What You Will Do
Deadline to apply is COB Monday, August 25, 2025
Use your subject matter expertise and unique skills to develop and lead compensation programs for one of the most important research institutions in the world. Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking for a creative and dynamic Compensation Director to develop new and enhance existing best-in-class compensation programs.
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer, the Compensation Manager is responsible for compensation program development and execution, providing oversight and leadership to the Compensation team, and focusing on solutions for complex issues related to compensation. The ideal candidate will be able to access, identify, and implement changes to improve upon an established and mature compensation organization. You will not only successfully manage complex compensation projects but will have the ability to cause transformational change by working across all Laboratory areas and levels to develop strategic partnerships, buy-in, and optimal and sustainable results. This is an amazing opportunity to do great things and leave a lasting legacy!
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Compensation Strategy
In-depth knowledge and experience developing and implementing strategic compensation programs and policies for a large and complex organization, including the demonstrated ability to successfully design, implement, monitor, and revise executive compensation, variable pay, incentive, retention, and other compensation attraction programs that are cost-effective and consistent with compensation trends and organizational objectives.
Compensation Administration
In-depth knowledge and experience administrating compensation functions, including the demonstrated ability to accurately develop job descriptions; benchmark and apply survey data; develop compensation structures; establish appropriate start salaries; administer merit increase philosophies and systems; and accurately processes, record, and report on compensation related actions.
Leadership
Demonstrated experience managing broad, functional areas of compensation through first-level managers and/or exempt professionals for a large and dynamic compensation organization, including team succession planning, talent development, and the demonstrated ability to ensure a diverse, inclusive, safe, and secure working environment.
Strategic Collaboration
Experience interacting with senior managers and executives, fostering effective working relationships, and communicating complex compensation information to a wide variety of stakeholders, including the ability to change their thinking or gain acceptance in sensitive situations without damaging relationships.
Regulation and Compliance
Expert-level knowledge of laws and regulations governing compensation programs, including demonstrated experience consulting on better-practices and compensation-related laws and the ability to respond to audits and/or file required reports.
Metrics
Advanced experience developing, charting, and reporting compensation program/project metrics, including the ability to develop and administer budgets, schedules, and performance standards, as well as use data to build cases for necessary change, measure progress, and demonstrate success.
Education and Years of Relevant Experience
Requires a bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field and eight years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the position.
Desired Qualifications:
World at Work Certified Compensation Professional
DOE/NNSA
Previous experience working in or serving as a manager for compensation programs within the Department of Energy (DOE)/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) contractor complex is highly desired for this position.
Additional Education and Certifications
Advanced degree in a related field and/or current
Clearance
Active DOE "Q" or other Top-Secret clearance is preferred.
Work Environment:
Work Location : The work location for this position has the potential for remote work. Remote work is defined as working offsite that is greater than 2 hours of the Laboratory location. Reporting onsite may be periodically necessary. All work locations are at the discretion of management
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 Year.
Note to Applicants:
This Position will close on COB, August 25,2025.
Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
Dental and vision insurance
Free basic life and disability insurance
Paid maternity and parental leave
Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
Onsite gyms and wellness programs
Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q ( Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-A/@Aimages/file) for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3 .
