Associate Commercialization Manager

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

About The Position

At PNNL, our science targets the nation’s toughest challenges in national security and energy resiliency. That research often results in next-generation technologies ready to transition to industry, where they can deliver meaningful societal and economic impact. For example, millimeter-wave technologies have transformed airport security screening, and grid-scale battery energy storage is poised to significantly enhance the resiliency and flexibility of the electrical grid. Each of these innovations began as a kernel of an idea—protected, developed, and ultimately delivered for the benefit of the nation. Building on this legacy, PNNL is also contributing to emerging Department of Energy initiatives such as the DOE Genesis Project, which aims to accelerate the translation of advanced computing, artificial intelligence, and next-generation digital capabilities into deployable solutions. These efforts increasingly intersect with AI-enabled systems, software-driven workflows, and advanced hardware platforms. Perhaps you’ll be the next commercialization expert to help move Sensors and Instrumentation innovations—and related AI-enabled technologies—from the laboratory to industry. We are seeking an Associate Commercialization Manager to join our Office of Collaboration and Commercialization (OCC) team. In this role, you will work closely with scientists and engineers across a diverse set of technical domains, including security sensing, detection, and imaging; advanced analytical instrumentation and microscopy; radioisotope production; cybersecurity; artificial intelligence; data sciences; and advanced computing. You will help execute strategies to protect intellectual property and transition technologies to industry, supporting both experienced, internationally recognized inventors and first-time innovators. Working in partnership with Senior Commercialization Managers, you will contribute to a portfolio of high-impact intellectual property assets. Responsibilities include identifying, assessing, capturing, organizing, and marketing technologies with strong potential for technology transfer and commercialization—particularly those aligned with emerging AI, software, and hardware-enabled solutions. This position contributes directly to PNNL’s financial performance through the identification, valuation, and successful transition of intellectual property to commercial entities. We are seeking candidates with demonstrated experience working in or with private-sector product development and marketing functions, and with familiarity in relevant technology areas such as energy, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, data analytics, national security, advanced computing, or software-intensive systems. A foundational understanding of contracting, business operations, intellectual property, marketing, and technology valuation is required. Relying on your professional technical and/or business expertise, you will develop and advance technologies through the full commercialization lifecycle in support of OCC’s performance goals. The successful candidate will work with PNNL researchers to improve the likelihood that projects result in market impact that benefits US economic competitiveness and national security. You will manage assigned technology assets with oversight and mentorship from senior portfolio managers and represent the Laboratory in sponsored research and commercialization discussions and negotiations with guidance from senior OCC staff and management.

Requirements

BS/BA and 5 years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA or higher and 3 years of relevant experience
U.S. Citizenship
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.
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).
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.

Nice To Haves

Degree in science or engineering field
Experience in a technical or scientific organization or technology-based business environment
Experience in intellectual property management and/or patent prosecution
Demonstrated experience working in or with private-sector product development, commercialization, or marketing functions
Familiarity with artificial intelligence technologies, software development workflows, and AI model development processes
Exposure to or experience working with hyperscalers, microelectronics firms, device manufacturers, or hardware-focused technology companies
Direct work experience in a research, prototype development, or technology deployment organization
Demonstrated skill or formal training in negotiating agreements and program or technology sales
Minimal prior technology transfer experience acceptable, with demonstrated ability to learn and grow in this area

Responsibilities

Developing, maintaining, and sustaining strong working relationships with PNNL researchers and research management.
Identifying research programs with potential to generate new intellectual property, including AI-enabled technologies, software platforms, and integrated hardware–software systems.
Serving as an internal liaison for designated laboratory research organizations on intellectual property protection, including patenting and copyright protections for commercialization.
Conveying technology transfer principles and guidance to research staff to foster well-informed and engaged PNNL inventor–researchers.
Collaborating with researchers and staff to evaluate invention disclosures, conduct prior art searches, develop commercialization plans, and conduct market research.
Supporting research missions by identifying potential industry partners, including startups, established companies, hyperscalers, and device or hardware manufacturers.
Identifying and engaging partners and supporting the structuring and negotiation of sponsored research partnerships, technology transfer engagements and licensing agreements.
Collaborating with other commercialization managers to ensure effective stewardship and handoff of assets aligned with other technology portfolios.

Benefits

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.

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