Nuclear deterrence expert picked to lead Sandia’s California site

LIVERMORE, Calif. — Sandia National Laboratories has selected nuclear deterrence expert Toby Townsend to lead its California campus, effective immediately.

Townsend will serve as Associate Laboratories Director for Sandia’s Integrated Security Solutions Division. In this role he will oversee operations at the Livermore campus, manage the California Nuclear Deterrence programs, direct Sandia’s Energy and Homeland Security portfolio, and lead a workforce of more than 2,000 staff across California, New Mexico, Texas and Alaska.

He has spent his more than 20-year career at Sandia specializing in nuclear deterrence and national security. Labs Director Laura McGill cited Townsend’s track record in delivering complex systems and programs across the Nuclear Security Enterprise as a key factor in his selection.

“His leadership in both nuclear deterrence and national security space programs reflects his deep technical expertise and commitment to Sandia’s mission,” McGill said. “Toby has built trusted partnerships across Sandia, NNSA, the Department of Defense and other government agencies. He understands the responsibility that comes with delivering national security systems that must work the first time and every time. He’s shown the ability to drive results while supporting the people and culture that make Sandia exceptional.”

Townsend joined Sandia as an intern in 1999 before working as an electrical engineer supporting work related to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. He has held leadership roles in national security space programs, nuclear detonation detection and defense nuclear nonproliferation. Most recently, he served as director of nuclear deterrence systems, guiding the W80-4 warhead modernization program and leading the California stockpile systems and engineering services teams.

“I am excited and grateful to be provided the opportunity to continue Sandia National Laboratories’ amazing tradition of exceptional service in the national interest here in Livermore,” Townsend said. “This site has a rich history of doing incredibly vital things for national security and partnering with the community.”

Townsend holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Princeton University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico. He lives in the Bay Area with his family and said he looks forward to deepening Sandia’s role as a community partner in Livermore and the Tri-Valley.

Established in 1956, Sandia’s California campus spans 407 acres and plays a critical role in national security. The site’s researchers support programs ranging from securing the nation’s nuclear deterrent, developing cutting-edge cybersecurity measures, to conducting diverse scientific efforts, including biomedical studies that contributed to breakthroughs during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the site’s direct economic impact to the state totaled more than $276 million through contracts with small businesses and investments in advanced equipment.