Chief Software Engineer - Agentic AI

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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 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.

PNNL is seeking an outstanding Chief Software Engineer in Computer Science with deep expertise in Agentic AI Systems to lead transformative research and shape the future of applied artificial intelligence. This leader will drive the development of autonomous, adaptive, reasoning, and collaborative AI technologies to address some of the nation’s most pressing challenges—including national security, scientific discovery, energy sustainability, and climate resilience.
As a Chief Engineer, you will set strategic directions for AI research, lead multidisciplinary initiatives, and mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers. You will also build partnerships across academia, industry, government, and other DOE National Laboratories, positioning PNNL at the forefront of AI innovation.
This role is part of PNNL’s AI and Data Analytics Division, a 400+ member team with expertise spanning data science, software engineering, applied mathematics, advanced analytic architectures, and human-centered computing.
This position is based in either Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence.

Requirements

• PhD and 5 years of Software Engineering experience -OR- MS/MA and 7 years of Software Engineering experience -OR- BS/BA and 9 years of Software Engineering experience -OR- AA and 18 years of Software Engineering experience in designing, architecting, programming, deploying, and automating software solutions in support of scientific research or consumer digital product development -OR- HS/GED and 20 years of Software Engineering experience in designing, architecting, programming, deploying, and automating software solutions in support of scientific research or consumer digital product development
• 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).

Nice To Haves

• Proven ability to lead impactful AI research and engineering agendas and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design and deployment of agentic AI systems in real-world applications.
• Recognized national authority in AI and machine learning, with strong networks across academia, industry, and government.
• Exceptional track record of peer-reviewed publications, technical products, and influential AI applications.
• Experience applying AI to domains such as energy systems, climate modeling, materials science, or molecular science.
• Strong record of securing external funding and managing large, diverse research portfolios.
• Skilled communicator, adept at engaging senior executives, sponsors, and diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Advance Research – Lead pioneering efforts in agentic AI systems and their application to scientific and national security missions.
• Shape Strategy – Define research priorities, guide investments, and influence PNNL’s long-term AI agenda.
• Mentor Leaders – Develop and support mid- and senior-level engineers and researchers in AI and related fields.
• Build Partnerships – Strengthen collaborations with academia, industry, government agencies, and DOE labs.
• Engage Externally – Represent PNNL through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and national thought leadership.
• Secure Funding – Drive sponsor engagements, propose new R&D initiatives, and manage competitive research portfolios.
• National Impact – Connect AI innovation to emerging priorities in science, security, and sustainability.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree