Senior Advisor - Autonomous Systems in Maritime Environments

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Sequim, WA

2d

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 Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, part of the National Security Directorate, consists of over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. We work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions.

Overview
We are seeking a seasoned Senior Advisor to lead strategy and technical direction for enabling intelligent autonomy at the tactical edge. This role operates at the convergence of AI, edge computing, and maritime environments—driving solutions that function in highly constrained operational settings with limited power, bandwidth, and connectivity.

Requirements

• Deep experience in AI, autonomy, edge or embedded systems, or real‑time modeling.
• Strong technical leadership and the 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
• A strategic mindset with the ability to convert advanced R&D into applied, deployable solutions for maritime applications.
• BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 9 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

• PhD or commensurate experience in data science as it applies to engineering, physical sciences, or a 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.
• Working knowledge of reduced-order modeling, data assimilation/real-time updates, and edge computing tradeoffs (power/compute/connectivity).
• Proven ability to drive integration efforts 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.
• Lead integration planning to incorporate live data streams into forecasting and autonomy pipelines in real time.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and transition pathways; drive alignment, prioritization, and execution on accelerated timelines.

Responsibilities

• Define and guide strategy for deploying intelligent autonomy using reduced‑order modeling and real‑time data‑to‑forecast integration.
• Align cross‑disciplinary stakeholders to ensure technical vision, priorities, and execution remain consistent and mission‑focused.
• Shape system architectures 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 efforts into actionable, field‑ready capabilities.

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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees