Technical Advisor, AI/ML

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•UNAVAILABLE, UNAVAILABLE

2d•Remote

About The Position

PNNL is seeking an AI/ML Technical Advisor 4 to provide strategic technical direction, concept development, and high‑level stakeholder engagement in support of national security missions. This role advances mission‑aligned AI/ML solutions for government sponsors by shaping programmatic priorities, cultivating new opportunities, and connecting PNNL’s capabilities with national‑level needs. Operating remotely with regular engagement in Richland, WA, Seattle, WA, and Washington, D.C., the Advisor serves as a strategic liaison between PNNL technical teams, US Government sponsors, and the broader technical community. The position requires strong external networks, the ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders, and the judgement to influence programmatic, operational, and policy‑relevant decisions. The role requires independent, proactive leadership—identifying emerging challenges, generating new‑work concepts, shaping technical and programmatic direction, and supporting business development and funding capture. They will be responsible for aligning PNNL capabilities with sponsor strategy; supporting operational deployments; informing internal R&D investments; and expanding relationships across the Department of War (DOW), the Intelligence Community (IC), DOE laboratories, other federal agencies, and industry. Successful candidates will represent PNNL with senior leaders across government, the private sector, and the Laboratory complex. The position includes hosting government and industry partners, mentoring staff on sponsor engagement, and fostering collaboration across NSD.

Requirements

BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience OR MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Ability to pass a Federal background investigation.
Ability to pass pre-employment drug testing and comply with PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
Ability to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Nice To Haves

National-security technology and intelligence leader with over 10 years’ experience driving ISR modernization from concept to operations, leveraging AI, ML, and data strategy.
Extensive experience with AI in a national security context, including ability to explain technical implications, risks, and opportunities to senior non-technical leaders.
Mastery of analytic tradecraft and proven ability to train, mentor, and elevate analysts and technical staff.
Proven capacity to deliver technical guidance for strategic initiatives by addressing complex and ambiguous challenges through innovative, specialized solutions where standard procedures are not available.
Proven capability to leverage an extensive external network encompassing the military, IC, national laboratories, innovation entities, and industry partners to effectively accomplish mission objectives.
Established network with senior government executives responsible for AI, and familiarity with key AI relevant industry and academic partners.
Proven ability to engage as a credible expert with senior U.S. Government leaders, clearly communicating complex AI and analytics topics and influencing R&D and operational priorities.
Demonstrated success leading technical analysis and operational programs requiring close collaboration across multiple organizations.
Demonstrated program leadership and accountability; experience leading large mission teams and standing up new mission areas and innovation programs.
Strong track record working within and leading interdisciplinary teams composed of analysts, scientists, and engineers.
Demonstrated ability to identify new mission driven opportunities, build relationships, and convert them into funded programs or initiatives.
Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, with experience briefing and producing high impact analytic or technical products for senior policymakers and military or agency leadership.
Ability to apply expertise across varied challenges/domains (versatility and adaptability).

Responsibilities

Provide strategic technical direction, concept development, and high‑level stakeholder engagement in support of national security missions.
Advance mission‑aligned AI/ML solutions for government sponsors by shaping programmatic priorities, cultivating new opportunities, and connecting PNNL’s capabilities with national‑level needs.
Serve as a strategic liaison between PNNL technical teams, US Government sponsors, and the broader technical community.
Identify emerging challenges, generate new‑work concepts, shape technical and programmatic direction, and support business development and funding capture.
Align PNNL capabilities with sponsor strategy.
Support operational deployments.
Inform internal R&D investments.
Expand relationships across the Department of War (DOW), the Intelligence Community (IC), DOE laboratories, other federal agencies, and industry.
Represent PNNL with senior leaders across government, the private sector, and the Laboratory complex.
Host government and industry partners.
Mentor staff on sponsor engagement.
Foster collaboration across NSD.