Senior Software Architect

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate’s (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.

The Advanced Computing, Mathematics, and Data Division (ACMDD) focuses on basic and applied computing research encompassing artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, computing technologies, and data and computational engineering. Our scientists and engineers apply end‑to‑end co‑design principles to advance future energy‑efficient computing systems and design the next generation of algorithms to analyze, model, understand, and control the behavior of complex systems in science, energy, and national security.

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will bring creativity, curiosity, and a forward‑thinking mindset to the design of new software systems that enable cutting‑edge scientific discovery and platform innovation. This role requires a strong foundation in high‑quality software development and a deep understanding of the full software development lifecycle. The successful applicant will be comfortable taking solutions from concept and prototype all the way through production deployment.

In addition to technical excellence, this position calls for inspiring leadership. The candidate will guide teams of developers, delegate and manage tasking, track deliverables, and communicate progress effectively to leadership and stakeholders. This requires strong interpersonal skills, experience leading development teams, flexibility to operate across both agile and non‑agile environments, and the ability to translate complex technical ideas into clear, accessible information for diverse audiences. Mentoring and developing team talent will also be central to success.

Designs, develops, documents, tests, and debugs new and existing software systems, hardware/software interfaces, and/or applications according to industry established software engineering principals and best practices. Works collaboratively within a team to execute on the full system development lifecycle including analyzing user needs to determine technical requirements; developing technical specifications based on conceptual design and requirements; developing well‑crafted and documented source code; integrating hardware using software; automating manual tasks; and consulting with the end user to prototype, configure, refine, test, and debug programs or systems to meet needs. Identifies and evaluates new technologies or methods for implementation and continuous improvement.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with ASCR sector
• Experience with both agile and non‑agile software development
• Experience with managing teams of developers and custom code design
• Demonstrated code development using AI

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Additional Information

Referral Eligible

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Minimum Salary

USD $161,300.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $255,000.00/Yr.