Lead DevOps/Platform Engineer IV

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments called Directorates, each focused on a specific area of scientific research or function. The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to address complex, real-world threats. The AI and Data Analytics Division within NSD combines domain expertise with advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions for complex data and analytic challenges. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we connect foundational research to engineering and operations, enabling rapid innovation and faster results.

Responsibilities

• Build and deploy cloud-native AI platforms, agentic AI applications, and large language model (LLM) solutions.
• Develop scalable data pipelines, streaming architectures, APIs, and microservices to process high-volume, real-time data.
• Design and maintain containerized infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing to support reliable software delivery.
• Drive system performance improvements, observability, security, and operational reliability across production environments.
• Lead software engineers, data scientists, and researchers to deliver innovative AI capabilities.
• Lead architectural discussions, set direction for code reviews and engineering best practices, and drive continuous improvement.

National Interest Project Examples

• Detect and prevent smuggling of drugs and contraband at ports of entry
• Develop large data pipelines to thwart funding for terrorists, nuclear proliferators, drug cartels, and rogue leaders
• Apply big data solutions to national security problems
• Apply image classification for nuclear forensics analysis
• Develop capabilities for scalable geospatial analytics

Read more about the AI and Data Analytics division.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD and 3 years of Software Engineering experience or
• MS/MA and 5 years of Software Engineering experience or
• BS/BA and 7 years of Software Engineering experience or
• AA 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 or
• HS/GED and 18 years of Software Engineering experience in designing, architecting, programming, deploying, and automating software solutions in support of scientific research or consumer digital product development
• Current, hands-on software development experience using Python

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field
• Expertise in Python (active use for the past five years) and proficiency in at least one other language (Go, C#, Rust)
• Expertise in leveraging Agentic AI to develop code and build/maintain infrastructure and systems
• Track record of architecting and operating large-scale infrastructure supporting significant user bases, high-volume transaction systems, petabyte-scale data platforms, or production ML systems serving millions of predictions
• Experience building and leading high-performing platform engineering, DevOps, or MLOps teams through hiring, mentoring, technical guidance, and career development
• Experience establishing infrastructure practices, platform strategies, MLOps frameworks, and DevOps transformation initiatives on an organizational scale
• Background in mission-critical, regulated, or high-security environments (government, defense, financial services, healthcare) with understanding of compliance requirements for both traditional systems and ML/AI applications
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-team infrastructure and MLOps initiatives from architecture through production deployment, operational handoff, and continuous improvement

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance, including a background investigation covering employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with personal references, neighbors, and co-workers
• Eligibility for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B
• Pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana (consistent with federal law)
• Demonstrated non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP)

This position is based in Seattle, WA, or Richland, WA, and requires an onsite presence Monday through Thursday, with Friday as required by business needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust telehealth care options and several mental health benefits
• Free wellness coaching
• Health savings account and flexible spending accounts
• Basic life insurance and disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible work schedules