Senior Machine Learning Engineer

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, providing tools to innovate quickly and field results faster.

Responsibilities

• Leads the refactoring, modularization, and optimization of research code to improve maintainability, scalability, and production readiness.
• Collaborates closely with researchers to understand algorithmic intent and with engineers to ensure seamless integration into broader systems and workflows.
• Architects and develops tools, pipelines, and APIs that enable deployment into mission-relevant environments.
• Influences technical roadmaps and architectural decisions for AI/ML infrastructure.
• Evaluates and recommends emerging tools, frameworks, and practices to keep the team at the leading edge.
• Establishes and promotes best practices for translating research outputs into robust, production-quality software.
• Mentors junior staff on software engineering standards, code quality, and research-to-production workflows.
• Writes clear, well-documented code and leads code reviews to uphold team standards.
• Conducts work in secure environments with adherence to operational security requirements.

This position is based in either Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence.

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.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with federal law.
• Must demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience, OR
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience, OR
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience in research engineering, ML engineering, AI systems integration, or applied data science.
• Strong proficiency in Python and hands-on experience with ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face).
• Demonstrated ability to navigate research codebases (e.g., Jupyter notebooks, unstructured scripts) and translate them into production-ready components.
• Experience designing and deploying scalable ML pipelines or AI-enabled tools in operational or mission-critical settings.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to bridge research and engineering teams.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Robust telehealth care options and several mental health benefits.
• Free wellness coaching and health savings account.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Basic life insurance and disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
• Tuition assistance and relocation support.
• Backup childcare, legal benefits, and supplemental parental bonding leave.
• Surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
• Company-funded pension plan and 401(k) savings plan with company match.
• Up to 120 vacation hours per year and ten paid holidays per year.

Pay

Minimum Salary: USD $140,200.00/year

Maximum Salary: USD $228,800.00/year

Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience.