classified AI research and development (R&D).  The Section Head will work in coordination with the FIOD Operations Section Head who manages the following four groups:  FIOD Information Technology (IT) for classified systems, Enterprise IT, Information Assurance (IA) for classified systems, and Special Security Office (SSO) group that provides Personnel Security and Physical Security for the secure operations of the SCIF.

As part of our team, you will be joining a vibrant group of professionals eager to provide premier customer service to ensure people and information technology remain secure. The team is collaborative and strives to ensure security practices and procedures are understood, implemented, and enforced.

Major Duties/:

The Section Head is a senior technical leader responsible for directing and executing a mission-focused portfolio of advanced technology capabilities in support of the Field Intelligence Element (FIE). This position requires deep technical expertise combined with proven leadership experience to deliver secure, high-impact solutions across both classified and unclassified environments.

The role serves as a critical bridge between operational mission needs, sponsor priorities, and ORNL’s world-class technical capabilities. The Section Head ensures alignment with ORNL and NSSD strategic objectives while advancing innovative, operationally relevant technologies that enhance national security outcomes.

Technical Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the technical vision, strategy, and execution for emerging and advanced technology capabilities aligned with FIE mission requirements and NSSD priorities.
• Identify, assess, and mature emerging technologies (e.g., HPC, AI/ML, advanced analytics, data platforms, cyber and information assurance technologies) for operational application.
• Translate complex mission needs into technically sound, executable solutions.

Program Execution & Operations

• Direct day-to-day execution of a diverse technical portfolio across classified and unclassified environments.
• Ensure delivery of capabilities meets cost, schedule, performance, and security requirements.
• Establish and track technical, operational, and mission-relevant performance metrics.

Secure Systems & Compliance

• Ensure all systems and activities comply with applicable security, information assurance, export control, and classified computing requirements dictated by intelligence community and DOE policy, regulations, and orders.
• Partner closely with Special Security Officers (SSO), Information Assurance (IA), Cybersecurity, and IT organizations to achieve and maintain system authorization and continuous compliance.
• Proactively identify and mitigate technical, security, and operational risks.

Integration & Transition to Operations

• Guide the integration of advanced technologies into operational environments, ensuring scalability, resilience, and sustainability.
• Drive rapid prototyping, pilot efforts, and transition of successful capabilities from development to sustained operations.
• Ensure with ORNL enterprise infrastructure and sponsor systems.

Stakeholder & Sponsor Engagement

• Serve as a primary technical interface with sponsors, other laboratory computing directorates, divisions, and sections, laboratory leadership, and mission partners.
• Communicate technical approaches, risks, and outcomes effectively to executive, operational, and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strengthen partnerships across ORNL directorates, other national laboratories, the Intelligence Community, DoW, academia, and industry.

People Leadership & Workforce Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing technical workforce.

• Build and sustain a culture of technical excellence, accountability, security awareness, and mission focus.

• Support workforce planning, professional development, and succession planning.

• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in computer science, engineering, data science, information systems, or a related technical or scientific field and 12 years of relevant technical experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Demonstrated technical depth in one or more relevant areas such as HPC, AI/ML, advanced analytics, cyber technologies, or large-scale data systems.
• Proven experience leading complex technical programs in classified and unclassified environments.
• Strong understanding of secure system design, risk management, and compliance in national security or government contexts.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing technical resources.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret clearance preferred.
• Experience within a national laboratory, Intelligence Community, or DoW mission environment.
• Track record of transitioning advanced technologies from research and development to operational use.
• Experience managing sponsor relationships and briefing senior leadership.
• Familiarity with ORNL and NSSD mission space and governance processes.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Eligibility for Special Access Programs (SAP) may be required.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.