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 Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have anEnvironmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate's (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.
The Advanced Computing, Mathematics, and Data Division (ACMDD) focuses on basic and applied computing research encompassing artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, computing technologies, and data and computational engineering. Our scientists and engineers apply end-to-end co-design principles to advance future energy-efficient computing systems and design the next generation of algorithms to analyze, model, understand, and control the behavior of complex systems in science, energy, and national security.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a Computer Engineer 2 with deep expertise in quantum computing technology to support and advance a state-of-the-art quantum computing testbed supporting PNNL’s Internal Research Investment and direct funded projects from the US Dept. of Energy Office of Science. This position resides within a multidisciplinary research environment focused on advancing quantum information science and enabling next-generation computing architectures for scientific discovery and national security applications.
The selected candidate will contribute technical leadership within a defined science and engineering domain while operating and evolving complex experimental quantum hardware systems. The role requires strong experimental capability, systems-level thinking across hardware and control stacks, and the ability to define and execute focused technical efforts that contribute to broader programmatic objectives.
The Computer Engineer will serve as a key technical contributor to the laboratory’s quantum computing testbed, taking ownership of defined elements of the hardware and control architecture. The successful candidate will operate, maintain, and enhance quantum systems, including cryogenic infrastructure, control electronics, embedded systems, firmware, and software, ensuring reliable and secure experimental performance.
In collaboration with physicists, engineers, and program managers, the candidate will evaluate technical alternatives, recommend system improvements, and implement upgrades that improve fidelity, stability, scalability, and operational efficiency. The role requires making informed engineering judgments on subsystem design, integration strategies, and performance tradeoffs, while aligning with broader technical direction established at the group and division level.
The Computer Engineer will independently execute recurring experimental campaigns and lead small task-level projects from planning through delivery. This includes defining scope, establishing milestones, managing technical risk, tracking schedule and budget, and delivering results in the form of data, reports, and technical products.
The selected candidate will build collaborative networks within the laboratory and across partner institutions, facilitating effective use of shared research infrastructure. Mentorship of junior staff, postdoctoral researchers, and students is expected, as is active participation in internal technical reviews.
A strong commitment to quality, safety, and security is essential. The candidate will model and reinforce best practices in laboratory safety, secure research operations, configuration management, and documentation. Clear communication of technical results is required, including preparation of technical reports and presentation of findings at national and international forums.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA -OR-
- PhD
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Postdoctoral or equivalent advanced research experience in experimental quantum computing platforms.
- Demonstrated expertise in quantum computing technology, including hands-on experience with experimental quantum systems and supporting infrastructure such as cryogenic systems, RF/microwave engineering, FPGA-based control systems, precision measurement electronics, and scalable control or automated calibration architectures.
- Experience integrating complex hardware, firmware, and software systems in a laboratory environment, with a systems engineering mindset and the ability to evaluate performance tradeoffs in fidelity, coherence, latency, and scalability.
- Established record of peer-reviewed publications or equivalent technical contributions in quantum information science or related fields, with strong technical writing and presentation skills for national-level stakeholders.
- Experience contributing to externally funded research proposals and leading sections of technical reports, proposal volumes, or program deliverables is desirable.
- Demonstrated organizational and professional engagement, including mentoring junior researchers, interns, or students, and active participation in the broader quantum information science community.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable
Testing Designated PositionThis is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
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 (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 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 RequirementsAs 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 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, 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.
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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 $100,100.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $150,200.00/Yr.
