Early Career Software Engineer I

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

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. We are seeking an early career Software Engineer to join PNNL's AI engineering team, contributing to innovative systems spanning agentic AI platforms, large-scale data orchestration, and real-time intelligence processing. This is an excellent opportunity for early to mid-career developers to apply their software engineering skills to meaningful national security challenges while growing their expertise in AI/ML systems, cloud infrastructure, and distributed computing. What You’ll Build & Learn AI Development: Help build AI features using large language models (LLMs), support agent-style AI workflows, and learn real-world MLOps practices. Intelligence Platform Features: Build and improve tools that combine multiple data sources, including geospatial (GEOINT) processing and threat analysis capabilities. Data Engineering: Create and maintain data pipelines and analytics workflows, and contribute to cloud-based data systems. Early-Career Support: Learn from senior engineers through mentorship, pair programming, and code reviews while gaining experience with enterprise software practices. Technical Skills (We’ll Help You Grow) Programming: Strong Python fundamentals and experience with one other language (C#/.NET, JavaScript, Java, or similar). Cloud & Systems: Some familiarity with AWS/Azure/GCP and comfort working in Linux environments. Engineering Practices: Experience using Git; exposure to CI/CD and Agile/Scrum is a plus. Data Skills: Working knowledge of SQL and basic data processing concepts. Curiosity: Interest in AI/ML, geospatial systems, and building software that works at scale. What We Offer Fast Learning: Hands-on work with modern AI, cloud, and data tools—with guidance from experienced engineers. Real-World Impact: Your code ships to systems that support national security missions. Growth Path: Mentorship, feedback, and opportunities to level up your skills and responsibilities. Modern Tech Stack: Practical experience with current AI/LLM tooling, cloud platforms, and data engineering technologies.

Requirements

BS/BA or higher
Strong Python fundamentals and experience with one other language (C#/.NET, JavaScript, Java, or similar).
Some familiarity with AWS/Azure/GCP and comfort working in Linux environments.
Experience using Git; exposure to CI/CD and Agile/Scrum is a plus.
Working knowledge of SQL and basic data processing concepts.
Interest in AI/ML, geospatial systems, and building software that works at scale.
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.
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

Degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field.
Experience programming in Python / C#.
Understanding of software engineering and data management best practices.
Strong communication and collaborative skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

Help build AI features using large language models (LLMs), support agent-style AI workflows, and learn real-world MLOps practices.
Build and improve tools that combine multiple data sources, including geospatial (GEOINT) processing and threat analysis capabilities.
Create and maintain data pipelines and analytics workflows, and contribute to cloud-based data systems.
Learn from senior engineers through mentorship, pair programming, and code reviews while gaining experience with enterprise software practices.

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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