Senior Advisor - Autonomous Systems in Maritime Environments
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Seattle, WA, United States
Overview
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments referred to as Directorates 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 the 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 complex, real‑world threats. The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, part of the NSD, consists of over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. We work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions.
Responsibilities What You’ll Do
Define and guide strategy for deploying intelligent autonomy using reduced‑order modeling and real‑time data‑to‑forecast integration.
Align cross‑disciplinary stakeholders to ensure technical vision, priorities, and execution remain consistent and mission‑focused.
Shape system architectures and technical pathways for transitioning emerging capabilities into operational, edge‑deployable solutions.
Advise on feasibility, constraints, and innovation opportunities specific to austere or resource‑constrained maritime environments.
Translate complex research and modeling efforts into actionable, field‑ready capabilities.
What You Bring
Deep experience in AI, autonomy, edge or embedded systems, or real‑time modeling.
Strong technical leadership and ability to influence diverse teams and mission partners.
Understanding of operational constraints such as low‑power computing, intermittent connectivity, and limited bandwidth in maritime environments.
A strategic mindset with the ability to convert advanced R&D into applied, deployable solutions for maritime applications.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience
MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications
PhD or commensurate experience in data science as it applies to engineering, physical sciences, or a related field.
Senior experience leading cross‑domain technical strategy and stakeholder alignment for autonomy/AI or advanced analytics programs.
Strong understanding of maritime operations and constraints at the tactical edge.
Working knowledge of reduced‑order modeling, data assimilation/real‑time updates, and edge computing tradeoffs.
Proven ability to drive integration efforts from concept through field‑able implementation.
Experience with operational experimentation, rapid prototyping, and transition of R&D into deployed systems.
Familiarity with energy‑optimized hardware/algorithms and embedded/edge autonomy platforms.
Lead integration planning to incorporate live data streams into forecasting and autonomy pipelines in real time.
Identify risks, dependencies, and transition pathways; drive alignment, prioritization, and execution on accelerated timelines.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Travel will be required.
Additional Information This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of employment, education, financial, and criminal history, and interviews with references, neighbors, and co‑workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Testing Designated Position 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.
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. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and we consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.
Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug‑free workplace supported by the Workplace Substance Abuse Program and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. All employees must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. A positive test for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, will result in withdrawal of the employment offer.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements We require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD‑12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. Employees must complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post‑hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier is determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities. Foreign national candidates who have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years are not eligible for the PIV credential and must obtain a local site specific only (LSSO) Federal risk determination. Once residency is met, a PIV credential is required. DOE prohibits employees or contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval.
Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families receive medical, dental, vision, telehealth, mental health benefits, 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, fertility support, company‑funded pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with company match, vacation hours, and paid holidays. (Benefits are dependent upon eligibility. Research Associates are excluded.)
Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement is based on relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. Pay is determined by position requirements, market trends, and pay equity.
Minimum Salary USD $166,800.00 per year
Maximum Salary USD $275,200.00 per year
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Responsibilities What You’ll Do
Define and guide strategy for deploying intelligent autonomy using reduced‑order modeling and real‑time data‑to‑forecast integration.
Align cross‑disciplinary stakeholders to ensure technical vision, priorities, and execution remain consistent and mission‑focused.
Shape system architectures and technical pathways for transitioning emerging capabilities into operational, edge‑deployable solutions.
Advise on feasibility, constraints, and innovation opportunities specific to austere or resource‑constrained maritime environments.
Translate complex research and modeling efforts into actionable, field‑ready capabilities.
What You Bring
Deep experience in AI, autonomy, edge or embedded systems, or real‑time modeling.
Strong technical leadership and ability to influence diverse teams and mission partners.
Understanding of operational constraints such as low‑power computing, intermittent connectivity, and limited bandwidth in maritime environments.
A strategic mindset with the ability to convert advanced R&D into applied, deployable solutions for maritime applications.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience
MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications
PhD or commensurate experience in data science as it applies to engineering, physical sciences, or a related field.
Senior experience leading cross‑domain technical strategy and stakeholder alignment for autonomy/AI or advanced analytics programs.
Strong understanding of maritime operations and constraints at the tactical edge.
Working knowledge of reduced‑order modeling, data assimilation/real‑time updates, and edge computing tradeoffs.
Proven ability to drive integration efforts from concept through field‑able implementation.
Experience with operational experimentation, rapid prototyping, and transition of R&D into deployed systems.
Familiarity with energy‑optimized hardware/algorithms and embedded/edge autonomy platforms.
Lead integration planning to incorporate live data streams into forecasting and autonomy pipelines in real time.
Identify risks, dependencies, and transition pathways; drive alignment, prioritization, and execution on accelerated timelines.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Travel will be required.
Additional Information This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of employment, education, financial, and criminal history, and interviews with references, neighbors, and co‑workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Testing Designated Position 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.
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. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and we consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.
Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug‑free workplace supported by the Workplace Substance Abuse Program and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. All employees must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. A positive test for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, will result in withdrawal of the employment offer.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements We require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD‑12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. Employees must complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post‑hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier is determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities. Foreign national candidates who have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years are not eligible for the PIV credential and must obtain a local site specific only (LSSO) Federal risk determination. Once residency is met, a PIV credential is required. DOE prohibits employees or contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval.
Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families receive medical, dental, vision, telehealth, mental health benefits, 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, fertility support, company‑funded pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with company match, vacation hours, and paid holidays. (Benefits are dependent upon eligibility. Research Associates are excluded.)
Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement is based on relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. Pay is determined by position requirements, market trends, and pay equity.
Minimum Salary USD $166,800.00 per year
Maximum Salary USD $275,200.00 per year
#J-18808-Ljbffr