Technical Advisor, AI/ML

Overview
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 AI and Data Analytics Division, part of NSD, combines profound domain expertise and creative integration of advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address complex data and analytic challenges. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we connect foundational research to engineering to operations, providing the tools to innovate quickly and field results faster. Our strengths are integrated across the data analytics lifecycle, from data acquisition and management to analysis and decision support.

Responsibilities
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.

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications
• BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications
• 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 co

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