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 lead the development of the next generation of intelligent systems powering national security missions. As a Lead DevOps/Platform Engineer, you will architect and deliver scalable AI platforms, cloud-native infrastructure, and large-scale data orchestration capabilities that enable advanced machine learning, agentic AI, and real-time intelligence solutions. This role is ideal for accomplished engineers who are ready to provide technical leadership across complex systems, guide architectural and engineering decisions, mentor and develop teammates, and help shape the technical direction and future of our AI engineering capabilities.

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.
• Drive system performance improvements, observability, security, and operational reliability across production environments.
• Lead software engineers, data scientists, and researchers to deliver innovative AI capabilities.
• Lead architectural discussions, set direction for code reviews and engineering best practices and drive continuous improvement throughout the team.

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]

Read more about AI and Data Analytics division: https://www.pnnl.gov/ai-and-data-analytics

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

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD and 3 years of Software Engineering experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 5 years of Software Engineering experience -OR-
• BS/BA and 7 years of Software Engineering experience -OR-
• AA and 16 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 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.
• Current, hands-on software development experience using Python.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field.
• Expertise in Python, including active use for the past five years, and proficiency in at least one other language (Go, C#, Rust).
• Expertise in leveraging Agentic AI to develop code and build/maintain infrastructure and systems.
• Track record of architecting and operating large-scale infrastructure supporting significant user bases, high-volume transaction systems, petabyte-scale data platforms, or production ML systems serving millions of predictions.
• Experience building and leading high-performing platform engineering, DevOps, or MLOps teams through hiring, mentoring, technical guidance, and career development.
• Experience establishing infrastructure practices, platform strategies, MLOps frameworks, and DevOps transformation initiatives on an organizational scale.
• Background in mission-critical, regulated, or high-security environments (government, defense, financial services, healthcare) with understanding of compliance requirements for both traditional systems and ML/AI applications.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-team infrastructure and MLOps initiatives from architecture through production deployment, operational handoff, and continuous improvement.

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.ral 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.

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 $161,300.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $255,000.00/Yr.