Jonathan Essner
About Jonathan Essner
Jonathan Essner serves as the Deputy Program Manager for the Z Program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a position he has held since 2021. With nearly two decades of experience in federal and international policy related to security, he has previously held various roles at the laboratory and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Jonathan Essner has held multiple positions at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) since 2011. He currently serves as the Deputy Program Manager for the Z Program, a role he has occupied since 2021. Prior to this, he was the Program Leader for Nonproliferation and Arms Control from 2018 to 2021. His earlier tenure at LLNL includes serving as the Associate Program Leader for the International Assessments/Global Security Directorate from 2011 to 2018 and as a Policy Analyst in the same directorate from 2007 to 2018. His extensive experience at LLNL has contributed to his expertise in national and international security.
Education and Expertise
Jonathan Essner holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Policy Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Relations from the University of California, Davis. His educational background supports his extensive knowledge in federal and international policy issues, particularly in the context of national and international security. His skill set encompasses program and project management, intelligence and policy analysis, software development, and marketing.
Background
Before joining Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Jonathan Essner worked as a Safeguards Analyst at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 2004 to 2007 in Vienna, Austria. His role involved supporting U.S. government initiatives. Additionally, he worked as an International Project Manager at NetObjects Inc. in Redwood City, California, from 1998 to 1999. His diverse professional experiences have equipped him to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including scientists, diplomats, engineers, lawmakers, and analysts.
Achievements
Jonathan Essner has nearly two decades of experience addressing federal and international policy issues related to national and international security. His roles at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the International Atomic Energy Agency reflect his commitment to nonproliferation and arms control. His extensive travel experience enhances his ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, further contributing to his effectiveness in his current and past roles.