ResponsibilitiesPNNL is seeking a Senior Data Scientist III with deep learning expertise to develop methods for detecting and classifying targets in electro-optical (EO) imagery or identifying targets and materials in hyperspectral imagery (HSI). This research supports geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and national missions.
In the AI and Data Analytics Division, you will lead research projects or major parts of larger projects, developing methods from initial ideas through evaluation and integration into research prototypes.
Current priorities include automatic target recognition (ATR), long-wave infrared (LWIR) HSI target detection and material classification, and detection and classification with limited labeled training examples, particularly in EO imagery. The role also offers opportunities to explore related problems in remote sensing and intelligence analysis. Candidates with deep learning experience in EO, HSI, or related sensing applications are encouraged to apply.
You will work alongside researchers and domain specialists on difficult national science and technology challenges. Collaboration with software and machine learning (ML) engineers will reflect each project's needs and stage of development. Opportunities to advance existing research and pursue new ideas may come through ongoing projects, internal research investments, or new proposals.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and adapt detection and classification methods through algorithm development, mathematical analysis, experimentation, or implementation.
- Lead research projects or major technical efforts, coordinate contributors, and plan the work, resources, and milestones.
- Evaluate methods against appropriate baselines using representative data. Investigate classification errors, false alarms, robustness, and limitations that affect their use.
- Build and validate research prototypes with software and ML engineers, addressing technical barriers to integration and deployment.
- Work with collaborators to turn mission or user needs into research questions, and communicate findings through analyses, technical reports, and discussions.
- Develop research ideas and collaborate with project leaders on proposals to support your research.
- Mentor colleagues, help recruit and onboard researchers, and share methods and findings across disciplines.
- Follow applicable quality, safety, and security requirements.
This position is based in either Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence. QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 5+ years of data science experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 3+ years of data science experience -OR-
- PhD with 1+ year of data science experience
- Experience applying and evaluating deep learning methods for detection and classification in electro-optical (EO) imagery or target detection and material classification in hyperspectral imagery (HSI).
- Experience developing deep learning methods using PyTorch or another deep learning framework.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with the EO or HSI imaging chain, including sensor response, image formation, calibration, and data processing. LWIR HSI experience is particularly valued.
- Experience in addressing limited labeled training data or new target categories through methods such as few-shot learning, transfer learning, or open-vocabulary models.
- Experience with multimodal or temporal fusion for geospatial analysis, or agentic workflows that coordinate models, geospatial tools, and data sources, including evaluation of workflow reliability and analytic results.
- Experience translating research into methods or tools used in applied settings, or developing and evaluating models for edge or onboard platforms with size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints, balancing accuracy, latency, memory, and energy use.
- Experience supporting national security missions or developing proposals.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot applicable.
Additional InformationThis 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:
Rockstar RewardsEmployees 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 ApplicantsPNNL 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 SalaryUSD $140,200.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $228,800.00/Yr.
