Chief Engineer - Physical Embodiment of AI

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 National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex,?real-world?threats to our nation and the world.

The Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division, part of the NSD, 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.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a Chief Engineer who can bring automation and autonomy to our R&D. A key facet is engineering the physical embodiment of artificial intelligence-translating advanced AI/ML algorithms into robust, fieldable autonomous robotic systems. This role focuses on the hardware implementation of autonomous systems, using advancements in embodied AI to create self-governing systems that have the capability of adapting without human intervention. It requires deep expertise in mechanical engineering, robotics integration, autonomy architectures, and physical/digital test infrastructure development.

The selected candidate will lead the design and implementation of integrated robotic platforms, digital twin ecosystems, and laboratory-scale autonomy testbeds that accelerate deployment across air, ground, maritime, subsea, and space domains. This role bridges mechanical design, embedded systems, autonomy software, simulation environments, and sponsor-driven mission needs.

Strategic & Technical Leadership

• Define and execute the technical vision for AI-enabled autonomous systems with an emphasis on physical system realization and field transition

• Lead development of integrated autonomy architectures spanning mechanical systems, sensing, controls, embedded compute, and AI/ML stacks

• Translate sponsor mission needs into engineered robotic systems and deployable autonomy capabilitiesEstablish digital twin and physical prototyping capabilities that accelerate system validation and transition

Mechanical Engineering & Robotic System Development

• Lead mechanical design and integration of robotic platforms including:

• Structural systems

• Actuation and mobility subsystems

• Power distribution and thermal management

• Payload integration and sensor mounting architectures

• Engineer robotic embodiments capable of operating in austere and mission-relevant environments

• Develop modular hardware architectures to enable rapid prototyping and mission reconfiguration

• Oversee fabrication, assembly, integration, and validation of robotic platforms

• Conduct system-level trade studies balancing weight, power, compute, and autonomy performance

Autonomy & AI Integration

• Design and implement end-to-end autonomy stacks integrating:

• Perception (EO/IR, LiDAR, IMU, multi-modal fusion)

• State estimation and navigation

• Planning and decision-making

• Controls and low-level actuation

• Deploy advanced ML architectures onto edge and embedded hardware platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson-class devices)

• Optimize models for real-time, low-latency operation within power- and compute-constrained robotic systems

• Develop scalable MLOps pipelines tailored for robotics environments

Digital Twin & Test Infrastructure Development

• Architect and implement high-fidelity digital twin environments for robotic systems using simulation platforms such as Omniverse, Isaac Sim, Unreal, or equivalent

• Establish software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and human-in-the-loop testing frameworks

• Design hybrid physical/digital experimentation workflows linking lab hardware with simulation-based validation

• Develop robotic laboratories and autonomy experimentation facilities capable of supporting multi-domain platforms

• Build data pipelines for synchronized physical and simulated experimentation

• Enable rapid iteration between simulated and real-world deployments

Systems Engineering, Test & Evaluation

• Lead requirements definition, verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A)

• Execute Test & Evaluation (T&E) for fieldable systems under sponsor constraints

• Conduct performance characterization of mechanical, electrical, and autonomy subsystems

• Ensure systems meet safety, cybersecurity, and compliance requirements for defense applications

• Lead integration and demonstration efforts during on-site DoD test events

Research, Funding & Mentorship

• Shape internal R&D investments in robotic autonomy and physical AI systems

• Author and contribute to proposals, journal publications, technical reports, and patent disclosures

• Sustain and grow sponsor-funded programs

• Mentor junior engineers in mechanical design, robotics integration, and autonomy development

• Advise leadership on emerging technologies in embodied AI and autonomous systems

This position is based in Richland, WA and requires onsite engagement with robotic laboratories and hardware development environments.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

• MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

• PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Core Technical Depth

• Demonstrated experience designing and deploying integrated robotic systems

• Strong background in mechanical system design for mobile or fieldable platforms

• Experience developing and validating digital twins of physical robotic systems

• Expertise in autonomy stack integration across hardware and software layers

• Experience with embedded systems and edge AI optimization

• Proficiency in Python and modern C++ Experience with ROS/ROS2 and robotics middleware

• Testbed & Infrastructure Development

• Experience building robotic laboratories or autonomy experimentation facilities

• Experience implementing SIL/HIL frameworks

• Experience integrating COTS embedded compute platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, M.2 accelerators)

• Experience generating and scaling datasets through simulation engines (Omniverse, Isaac Sim, Unreal, Blender)

• Research & Field Deployment

• Sustained experience in autonomous systems R&D

• Experience transitioning research systems into operational environments

• Record of peer-reviewed publications or juried conference presentations

• Experience working with federal sponsors, particularly within defense or national security missions

• Knowledge of security and compliance requirements for fielded autonomous systems

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

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.

"Referral Eligible"

Testing Designated Position

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.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

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 .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees 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.

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL 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 Salary

USD $173,400.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $274,100.00/Yr.