OverviewAt 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 directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management.
At PNNL, our Computing and Information Technology organization is redefining how we work and innovate by reimagining the digital workplace. We empower research and streamline operations—making both faster, smarter, and more efficient—so our professionals can tackle some of the world's toughest challenges in science, energy, and national security. Our experts in AI, cybersecurity, design, and engineering work side by side, using real-time insights and human-centered design to break down barriers. Ready to make your mark on tomorrow? Come work with us.
Research Computing empowers researchers by removing technical barriers to discovery. We provide access to cutting-edge resources, including high-performance computing (HPC), GPU-accelerated compute, scientific software, research data management (featuring the PNNL Research Library), and cloud computing. Through events like TechFest, which brings staff together to showcase projects and discuss new research possibilities, we cultivate a vibrant culture of computing and drive interdisciplinary collaboration to advance computationally enabled science.
Positions comprised predominantly of information technology, cybersecurity and computing management responsibilities, with significant span of control and/or delegated authority and responsibility. These positions generally manage multi-disciplinary organizations delivering capabilities to the broader laboratory or specifically to research functions, through staff leaders or subordinate managers. Management decisions impact objectives, goals and long-term success of IT, research and business partners and the Laboratory.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an accomplished, visionary, and people-focused leader to serve as Group Leader (GL) for Compute, a cornerstone group within the Research Computing Division (RC). As one of three foundational pillars within RC, Compute, Software, and Data, this group provides the technical backbone of advanced computational infrastructure that accelerates scientific discovery across all PNNL mission areas.
The Compute Group is at the forefront of a rapidly evolving computing landscape, one that blends the scale of high-performance computing (HPC), the flexibility of commercial cloud, and the intelligence of edge and AI-enabled systems. The GL will lead an advanced team of engineers and technologists responsible for architecting and operating the hybrid, scalable infrastructure that powers modern science. This role demands a blend of strategic vision, technical fluency, team development, and organizational influence.
This position is a rare opportunity to shape the next decade of computing expertise at a national laboratory, influence DOE-wide strategies, and collaborate with leading technology companies and federal partners on some of the most critical challenges of our time.
As a core pillar within Research Computing, the Compute Group plays a critical role in enabling the broader ecosystem of RC services. The Group Leader collaborates closely with peer leads in the Data and Software groups to ensure that computational infrastructure, data movement, and scientific applications are seamlessly integrated. Together, these teams provide foundational support to the Center for Continuum Computing (C3), a lab-wide structure for advancing seamless scientific workflows across compute ecosystems. By designing cohesive, end-to-end environments that support scalable workflows, empower researchers with flexible tools, we will unencumber the researcher and accelerate the pace of discovery across the lab’s mission areas.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 10 years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA or higher and 8 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Technical degree in computer science, computer engineering, computational science, or a related field.
- Proven experience managing hybrid and cloud-based HPC infrastructure, with a strong grasp of containerization, orchestration, and scientific workflow tools.
- Demonstrated success in managing complex technical teams and stewarding critical infrastructure capabilities.
- Supervisory or line management experience of computing professionals, with a track record of talent development.
- Experience managing HPC or cloud-based infrastructure, container orchestration, and scientific workflow platforms.
- Familiarity with the Department of Energy (DOE), national laboratory systems, or federally funded scientific infrastructure is strongly preferred.
- Experience developing and executing strategic roadmaps and communicating vision to internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advocate effectively for organizational goals.
- Recognized contributor in technical communities, industry alliances, or national computing consortia.
- Proven experience in securing or supporting R&D program funding and managing technical budgets.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable
Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
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 candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and 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 until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.
Testing Designated PositionThis 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 PNNLPacific 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 OpportunityOur 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 considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 WorkplacePNNL 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 RequirementsIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes 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)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease 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 RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**Once eligibility requirements are met.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL 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 SalaryUSD $174,100.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $261,200.00/Yr.
