From left, Associate Laboratory Director Weapons Engineering James Owen, Laboratory Director Thom Mason and TechSource Vice President/Managing Director Curtis Christensen at the Nuclear Deterrence Summit Monday in Washington, D.C. Owen is being recognized in front of a national audience for his service to LANL and the nuclear weapons complex. Courtesy photo
From left, NNSA Deputy Assistant Deputy Administrator Robin Noyes, Kellenberger Chief Sales Officer Jeremy Michael, Associate Laboratory Director Weapons Engineering James Owen, Laboratory Director Thom Mason and TechSource Vice President/Managing Director Curtis Christensen. Owen is being recognized for his service to LANL and the nuclear weapons complex Monday in Washington, D.C. Courtesy photo
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
James Owen, the Associate Lab Director for Weapons Engineering and a distinguished leader in nuclear engineering and national security, has announced his departure from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) after a remarkable 30-year tenure to enter the private sector.
Owen's career has been marked by unwavering dedication to the nation's nuclear deterrent, significant contributions to mission-critical weapons programs, and a deep commitment to scientific and technical excellence. His leadership at LANL has helped shape the future of nuclear security, ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear stockpile.
"Serving at Los Alamos National Laboratory on the most important mission for the nation has been a great honor. The work we do here is not just technical -- it is a responsibility, a commitment to ensuring our nation's security through scientific and engineering excellence," Owen said. "I have been privileged to stand alongside some of the most brilliant minds in the field, and what we have accomplished together is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of this community. As I transition to the next chapter, my confidence in the future of LANL and our contribution to the nuclear weapons mission remains unwavering. The mission continues, and it is in capable hands."
A New Mexico Native with a Passion for Science
Born and raised in Peñasco, N.M., Owen's roots run deep in the state. Growing up in a rural community in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, he developed a strong work ethic and a keen interest in science and engineering. His upbringing in a close-knit community emphasized the values of perseverance and innovation, which later became central to his career. His first exposure to LANL came as a high school student during a field trip to the Bradbury Science Museum. That experience ignited a passion for scientific discovery and national security, which later led him to participate in LANL's STEM programs as a high school summer student and eventually as a graduate student.
Owen pursued higher education at New Mexico State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He then continued his academic journey at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned a Master of Science in Engineering. His commitment to education and technical excellence would later become foundational to his leadership at LANL.
A Legacy of Leadership at Los Alamos
Throughout his tenure at LANL, Owen was credited with demonstrating exceptional leadership and technical expertise in executing some of the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) and the Department of Defense's (DoD) most critical and challenging nuclear weapon programs. His contributions spanned multiple high-profile efforts, including the B61 Alt 357, W80 Life Extension Program (LEP), W76-1/Mk4A LEP, B61-12 LEP, W88 Alt 370, W88 Alt 940, W93, and the recently announced B61-13. These programs were vital in modernizing and maintaining the reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, requiring extensive collaboration across national laboratories, military branches, and government agencies.
As Associate Laboratory Director for Weapons Engineering and Chief Engineer, Owen managed the operations and infrastructure crucial to LANL's nuclear weapons mission. His oversight included high-explosives science and engineering research across 21 square miles, leading teams responsible for ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the nuclear stockpile. His leadership in high-consequence engineering and his ability to navigate complex technical and programmatic challenges made him an indispensable figure within the nuclear security enterprise.
LANL Director Thom Mason praised Owen's contributions.
"James has been integral to the success of the Laboratory for many years, and a valued member of the institution's leadership team since taking the helm in Weapons Engineering," Director Mason said. "I very much appreciate his service to our mission and I wish him the absolute best in this next chapter of his storied career."
Transition to Fuse Federal, LLC and Future Endeavors
Next Month, Owen will transition to the role of President at Fuse Federal, LLC, a subsidiary of the nuclear fusion company Fuse. At Fuse, he leads efforts to provide critical products and testing services for components of the nuclear stockpile and other defense infrastructure, focusing on expanding the company's radiation services for government customers. His move to Fuse represents a new chapter in his career, one that will allow him to apply his extensive expertise to advancing fusion energy technologies and contributing to national security in a new capacity.
Despite his retirement from LANL, Owen remains committed to tackling some of the most pressing challenges in nuclear security and energy innovation. His role at Fuse will place him at the center of efforts to integrate fusion advancements into the broader energy and defense landscape, continuing his long-standing dedication to strengthening these national capabilities.
This transition underscores Owen's belief in the transformative power of science and technology to address the nation's most pressing security challenges. His leadership at Fuse Federal will build upon decades of experience at LANL, ensuring that the next generation of defense and energy technologies continue to evolve and improve.
A Lasting Legacy in the Nuclear Security Complex
Curtis Christensen, Vice President and Managing Director of TechSource's Los Alamos Program Management Office, underscored Owen's long-term impact on the field.
"James's unwavering commitment to excellence has been an inspiration to all who have worked with him. His forward-thinking approach will undoubtedly continue to influence the field," Christensen said. "While his absence will be felt in Los Alamos, his positive influence and legacy will impact the Nuclear Weapons complex for decades to come. His leadership has created a foundation upon which the next generation of nuclear security experts can build, ensuring that our nation remains at the forefront of nuclear deterrence and innovation."
Owen's contributions over the last three decades have left an indelible mark on LANL, the broader NNSA complex, and the entire field of nuclear security. His leadership in critical modernization programs, his ability to navigate the complexities of national security missions, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers ensure that his influence will be felt for years to come.