Senior Software Engineer III

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 AI and Data Analytics Division, part of NSD, combines profound domain expertise and creative integration of advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address complex data and analytic challenges. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we connect foundational research to engineering to operations, providing the tools to innovate quickly and field results faster. Our strengths are integrated across the data analytics lifecycle, from data acquisition and management to analysis and decision support.
Responsibilities
We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join PNNL's advanced AI engineering initiatives, contributing to next-generation systems spanning agentic AI platforms, large-scale data orchestration, and real-time intelligence processing. In this role, you'll apply your expertise in scalable system design and AI/ML engineering to build mission-critical capabilities while developing your technical leadership and establishing yourself as a key contributor to our engineering community.
Who You Are
You're an accomplished engineer with strong foundations in scalable system design, AI/ML development, and production software engineering. You're ready to take on increasing technical responsibility, leading components of complex systems while mentoring junior team members. You excel at translating technical requirements into working solutions, selecting appropriate approaches for challenging problems, and contributing meaningfully to technical direction and project success.
What You'll Build
AI Systems & Platforms

Develop and deploy agentic AI systems with reasoning and decision-making capabilities
Build components of LLM orchestration frameworks using LangChain, LlamaIndex, and emerging platforms
Contribute to MLOps platforms including experiment tracking, model versioning, and deployment pipelines
Create developer tooling, utilities, and interfaces for AI-native frameworks
Integrate multi-modal data sources into cohesive processing pipelines
Scalable Infrastructure & Data Systems

Develop microservices within distributed architectures handling high-throughput workloads
Build components of real-time streaming platforms and event-driven systems
Implement data pipelines for large-scale ETL, data processing, and analytics
Deploy containerized applications using Kubernetes and support CI/CD pipelines
Contribute to systems deployed in secure and edge environments
Mission-Critical Production Systems

Deploy AI systems with appropriate monitoring, logging, and observability
Ensure code quality, security best practices, and compliance standards
Build geospatial processing, time-series, and data fusion capabilities
Support system performance optimization and troubleshooting
Technical Leadership

Lead technical components of projects and tasks
Mentor junior staff and contribute to team knowledge sharing
Participate in design discussions and contribute to architectural decisions
Support proposal development with technical content and scoping
Build effective collaborations across teams and S&E domains
Technical Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Core Engineering Excellence

Demonstrated proficiency in Python and working knowledge of at least one additional language (Java, C#/.NET, Go, C++, Rust) with deep knowledge of software engineering principles including object-oriented design, design patterns, data structures, algorithms, and clean code practices
Proficiency with version control systems (Git), collaborative development workflows, and strong foundation in automated testing methodologies including unit testing, integration testing, end-to-end testing, and test-driven development (TDD)
Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices with ability to contribute to build automation, deployment processes, and release management while writing maintainable, well-documented, and performant code
Ability to lead technical discussions around system design, microservice architecture, and distributed computing patterns while consistently leveraging AI assist tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude, Cursor) to accelerate development, generate test cases, and enhance problem-solving throughout the software development lifecycle
AI/ML & Deep Learning

Knowledge of machine learning fundamentals including supervised/unsupervised learning, model evaluation metrics, and common algorithms
Understanding of the machine learning lifecycle including data preparation, model training, hyperparameter tuning, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring
Knowledge of ML model serving architectures and ability to integrate models into production applications via APIs or batch processing
Understanding of ML best practices including experiment tracking, model versioning, A/B testing, and model performance monitoring
Cloud Native Application Development

Demonstrated experience building and deploying applications on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) with proficiency in containerization (Docker) and container orchestration (Kubernetes) for scalable application deployment (multi-cloud experience highly valued)
Ability to design and implement event-driven architectures using message queues, pub/sub systems, and serverless functions (Lambda, Azure Functions, Cloud Functions) with understanding of asynchronous processing patterns
Strong understanding of API design including RESTful principles (resource modeling, authentication, versioning) and alternative paradigms (GraphQL, gRPC) with ability to select appropriate protocols for different use cases
Experience designing microservice architectures with understanding of service boundaries, inter-service communication, and distributed system challenges, plus knowledge of both relational (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, DynamoDB, Cassandra) to select appropriate storage solutions
Data Engineering & Distributed Storage

Understanding of data pipeline architectures and ETL/ELT patterns using cloud-native services (AWS Glue, Lambda, Step Functions, Azure Data Factory) with knowledge of batch vs. streaming processing trade-offs
Knowledge of cloud-based data storage systems and their use cases (S3, Redshift, Delta Lake, BigQuery, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, OpenSearch, Snowflake) with understanding of data modeling principles including schema design, normalization/denormalization trade-offs, and data quality validation
Understanding of distributed data processing frameworks (Spark/Databricks, Kafka, Flink, Ray) and streaming architectures with ability to build applications that integrate with these platforms for parallel and real-time processing
Ability to design scalable systems handling large-scale data workloads with appropriate partitioning, indexing, and query optimization strategies while selecting optimal data formats (Parquet, Avro, JSON, Protocol Buffers) for different scenarios
Collaboration & Professional Effectiveness

Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams including product managers, data scientists, DevOps engineers, and other stakeholders while participating actively in Agile ceremonies, technical planning, and sprint activities
Strong communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts clearly through documentation, architecture diagrams, code reviews, and presentations with focus on knowledge sharing and maintaining team standards
Demonstrated capacity to mentor junior engineers through pair programming, constructive code reviews, and technical guidance while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
Ability to balance technical excellence with pragmatic delivery, making appropriate trade-offs between ideal solutions and business value while demonstrating adaptability to rapidly learn new technologies and domains
National Interest Project Examples

Detect and prevent smuggling of drugs and contraband at ports of entry [Link]
Develop large data pipelines to thwart funding for terrorists, nuclear proliferators, drug cartels, and rogue leaders [Link]
Applying big data solutions to national security problems [Link]
Applying image classification for nuclear forensics analysis [Link]
Develop capabilities for scalable geospatial analytics [Link]
This position is based in Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence Monday through Thursday, with Friday as required by business needs.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

PhD and 1 year of software engineering experience; OR
MS/MA and 3 years of software engineering experience; OR
BS/BA and 5 years of software engineering experience; OR
AA and 14 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 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.
Preferred Qualifications

Degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field
Expertise in Python and proficiency in at least one other language (Java, C#/.NET, C++, Go, Rust)
Ability to contribute to technical direction and independently structure complex problems into actionable work, in collaboration with senior engineers and cross-functional teams
Experience designing or implementing components of large-scale ETL pipelines and analytics systems (petabyte-scale experience valued)
Experience contributing to Cloud-native system design: API and microservice architecture, DevOps, containerization and orchestration (Docker/Kubernetes), infrastructure as code, and full-stack observability (logging, metrics, tracing)
Active technical community engagement demonstrated through meaningful open-source contributions, maintained GitHub repositories, technical blog posts or presentations, conference participation, mentoring activities, or self-initiated projects exploring emerging technologies that showcase continuous learning and passion for the engineering craft
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 careers@pnnl.gov.
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.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards
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 $133,100.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $210,400.00/Yr.