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Senior Advisor - Autonomous Systems in Maritime Environments

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Seattle, WA, United States


Job Overview

PNNL’s National Security Directorate (NSD) seeks a seasoned Senior Advisor to lead strategy and technical direction for enabling intelligent autonomy at the tactical edge. The role bridges AI, edge computing, and maritime operations, driving solutions that function in highly constrained environments with limited power, bandwidth, and connectivity. Responsibilities

Lead strategy and technical direction for deploying intelligent autonomy using reduced‑order modeling and real‑time data‑to‑forecast integration. Shape architecture 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 into actionable, field‑ready capabilities. What You’ll Do

Align cross‑disciplinary stakeholders to ensure a consistent, mission‑focused technical vision and execution. Shape system architectures and technical pathways for operational, edge‑deployable solutions. Advise on feasibility, constraints, and innovation opportunities in austere 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; 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. Strategic mindset with ability to convert advanced R&D into applied, deployable maritime solutions. Minimum Qualifications

BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience, or MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience. Preferred Qualifications

PhD or comparable experience in data science as applied to engineering, physical sciences, or 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. Knowledge of reduced‑order modeling, data assimilation or real‑time updates, and edge computing trade‑offs. Proven ability to drive integration from concept through fieldable 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. Ability to lead integration planning to incorporate live data streams into forecasting and autonomy pipelines. Skill in identifying risks, dependencies, and transition pathways to align, prioritize, and execute on accelerated timelines. Security & Clearance Requirements

Requires U.S. citizenship. Federal background investigation in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B. Pre‑employment and post‑employment drug testing for testing‑designated positions. Must demonstrate 12 months of non‑use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, before clearance processing. Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance. Robust telehealth and mental‑health benefits. Wellness coaching, health savings account, and flexible spending accounts. Basic and supplemental life and disability insurance. Employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation assistance, backup childcare, and legal benefits. Parenting & adoption assistance, fertility support. 401(k) savings plan with company match and pension plan enrollment. Up to 120 vacation hours per year and ten paid holidays. Equal Employment Opportunity

PNNL is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fairness and respect for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are provided for individuals with disabilities. Compensation

Minimum Salary: USD 166,800.00 per year.

Maximum Salary: USD 275,200.00 per year.

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