ResponsibilitiesPNNL is seeking a System Engineer II to support test and evaluation, systems integration, verification and validation, and technical program activities in support of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other national security mission needs. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to plan, coordinate, execute, and document technical efforts that assess emerging technologies and support their transition into operational environments.
Projects may support DHS missions including border security, critical infrastructure protection, detection and screening technologies, situational awareness, emergency response, and other homeland security applications.
The position requires a highly organized and technically proficient engineer who can manage competing priorities, coordinate technical activities, track risks and issues, and contribute to the successful execution of complex projects. The selected candidate will support mission-focused engineering efforts by helping ensure technical quality, effective communication, and rigorous execution of test and evaluation activities across a diverse portfolio of homeland security and national security programs.
In this role, the selected candidate will design, implement, test, and maintain software for instrument control, user interfaces, data acquisition, and technical analysis workflows. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and engineers to connect measurement needs with robust software systems that support laboratory testing, system integration, deployment readiness, and operational troubleshooting.
Additional Responsibilites:
- Plans, develops, designs, and manages holistic systems solutions throughout the project lifecycle.
- Provides expertise in how to tailor systems engineering techniques and processes to meet project objectives within constraints.
- Balances systems thinking and systems engineering best practices, as needed, over the full range of technology maturity levels.
- Applies systems engineering expertise to define cost/benefit and risk/opportunity, develop and analyze alternatives, support decisions, and mitigate risks.
- Develop and maintain plans and procedures for assigned technical activities.
- Coordinate test readiness, schedules, staffing, equipment, and required documentation.
- Track technical issues, risks, decisions, and action items through resolution.
- Review test and data products for completeness, consistency, and adherence to approved processes.
- Support system integration, verification, validation, and operational testing activities.
- Coordinate technical efforts across multidisciplinary project team.
- Continuously assess, learn, and apply emerging AI-enabled tools and technologies to improve engineering workflows, technical analyses, test activities, and mission outcomes while maintaining compliance with organizational policies and responsible-use practices.
- Assist in preparation of technical documentation, user guidance, test records, figures, data summaries, and internal reports that support project execution and sponsor communication.
- Operate with high standards for quality, safety, security, conduct of research, and protection of sensitive information.
This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence. QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 2 years of systems engineering, test and evaluation (T&E), systems integration, verification and validation, or technical program support experience -OR-
- MS/MA -OR-
- PhD
- Experience developing or implementing data-management processes for identifying, collecting, transferring, storing, accessing, and archiving data.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
- Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining technical plans, procedures, schedules, risk registers, issue-tracking systems, and other project documentation.
- Experience planning and coordinating assigned test or data-collection activities, including defining objectives, schedules, roles, procedures, and documentation requirements.
- Experience developing or implementing data-management processes for identifying, collecting, transferring, storing, accessing, and archiving data.
- Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports, procedures, presentations, and status documentation.
- Experience supporting government, research, or operational testing programs.
- Experience with complex technical systems, sensors, imaging systems, or related technologies.
- Familiarity with data governance and information-handling requirements.
- Experience managing data products such as equipment-generated files, images, field notes, and test observations.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable.
Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
