Responsibilities

PNNL is seeking a Data Scientist with solid experience in data science and a passion for solving mission-critical challenges in the geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) domain. The selected candidate will contribute to research and development programs within the AI and Data Analytics Division which specializes in data science, applied mathematics, advanced analytic architectures, software engineering, and human-centered computing.

The Data Scientist will work as part of interdisciplinary teams to deliver data-driven solutions that address critical national security challenges. This individual will collaborate with peers to develop machine learning (ML) models, analyze geospatial datasets, and perform research that bridges cutting-edge methods and field-ready solutions. The candidate will support PNNL's mission by contributing to impactful R&D projects that help tackle national challenges.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow professionally while working on diverse, mission-focused projects. At PNNL, we foster a collaborative and innovative work environment aimed at lifelong learning, creative problem-solving, and advancing interdisciplinary, data-driven innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contributes to the execution of research by developing, testing, and deploying ML models and geospatial analytics workflows.
• Takes ownership of defined tasks or small projects, proactively identifying technical challenges and proposing solutions to senior staff or project leads.
• Serves as a mentor to junior staff or interns within the team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
• Supports proposal development and business development by contributing to proposals and/or briefing sponsors.
• Builds effective working relationships within your immediate team, as well as across interdisciplinary teams at the group level.

This position is based in either Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in data science, computer science, physics, mathematics, or similar discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in GEOINT workflows, including experience with remote sensing platforms, multi-modal data fusion, and advanced geospatial analytics.
• Experience training, fine-tuning, and applying deep learning models for remote sensing and GEOINT applications, including Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), object detection, and segmentation, using models and frameworks such as YOLO, Detectron2, DINOv2, Segment Anything Model (SAM), Vision Transformers, and geospatial foundation models.
• Experience with long-wave infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral imagery, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and/or electro-optical (EO) data.
• Hands-on experience with geospatial analysis tools (e.g., GDAL, GeoPandas, Google Earth Engine) and machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Demonstrated strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present technical findings to diverse audiences and work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Additional Information

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

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

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 applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment 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 if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

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.

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 salary range for each position in accordance with Washington State pay transparency requirements. While the full range is posted, starting salaries generally fall between the minimum and midpoint of the range, with individual offers determined based on relevant job-related experience, qualifications, internal pay equity, and available budget. This approach applies to all positions except those governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions with specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, PNNL does not ask for or consider current or past salary when making compensation offers. Instead, offers are based on the requirements of the position, relevant job-related skills and experience, prevailing market conditions, internal pay equity, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and available budget.

Minimum Salary

USD $114,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $182,100.00/Yr.