Engineering Director - Physical Science

Project Management

GS-15

Denver, CO, Pittsburgh, PA, or Washington, D.C.

Contact us to learn more

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THE MISSION

In the race to combat climate change, time is of the essence. The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) is investing billions of dollars in projects that will play an essential role in achieving the world’s net-zero goals, deploying next-generation energy technologies across America. OCED’s mission is to deliver clean energy demonstration projects at scale in partnership with the private sector to accelerate market adoption, deployment, and the equitable transition to a decarbonized energy system.

If you want to be a significant player in this space, we’re offering an opportunity you can’t afford to ignore.

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THE ROLE

The Physical Science & Engineering (PSE) Director plays a crucial role in the Project Management Division of the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED). This position involves providing leadership and direction for all physical science and engineering support related to clean energy demonstration projects. The PSE Director is responsible for overseeing technical evaluations, including Independent Engineering reviews, and contributing to the project management oversight that ensures these projects align with OCED's mission to advance clean energy technologies.

The PSE Director's work is essential to OCED’s success, as it underpins the development of technologies that are scalable, cost-competitive, and viable for commercialization.

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THE TEAM

The PSE Director reports to the Director of Project Management and collaborates closely with peers within the Project Management Division, as well as with leadership across OCED. The role involves leading a team of scientists and engineers that conducts engineering and science-based reviews to support the oversight of and decision making about clean energy demonstration projects. The team is integral to ensuring that these projects meet technical, cost, and schedule expectations.

The PSE Director also works with DOE's broader technical community, including DOE’s National Laboratories, Applied Research and Deployment offices to maintain a coherent strategy for advancing clean energy technologies from research and development through to market deployment. This collaborative approach ensures that OCED's projects contribute to the broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs, and supporting energy transition communities.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership in overseeing physical science and engineering support for OCED’s clean energy demonstration projects, ensuring alignment with DOE and OCED goals.
• Collaborate with staff and leadership across the Project Management Division to assess science & engineering based oversight needs, identify, retain, and manage appropriate resources that are fit-for-purpose to support PM Oversight needs.
• Lead or oversee technical evaluations, including Technical Baseline Evaluations, Independent Engineering Reviews, Technical Risk Assessments, and Technology Readiness Assessments.
• Develop and implement project review methodologies that integrate relevant technical analyses to inform complex decisions.
• Project manage, Review and evaluate the technical aspects of design and construction progress, ensuring projects adhere to established milestones, costs, and technical requirements.
• Plan, assign, and evaluate the work of direct reports, ensuring quality, adherence to schedules, and alignment with OCED's strategic priorities.
• Provide technical advice and analysis to OCED leadership, prepare and present project reports, and communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a principal spokesperson for OCED in matters related to physical science and engineering, representing OCED at conferences and other DOE events.
• Manage OCED contracts related to technical, engineering, and specialty advisory services, and oversee funded activities executed at DOE national laboratories.

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CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Demonstrate a technical or engineering background, Advanced Degree preferred
• Experience managing, guiding, mentoring a technical team of 5 or more engineers
• Proven experience in leading engineering and scientific evaluations for large-scale energy or technology demonstration projects.
• Demonstrated ability to project manage interdisciplinary teams and oversee complex technical evaluations.
• Key skills:
  • Strategic Leadership and Executive Management
  • Engineering and Scientific Evaluation
  • Project Management and Oversight
  • Technical Risk and Readiness Assessment
  • Interdisciplinary Team Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
  • Contract and Resource Management
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to advancing clean energy technologies that support DOE’s mission of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting energy transition communities.

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The candidate profile is meant to inform prospective applicants about the type of background and experience that would be suitable for this position. However, prospective applicants who do not meet the listed requirements but still show considerable potential to fulfill the role are encouraged to apply.