Databricks Engineer

Databricks Engineer

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, Integrated Discovery 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. At PNNL, our Computing and Information Technology organization is redefining how we work and innovate by reimagining the digital workplace. We empower research and streamline operations—making both faster, smarter, and more efficient—so our professionals can tackle some of the world's toughest challenges in science, energy, and national security. Our experts in AI, cybersecurity, design, and engineering work side by side, using real-time insights and human-centered design to break down barriers. Ready to make your mark on tomorrow? Come work with us.

In support of PNNL's mission, Digital Platforms collaborates closely with our business and technology partners to build and maintain innovative software solutions and robust data and analytics capabilities. We aim to be a strategic partner in delivering cutting-edge enterprise solutions that drive innovation and improve the way our staff work across the PNNL digital workplace. Our forward-thinking, agile teams leverage cloud technologies, DevSecOps, and AI to modernize existing platforms and assist in the creation of novel solutions. By integrating commercial products, custom-developed and low-code solutions, we ensure our digital platforms are ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Responsibilities

The Data & Analytics group at PNNL is seeking a Databricks Engineer to support and enhance the Laboratory's enterprise data platforms. This role is responsible for maintaining the reliability and performance of the legacy Data Warehouse while contributing to the multi-year transition toward an Azure Databricks lakehouse architecture. The successful candidate will possess a solid foundation in SQL and a demonstrated interest in enterprise data operations. Working under the guidance of experienced mentors, the Data Engineer will engage in structured development activities, operational troubleshooting, documentation improvements, and incremental modernization tasks. This position offers a clear growth pathway and hands-on experience with both established and emerging data engineering technologies and practices.

• Support day-to-day operations of our production Data Warehouse with guidance from senior engineers
• Maintain and enhance existing SQL-based logic (queries, views, and stored procedures) used to curate and publish trusted datasets.
• Assist with data modeling and documentation (e.g., basic dimensional modeling concepts, lineage, and dataset definitions).
• Support DW-to-lakehouse migration work (Azure Databricks) by helping with data mapping, validation, and reconciliation
• Collaborate with technical peers and stakeholders to clarify requirements and deliver reliable data outputs.
• Work in an agile environment: manage assigned work, participate in standups/sprint activities, and communicate progress and blockers.
• Grow your technical breadth —starting with DW support and expanding into Databricks, automation, and modern pipeline patterns as readiness and project needs align.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Computer Science or Software Engineering -OR-
• MS/MA in Computer Science or Software Engineering -OR-
• BS/BA in Computer Science or Software Engineering and 2 years of Databricks Experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of SQL (writing queries with joins and aggregations; ability to troubleshoot unexpected results).
• Experience with relational databases and/or data warehouse concepts
• Basic understanding of data concepts such as datasets, transformations, and data quality.
• Ability to collaborate, communicate status and blockers, and follow documented processes
• Exposure to agile ways of working and using a work-tracking tool such as Jira (or similar).
• Exposure to dimensional modeling (facts/dimensions, star schemas, and downstream reporting use cases).
• Experience with stored procedures, scripting, job scheduling/orchestration, or production support practices.
• Familiarity with cloud data platforms and/or lakehouse concepts; exposure to Azure and/or Databricks is a plus.
• Python experience (for data processing, automation, testing, or validation).
• Experience supporting data migration activities (source-to-target mapping, reconciliation, validation).
• Interest in pursuing Databricks training and/or certification within a 2–3 year horizon.

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.