Group Leader - Advanced Engineered Systems
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-11818 · Type: Full-Time · Pay: $177,900-$266,900/yr
Duties
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 (PDSD) Division, part of 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. The Advanced Engineered Systems Group, part of PDSD, 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. Responsibilities The PDSD Division is seeking a strategic and technically grounded Group Leader to lead the Advanced Engineered Systems Group. In this role, you will guide a multidisciplinary team while shaping a forward-looking vision that expands technical capabilities, strengthens sponsor relationships, and develops new mission-focused programs. The Advanced Engineered Systems Group is recognized for delivering customized, operationally relevant systems to users in the field. Core capabilities include 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, spanning 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 have 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 demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams, cultivate sponsor relationships, align investments with strategic mission needs, and execute complex programs that deliver meaningful operational impact. 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. This position is based at the PNNL main campus in Richland, WA and requires onsite work. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 10 years work experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 8 years of experience Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree in engineering with 15 years of relevant experience. Proven ability to execute on a vision and translate it into clear, tangible outcomes. This includes a strong understanding of the mission landscape and the capability to effectively bring mission direction and purpose to the group. Demonstrated high emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, integrate effectively across diverse capabilities, and foster collaboration. Proven ability to understand and support the unique roles, career paths, and development needs of scientists and engineers. Strong organizational influence skills, with a track record of effectively engaging and aligning stakeholders across multiple groups and divisions. Experience with operational risk, including 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 audiences. Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting information clearly to diverse audiences. 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 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 det
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 10 years work experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 8 years of experience Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree in engineering with 15 years of relevant experience. Proven ability to execute on a vision and translate it into clear, tangible outcomes. This includes a strong understanding of the mission landscape and the capability to effectively bring mission direction and purpose to the group. Demonstrated high emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, integrate effectively across diverse capabilities, and foster collaboration. Proven ability to understand and support the unique roles, career paths, and development needs of scientists and engineers. Strong organizational influence skills, with a track record of effectively engaging and aligning stakeholders across multiple groups and divisions. Experience with operational risk, including 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 audiences. Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting information clearly to diverse audiences.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $177,900.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $266,900.00/Yr.