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

Join PNNL's AI engineering team and help build the next generation of intelligent systems powering national security missions. As a DevOps/Platform Engineer, you'll develop scalable AI platforms, cloud-native infrastructure, and high-performance data pipelines that enable advanced machine learning and real-time intelligence solutions. This role is ideal for early- to mid-career engineers looking to expand their expertise in AI/ML infrastructure, cloud technologies, and distributed systems while working alongside leading researchers and engineers.

What You'll Build

• Build and deploy cloud-native AI platforms, agentic AI applications, and large language model (LLM) solutions.
• Develop scalable data pipelines, streaming architectures, APIs, and microservices to process high-volume, real-time data.
• Design and maintain containerized infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing to support reliable software delivery.
• Improve system performance, observability, security, and operational reliability across production environments.
• Collaborate with software engineers, data scientists, and researchers to deliver innovative AI capabilities.
• Participate in architecture discussions, code reviews, technical planning, and continuous improvement while growing your technical leadership.

National Interest Project Examples

• Detect and prevent smuggling of drugs and contraband at ports of entry [Link]
• Develop large data pipelines to thwart funding for terrorists, nuclear proliferators, drug cartels, and rogue leaders [Link]
• Applying big data solutions to national security problems [Link]
• Applying image classification for nuclear forensics analysis [Link]
• Develop capabilities for scalable geospatial analytics [Link]

This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence Monday through Thursday, with Friday as required by business needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• BS/BA and two (2) years of professional software development experience
• Current, hands-on software development experience using Python

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in computer science, software engineering, or related technical field.
• Experience with cloud platforms, infrastructure automation, or CI/CD through professional, academic, or personal projects.
• Programming or scripting experience using Python, Bash, or similar languages.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) and an interest in Kubernetes and cloud-native technologies.
• Exposure to AI/ML workflows, data pipelines, or model deployment through professional, academic, or personal projects.

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

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.

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 $109,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $163,600.00/Yr.