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 (PNNL) is seeking a Computer Engineer 3 with deep expertise in quantum computing technology to advance and expand a state-of-the-art quantum computing testbed supporting the Quantum Science Center and PNNL’s Quantum Algorithms and Architectures for Domain Sciences (QuAADS) initiative.
This position is intended for an established technical leader who brings recognized expertise within a defined science and engineering domain and contributes meaningfully to shaping technical direction at the group and division level. The selected candidate will play a central role in developing quantum computing capabilities that support scientific discovery and national security missions.
The Computer Engineer will provide technical leadership for the laboratory’s quantum computing testbed, defining and advancing elements of the hardware, control, and integration architecture. The role includes ownership of critical subsystems spanning cryogenic infrastructure, control electronics, embedded systems, firmware, and software, with responsibility for ensuring performance, reliability, and secure operation.
Working collaboratively with physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and program managers, the candidate will identify strategic technical opportunities, select and develop appropriate engineering approaches, and implement system improvements that enhance fidelity, coherence, scalability, and operational robustness. The successful candidate will contribute directly to setting technical direction within their specialization and will influence capability development across the division.
At the project level, the Computer Engineer will serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on projects and major tasks. Responsibilities include defining scope, developing technical approaches, integrating contributions from multidisciplinary team members, and supporting scoping, scheduling, and budgeting activities. The candidate will independently resolve complex technical challenges with only occasional oversight and will be accountable for delivering results aligned with cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
The selected individual will actively generate new technical ideas and contribute to business development efforts, leading technical sections of small to medium proposals and contributing to larger strategic initiatives. Demonstrated ability to attract and manage research funding with programmatic impact at the sector and division level is expected.
Organizationally, the Computer Engineer will build and optimize division-level capabilities in quantum computing, forming effective project teams across groups and directorates. The role includes mentorship of junior staff, postdoctoral researchers, and students, as well as contributions to operational assignments that strengthen laboratory infrastructure.
The candidate will serve as a role model for quality, safety, and security, reinforcing best practices in laboratory operations, configuration management, and secure research execution. Clear and persuasive communication of technical results through formal reports, stakeholder briefings, and presentations in scientific community venues is required.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant experience -OR-
- PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Established expertise in quantum computing technology, with hands-on experience in experimental quantum systems and enabling infrastructure (e.g., cryogenic systems, RF/microwave engineering, FPGA-based control, precision measurement, and scalable control architectures and algorithms).
- Demonstrated ability to independently develop and implement technical approaches for complex engineering challenges, integrating hardware, firmware, and software from a systems perspective.
- Experience serving as PI or co-PI, or leading major technical tasks, including forming and leading multidisciplinary teams, defining scope and technical direction, integrating contributions across groups, and contributing to proposal development and funded research efforts.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications or equivalent technical contributions, strong written and oral communication skills, presentations at national or international conferences, and engagement with stakeholders across academia, national laboratories, and industry.
- Demonstrated mentorship of junior researchers, postdoctoral scholars, or students.
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 $122,100.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $193,000.00/Yr.
