Group Leader - Advanced Engineered Systems

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The National Security Directorate (NSD) at PNNL drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to address complex national and global threats. Within NSD, the Physical Detection Systems and Deployment (PDSD) Division delivers policy-informed technology solutions by removing barriers to real-world implementation, understanding end-user environments to transition technology from development to deployment. The Advanced Engineered Systems Group, part of PDSD, supports future mission environments characterized by resilient communications, autonomous platforms, advanced sensing, and edge computing for constrained environments. This group, comprising approximately 50 staff including engineers and technicians, designs, prototypes, integrates, and deploys complex systems for national security challenges such as contraband detection and nuclear material identification.

Requirements

BS/BA and 10 years work experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 8 years of experience
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
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).
Mandatory Requirements: Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering with 15 years of relevant experience.
Proven ability to execute on a vision and translate it into clear, tangible outcomes. This includes a strong understanding of the mission landscape and the capability to effectively bring mission direction and purpose to the group.
Demonstrated high emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, integrate effectively across diverse capabilities, and foster collaboration.
Proven ability to understand and support the unique roles, career paths, and development needs of scientists and engineers.
Strong organizational influence skills, with a track record of effectively engaging and aligning stakeholders across multiple groups and divisions.
Experience with operational risk, including knowledge of information security, safe conduct of research, and a demonstrated ability to balance of safety/security with productivity.
Ability to effectively communicate across technical expertise and organizational cultures, translating vision and objectives for the workforce and distilling complex programs/technologies for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting information clearly to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop an approximately 50-person multidisciplinary organization.
Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, accountability, and technical excellence.
Support recruitment, workforce planning, staff development, and succession planning.
Create an engaging, high-performing work environment that supports staff wellbeing and growth.
Manage Group operations, staffing, facilities, and technical assets to support mission execution.
Ensure safe, secure, and compliant laboratory operations with strong operational discipline, including stewardship of specialized research and prototyping environments.
Support budget, staffing, and investment planning aligned with Division priorities.
Strengthen the Group’s technical reputation through sponsor engagement, publications, presentations, and collaborations.
Build productive relationships with sponsors, universities, industry, and partner laboratories.
Support business development and identify new mission opportunities in partnership with Division leadership and project teams.
Partner across technical groups to develop integrated capabilities that address emerging mission needs.
Lead Group strategy, capability development, and growth in emerging technology areas.
Contribute to the PDSD Division Level strategy.
Build collaborations across PNNL to strengthen capabilities and support new business opportunities.