Group Leader - Advanced Engineered Systems

Advanced Engineered Systems Group Leader

The Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division, part of the National Security Directorate, delivers policy-informed technology solutions by removing barriers to real-world implementation. We strive to understand end-user environments to transition technology from the developmental stage to deployment. Our diverse expertise in operational systems provides tools, technologies, and approaches for combating a range of threats, both at home and in more than 100 countries around the globe.

The Division is seeking a strategic and technically grounded leader for the Advanced Engineered Systems Group. This leader will guide a talented multidisciplinary organization while shaping a forward-looking vision that expands technical capability, grows sponsor relationships, and develops new mission-focused programs.

The Advanced Engineered Systems Group supports a future mission environment increasingly defined by resilient communications, autonomous and robotic platforms, advanced sensing technologies, and edge computing solutions for size-, weight-, and power-constrained environments. The Group's approximately 50 staff—including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, technicians, and project support professionals—design, prototype, integrate, and deploy complex systems that address national security challenges ranging from contraband detection to nuclear material identification.

The Group is recognized for delivering customized, operationally relevant systems to users in the field. Core capabilities span automation and autonomous systems; sensing and communications payload development; robotic operating systems; operationalization of AI/ML-enabled capabilities; and autonomous vehicle operations across air, land, and maritime domains. The Group also advances resilient sensing and communications technologies across the electromagnetic spectrum, including RF, optical, acoustic, and mmWave systems, along with RF fingerprinting, edge computing, and technology maturation from early-stage research through prototyping and operational deployment.

The Group Leader must possess a strong understanding of engineered systems, hardware-software integration, and the full technology development lifecycle from concept through deployed capability. Success in this role requires the ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams, cultivate sponsor relationships, align investments with strategic mission needs, and execute complex programs that deliver operational impact.

Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Execution

• Partner across technical groups to develop integrated capabilities that address emerging mission needs.
• Lead Group strategy, capability development, and growth in emerging technology areas.
• Contribute to the PDSD Division Level strategy.
• Build collaborations across PNNL to strengthen capabilities and support new business opportunities.

People Leadership

• Lead and develop an approximately 50-person multidisciplinary organization.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, accountability, and technical excellence.
• Support recruitment, workforce planning, staff development, and succession planning.
• Create an engaging, high-performing work environment that supports staff wellbeing and growth.

Operational Management

• Manage Group operations, staffing, facilities, and technical assets to support mission execution.
• Ensure safe, secure, and compliant laboratory operations with strong operational discipline, including stewardship of specialized research and prototyping environments.
• Support budget, staffing, and investment planning aligned with Division priorities.

External Engagement and Mission Growth

• Strengthen the Group's technical reputation through sponsor engagement, publications, presentations, and collaborations.
• Build productive relationships with sponsors, universities, industry, and partner laboratories.
• Support business development and identify new mission opportunities in partnership with Division leadership and project teams.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 8 years work experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher and 6 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in engineering plus 15 years of relevant experience.
• Proven ability to execute on a vision, making it real and tangible. This includes understanding the mission landscape and the ability to bring the mission to the group. The next leader needs to articulate the group's role in the organization's strategy and inspire others and lead by influence.
• Demonstrated leadership of people, in particular other leaders. Candidates must have high emotional intelligence and strong soft skills to effectively integrate across capabilities and build bridges. This includes understanding the role of scientists and engineers with the ability to nurture their careers uniquely. External to the group, the leader must influence stakeholders across the organization.
• Experience with operational risk. This includes knowledge of information security, safe conduct of research, and a demonstrated ability to balance of safety/security with productivity.
• Ability to effectively communicate across technical expertise and organizational cultures, translating vision and objectives for the workforce and distilling complex programs/technologies for diverse audience
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Possession of an active security clearance.

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.

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.