Overview

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.

The AI and Data Analytics Division, part of NSD, combines profound domain expertise and creative integration of advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address complex data and analytic challenges. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we connect foundational research to engineering to operations, providing the tools to innovate quickly and field results faster. Our strengths are integrated across the data analytics lifecycle, from data acquisition and management to analysis and decision support.

Responsibilities

As Chief AI Architect, you will serve as an embedded technical authority at a Department of War (DOW) sponsor location in the Washington, DC area, providing expert guidance on the architecture, evaluation, and implementation of artificial intelligence across the sponsor's organization. You will act as the sponsor's trusted advisor-reviewing AI proposals, technologies, strategies, and vendors-and will devise, implement, and oversee enterprise AI strategies and efforts aligned to mission priorities.

In this role, you will bridge cutting-edge AI innovation with real-world national security applications, helping the sponsor make informed decisions about AI adoption, integration, and governance. You will also build partnerships across academia, industry, government, and other DOE National Laboratories, positioning PNNL at the forefront of AI innovation in support of defense missions.

This role is part of PNNL's AI and Data Analytics Division, a 400+ member team with expertise spanning artificial intelligence, data science, software engineering, applied mathematics, advanced analytic architectures, and human-centered computing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect AI Solutions - Design enterprise-scale AI architectures and reference frameworks tailored to the DOW sponsor's mission needs.
• Advise the Sponsor - Serve as the embedded expert providing authoritative advice on how to architect and implement AI across the sponsor organization.
• Evaluate Technologies & Vendors - Review potential AI proposals, technologies, strategies, and vendors, providing objective, technically grounded assessments.
• Devise & Oversee Strategy - Develop, implement, and oversee AI strategies and initiatives for the DOW organization, ensuring alignment with operational and security objectives.
• Guide Investments - Work closely with the sponsor to define priorities, guide investments, and influence long-term AI agendas.
• Engage Senior Leaders - Engage seniors leaders at the DOW organization to provide expert advice and presentations.
• Deeply Understand Sponsor Mission - Work closely with the sponsor to understand their missions and how AI could be leverage to enhance their capabilities

This position is embedded onsite at a Department of War sponsor location in the Washington, DC area and requires a full onsite presence.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD and 5 years of Software Engineering experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 7 years of Software Engineering experience -OR-
• BS/BA and 9 years of Software Engineering experience -OR-
• AA and 18 years of Software Engineering experience in designing, architecting, programming, deploying, and automating software solutions in support of scientific research or consumer digital product development -OR-
• HS/GED and 20 years of Software Engineering experience in designing, architecting, programming, deploying, and automating software solutions in support of scientific research or consumer digital product development
• Demonstrated experience advising senior government or defense stakeholders on AI strategy, technology evaluation, and vendor selection.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven ability to lead impactful AI research and engineering agendas and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, architecture, and deployment of enterprise AI systems in real-world, mission-critical applications.
• Recognized national authority in AI and machine learning, with strong networks across academia, industry, and government.
• Experience developing enterprise AI governance, roadmaps, and implementation plans.
• Exceptional track record of technical products, publications, and influential AI applications.
• Experience applying AI to defense, energy systems, or other complex mission domains.
• Skilled communicator, adept at engaging senior executives, sponsors, and diverse audiences.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

"Referral Eligible"

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, 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 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

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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 $191,800.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $303,100.00/Yr.