Facilities Engineering Department Head

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/QCl 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. 

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Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.