Senior Test and Evaluation Systems Engineer III

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

About The Position

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer III to lead test and evaluation and systems-engineering activities supporting Department of Homeland Security and other national security missions. The role provides technical leadership for planning, coordinating, executing, and assessing complex technology demonstrations, test events, and system-integration activities for homeland security applications. Projects may address border security, critical infrastructure protection, detection and screening technologies, situational awareness, emergency response, and related missions. Working within multidisciplinary teams, the engineer ensures rigorous technology evaluation, traceable requirements, managed risks, and effective documentation and communication of technical decisions. The position also improves engineering processes, advises project leadership, coordinates technical resources, and supports the transition of technologies from development into operational environments. The engineer applies systems engineering across the project lifecycle and across technology maturity levels, tailoring methods to project objectives and constraints. The role includes applying emerging AI-enabled tools and technologies to improve engineering workflows, technical analyses, test activities, and mission outcomes in accordance with organizational policies and responsible-use practices. The position requires high standards for quality, safety, security, conduct of research, and protection of sensitive information. The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance and meet associated citizenship, background-investigation, and drug-testing requirements. The position is a Testing Designated Position, subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. PNNL offers flexible work schedules and a broad benefits package. The listed salary range is USD $112,500 to $168,600 per year.

Requirements

BS/BA and at least 5 years of relevant work experience, or MS/MA and at least 3 years of relevant work experience, or PhD and at least 1 year of relevant experience.
Relevant experience in systems engineering, test and evaluation, systems integration, verification and validation, or technical program support.
Experience independently planning and coordinating assigned test or data-collection activities, including defining objectives, schedules, roles, procedures, and documentation requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
U.S. citizenship.
Must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter under 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Must demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions.
Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
Demonstrated experience leading complex test-planning or systems-engineering efforts and delivering plans, procedures, technical recommendations, and project documentation.
Expertise in requirements analysis, interface management, configuration management, verification and validation, risk management, and lifecycle documentation.
Ability to lead cross-functional coordination, resolve competing priorities, identify technical and operational risks, and provide recommendations to project leadership.
Excellent technical writing, communication, and presentation skills, including conveying complex information to technical and nontechnical audiences.
Experience supporting government, research, or operational testing programs.
Experience with complex technical systems, sensors, imaging systems, or related technologies.
Familiarity with data governance and information-handling requirements.
Experience managing data products such as equipment-generated files, images, field notes, and test observations.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, design, and manage holistic systems solutions throughout the project lifecycle.
Tailor systems engineering techniques and processes to meet project objectives within constraints.
Apply systems thinking and systems engineering practices across technology maturity levels.
Define cost/benefit and risk/opportunity, develop and analyze alternatives, support decisions, and mitigate risks.
Provide technical leadership for test planning, test readiness, execution, and reporting.
Develop and maintain plans and procedures for assigned technical activities.
Establish or review project approaches for coordination, risk management, data management, configuration management, and technical documentation.
Coordinate test readiness, schedules, staffing, equipment, facilities, and required documentation.
Track and oversee resolution of technical issues, risks, decisions, and action items.
Review and approve technical work products, test artifacts, data products, and documentation for quality, completeness, consistency, and compliance with approved processes.
Advise project leadership on requirements, dependencies, technical risks, resource constraints, and opportunities to improve project execution.
Lead coordination across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to align technical objectives, schedules, and deliverables.
Mentor junior staff and contribute to improving systems-engineering and test-and-evaluation practices.
Assess, learn, and apply emerging AI-enabled tools and technologies to improve engineering workflows, technical analyses, test activities, and mission outcomes while following organizational policies and responsible-use practices.
Maintain high standards for quality, safety, security, conduct of research, and protection of sensitive information.