ResponsibilitiesPNNL is seeking a Senior Data Scientist III with deep learning expertise and experience applying Fourier analysis or signal processing to acoustic or related sensor data. You will lead the development, training, and evaluation of deep learning models to detect, classify, localize, or characterize underwater sources. This research supports national security and naval sensing missions.
In the AI and Data Analytics Division, you will lead research projects or major parts of larger projects, developing analytical methods from initial questions through evaluation and research prototypes.
Current priorities include applying deep learning to undersea acoustic data and using Fourier analysis or signal processing to develop and evaluate methods for detecting, classifying, or characterizing underwater sources. The role also offers opportunities in time-series analysis, representation learning, anomaly detection, uncertainty quantification, and multimodal sensing. Candidates with deep learning experience in undersea acoustics, sonar, audio, radar, seismic, or related sensing applications are encouraged to apply. The role may also include leading the evaluation of agentic AI systems that integrate deep learning with acoustic analysis tools.
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- Lead the development, training, and evaluation of deep learning methods for undersea acoustic detection, classification, localization, and related problems using Fourier analysis or signal processing, mathematical analysis, and experiments.
- Lead research projects or major technical efforts, coordinate contributors, and plan the work, resources, and milestones.
- Evaluate methods against baselines using representative data, examining detection and classification performance, false alarms, robustness to propagation and environmental variability, uncertainty, and computational demands.
- Build and validate research prototypes and evaluate agentic AI systems with software and ML engineers, addressing technical barriers to transition and deployment.
- Work with mission partners and domain specialists to turn 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 developing, training, and evaluating deep learning models for acoustic, sonar, audio, radar, seismic, or related sensor data.
- Experience implementing, training, and evaluating deep learning models in Python with PyTorch.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience developing and evaluating deep learning methods for undersea acoustic detection, classification, localization, or related problems.
- Experience applying Fourier analysis or other signal processing methods to acoustic or related sensor data.
- Experience with time-frequency representations or array-processing methods for acoustic analysis.
- Familiarity with agentic AI systems and methods for evaluating their performance and reliability.
- Familiarity with national security applications of deep learning and undersea acoustics and submitting 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:
- 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 PositionThis 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 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.
