Overview

At 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 an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.

The AI and Data Analytics Division, part of the NSD, combines profound domain expertise and creative integration of advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address complex data and analytic challenges. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we connect foundational research to engineering to operations, providing the tools to innovate quickly and field results faster. Our strengths are integrated across the data analytics lifecycle, from data acquisition and management to analysis and decision support.

Responsibilities

The Principal Advisor, AI and Analytics is a senior, highly collaborative role at the intersection of cutting‑edge technology and national security. Based in Washington, DC, you will be a strategic connector—bringing together PNNL’s AI, data science, and analytics teams with U.S. Government sponsors, other national labs, industry, and academia.

You will facilitate the creation of programs that apply AI and analytics to the nation’s most challenging security problems. Drawing on deep mission understanding and technical fluency, you will orchestrate cross‑organizational teams, shape R&D directions, and help modernize analytic production. You will regularly engage senior leaders across national security government agencies as a trusted advisor on AI and emerging technologies.

This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who thrives on pulling together diverse experts—analysts, scientists, engineers, and policymakers—to solve problems no single organization can tackle alone.

In this role, you will:

Connect missions and capabilities
- Maintain deep, current knowledge of PNNL’s AI, data science, and analytics portfolio and actively connect these capabilities to sponsor mission needs through joint working sessions, meetings, and collaborative forums.
- Serve as a primary liaison between senior sponsor leadership and PNNL project teams in DC, Seattle, and Richland, ensuring two‑way translation of mission needs and technical possibilities.
Lead collaborative solution development
- Convene and lead multidisciplinary teams from PNNL, sponsor organizations, other national labs, industry, and academia to co‑develop visionary AI‑ and analytics‑enabled solutions to sponsors’ hardest problems.
- Build consensus and advocacy for implementation by aligning technical approaches with policy, operational, and acquisition realities.
Shape strategy and R&D investments
- Leverage deep knowledge of sponsor missions, day‑to‑day operations, and analytic tradecraft to jointly define problem sets, success criteria, and roadmaps for new starts and major initiatives.
- Provide authoritative technical and policy insight to PNNL and sponsor leadership on AI and emerging technologies, informing internal R&D investment and external program strategy.
- Co‑develop strategies for PNNL’s AI, data science, and analytics portfolio that incorporate emerging national and international trends and lessons learned from collaborative efforts.
Enhance analytic production and tradecraft
- Improve PNNL’s analytic products by mentoring others on state‑of‑the‑art analytic tradecraft and processes.
- Advocate for and support improved analytic tradecraft standards, ensuring AI‑ and data‑enabled products are rigorous, policy‑relevant, and accessible to senior consumers.
Build and sustain communities and partnerships
- Organize and host visiting government and industry teams at PNNL’s DC, Richland, and Seattle facilities, designing engagements as working sessions that produce concrete collaborative outcomes.
- Strengthen partnerships with other DOE labs, government agencies, and AI‑relevant industry and academic partners to enable cross‑lab and cross‑agency initiatives of national importance.
- Represent PNNL in interagency and multi‑agency forums focused on AI and emerging technologies, and help lead or contribute to key committees and working groups.
Guide teams and mentor talent
- Provide collaborative leadership and advisory support to cross‑functional project teams (analysts, scientists, engineers, and developers) to help them prioritize, meet delivery schedules, and resolve technical and analytic challenges.
- Mentor junior and senior staff on sponsor interaction, briefing and writing at the highest levels, and career progression—fostering a culture of shared learning, high tradecraft standards, and cross‑organizational collaboration.

The position is located in Washington, DC with travel to Richland, WA and Seattle, WA.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

BS/BA and 13 years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA or higher and 11 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree relevant to this position.
Experience working for a government agency in national security or defense.
Demonstrated success leading applied research, technical analysis, or operational programs that require close collaboration across multiple organizations.
Proven ability to engage as a credible expert with senior U.S. Government leaders (e.g., flag/general officers, Assistant Secretary/Deputy Secretary or Director/Deputy Director level), clearly communicating complex AI and analytics topics and influencing decisions on R&D and operational priorities.
Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, including experience briefing and producing high-impact analytic or technical products for senior policymakers and military or agency leadership.
Strong track record working within and leading interdisciplinary teams composed of analysts, scientists, and engineers.
Demonstrated ability to identify new mission-driven opportunities, build relationships, and turn them into funded programs or initiatives.
Experience leading or chairing highly collaborative committees, working groups, or communities of practice focused on scientific and technical topics.
Extensive experience with AI in a national security context, including the ability to explain technical implications, risks, and opportunities to senior non-technical leaders.
Proven ability to build and sustain trusted relationships across all levels—from junior analysts to senior executives—across multiple agencies, labs, and partner organizations.
Established network with senior government executives responsible for AI, and familiarity with key AI-relevant industry and academic partners.
Mastery of analytic tradecraft and a proven ability to train, mentor, and elevate analysts and technical staff across organizations.
Possession of an active security clearance.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

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 applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment 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 if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This 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 PNNL

Pacific 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 Opportunity

Our 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 Workplace

PNNL 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 Requirements

As 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 Requirements

Please 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 Rewards

Employees 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.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Notice to Applicants

PNNL 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 Salary

USD $194,900.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $329,000.00/Yr.

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