Deputy Project Director / LBNF / DUNE-US / South Dakota

Deputy Project Director for the Far Site

The expected hiring range for this position is : $192,200.00-$273,133.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About The Role

Reporting to the LBNF / DUNE-US Project Director, the Deputy Project Director for the Far Site is responsible for enabling successful execution of project activities at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota. This role ensures compliance with DOE O 413.3b, other applicable DOE orders, and DUNE Collaboration policies. The Deputy provides day-to-day leadership and coordination across the Buildings and Site Infrastructure (BSI) and Far Detectors and Cryogenic (FDC) subprojects, ensuring technical, cost, schedule, safety, and environmental goals are met. The position will also provide a local point of contact to the Fermilab South Dakota Services operations and the SDSTA efforts. This position requires significant time at the far site in South Dakota, with preference given to candidates local to the area or willing to relocate.

What Your Day-To-Day As Deputy Project Director At Fermilab Will Look Like

• Provide day-to-day oversight of all project activities at the far site, regularly communicating and coordinating with the LBNF / DUNE-US Project Director.
• Supervise and manage the BSI and FDC Project Managers, shared technical coordination support for FDC, and project support staff located at the far site.
• Assure safety, security, and administrative performance of all activities, setting an example of cooperative and safe work practices.
• Act as the primary point of contact for coordination between BSI and FDC subprojects reporting to the LBNF / DUNE-US Project Director.
• Coordinate BSI, FDC, and any related site support activities to optimize overall project performance.
• Work closely with other LBNF / DUNE-US Project and DUNE Collaboration leadership to address mutual issues and concerns.
• Provide periodic reports to the DUNE Collaboration to ensure clear communication.
• Coordinate daily activities with SDSTA / SURF management, project subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in DOE Integrated Subproject Team and General Integrated Project Team meetings as outlined in the DOE Project Execution Plan.
• Skills and Attributes for Success :
• Master's degree in physics, engineering, or related scientific discipline (or other relevant degree) and at least 10 years of experience managing large, complex projects.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage work effectively while ensuring safety under high-pressure, deadline-driven conditions.
• Proven ability to mentor and enable the success of earlier-career staff.
• Knowledge of DOE 413.3b project planning and reporting processes.
• Ability to interact and negotiate effectively with subcontractors.
• Strong technical project management skills with experience in international collaborations.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Work Arrangement

Onsite : This is an onsite role based at our Lead, SD project location. Significant time at the far site is required. Candidates local to the area or willing to relocate are preferred.

Benefits / Perks

Why Fermilab : Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here.

What To Expect Next : We'll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals.