Senior Data Scientist III - GEOINT

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

15h•$140,200 - $228,800•Onsite

About The Position

PNNL is seeking a Senior Data Scientist with expertise in data science and a passion for solving mission-critical challenges in the geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) domain. The selected candidate will contribute to research and development programs within the AI and Data Analytics Division which specializes in data science, applied mathematics, advanced analytic architectures, software engineering, and human-centered computing. The Data Scientist will work as part of interdisciplinary teams to deliver data-driven solutions that address critical national security challenges. This individual will collaborate with peers to develop machine learning (ML) models, analyze geospatial datasets, and perform research that bridges cutting-edge methods and field-ready solutions. The candidate will support PNNL's mission by contributing to impactful R&D projects that help tackle national challenges. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow professionally while working on diverse, mission-focused projects. At PNNL, we foster a collaborative and innovative work environment aimed at lifelong learning, creative problem-solving, and advancing interdisciplinary, data-driven innovation.

Requirements

BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR- MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR- PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
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).
Must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment.
Must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication.
Must disclose any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” and either recuse yourself or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Degree in data science, computer science, physics, mathematics, or similar discipline.
Expertise in GEOINT workflows, including experience with remote sensing platforms, multi-modal data fusion, and advanced geospatial analytics.
Experience working with hyperspectral imaging data in the LWIR, including: Developing and validating machine learning–based detection, classification, and unmixing algorithms, Full product pipeline experience (radiometric calibration, atmospheric correction, geometric correction, etc.), Strong spectral sensing fundamentals (radiative transfer, reflectance/emissivity, absorption features, SNR/noise modeling, sensor characterization).
Proficiency with hyperspectral analysis and visualization tools (e.g., ENVI/IDL)
Experience working with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data (complex/IQ and formed products), including: Developing and validating both traditional signal-processing and machine learning–based detection and classification algorithms, End-to-end SAR image product conversion pipeline experience.
Proficiency with SAR rendering tools
Strong knowledge of SAR/RADAR theory fundamentals (wave propagation, scattering, speckle, Doppler/geometry, calibration, etc.)
Hands-on experience with geospatial analysis tools (e.g., GDAL, GeoPandas, Google Earth Engine) and machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
Proven proficiency in creating proposals and technical reports.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present technical findings to diverse audiences and work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

Drives the execution of research by developing, testing, and deploying ML models and geospatial analytics workflows.
Takes ownership of defined tasks or small projects, proactively identifying technical challenges and proposing solutions to senior staff or project leads.
Engages with stakeholders to understand project requirements and translate them into actionable technical approaches aligned with sponsor goals.
Serves as a mentor to junior staff or interns within the team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
Supports proposal development and business development my contributing to proposals and/or briefing sponsors.
Builds effective working relationships within your immediate team, as well as across interdisciplinary teams at the group or division level.