Group Leader - Advanced Engineered Systems

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 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.

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.

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 $148,600.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $211,600.00/Yr.