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Overview
Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation’s borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.
PNNL is globally recognized as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development. Our AI and Data Analytics Division is devoted to delivering cutting-edge AI and data science capabilities. This group thrives in high-cadence settings, crafting custom solutions for mission-critical challenges.
This position is designed for a top-tier professional with deep expertise in AI, machine learning, and its applications in the Radio Frequency (RF) domain, who will lead innovative projects aimed at enhancing national security. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of integrating AI with RF systems, enhancing advanced signal processing, communications, and electronic warfare.
Why Join PNNL
Innovative Environment: Collaborate with brilliant minds on cutting-edge AI projects
Impactful Work: Participate in projects that create meaningful change
Collaborative Culture: Work in an inclusive, dynamic, and diverse environment
Opportunities for Technical Growth: Challenging technical problems to solve and opportunities to continually learn and upskill
Responsibilities
Designs, develops, and implements methods, processes, and systems to analyze diverse data. Applies knowledge of statistics, machine learning, advanced mathematics, simulation, software development, and data modeling to integrate and clean data, recognize patterns, address uncertainty, pose questions, and make discoveries from structured and/or unstructured data. Produces solutions driven by exploratory data analysis from complex and high-dimensional datasets. Designs, develops, and evaluates predictive models and advanced algorithms that lead to optimal value extraction from the data. Demonstrates ability to transfer skills across application domains.
Key responsibilities include:
• Lead the development and implementation of advanced AI algorithms for RF signal processing, detection, and communication systems
• Contribute to the R&D strategy at the division, directorate and lab level
• Design and execute cutting-edge research projects that integrate data science and machine learning techniques with RF technologies to solve complex national security challenges
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across PNNL and with other national labs, leveraging expertise in AI, hardware engineering, software developers, systems engineering and data analytics to develop integrated solutions
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and technical staff, fostering an environment of technical rigor, mission focus and innovation
• Serve as the principal investigator or senior technical advisor for R&D projects that apply data science methodologies to solve complex challenges in AI-driven communications and RF technology
• Design, implement, and iterate on novel machine learning and deep learning methods
• Maintain your national reputation through leadership roles in external professional communities and publications in high-impact, peer-review journals
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
• BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 5+ year of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
• Technical degree in computer science, mathematics, data science or related field
• Experience with deep learning approaches for RF signal analysis and synthetic data generation for training AI models
• Experience in building and leading multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience with Adversarial and Assured AI Systems
• Expertise in AI/ML for complex-valued signals
• Expertise in at least two layers of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model of communications
• Strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages, and familiarity with AI and machine learning frameworks
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to conceptualize and implement innovative solutions
• Proven track record of leading large-scale R&D projects from concept to deployment
• Recognized authority in AI, RF technology, and data science, evidenced by publications, patents, conference leadership or mission impact
• Strong connections within AI National Security and/or research communities
• Security clearance (TS/SCI)
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not applicable.
Additional Information
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Requirements:
• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.
Referral Eligible”
Testing Designated Position
This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
• Research Associates excluded.
• *Once eligibility requirements are met.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards
Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $184,700.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $318,000.00/Yr.
