Autonomous Systems Engineer - Expert - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

**Overview** Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation's highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex-from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL's scientific discovery and capabilities-rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools-are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe. Who we are: We are a group of passionate engineers who have a long history of building and deploying embedded RF sensor systems for a wide variety of sponsors and applications. We are 65+ electronics engineers, software engineers, mechanical engineers, physicists, etc.; all sharing the DNA and desire to deploy solutions for our sponsors that help the mission of national security. We are looking for that unique person who loves leading the research, design, development and testing of fieldable autonomous systems. This person will find that connecting technical solutions to the people who need our help also requires translating sponsors expressed needs into deliverables for those on the front lines protecting and serving our country. Specifically, in this role we are looking to enhance our leadership in the area of autonomous systems development and operation in various domains such as air, land, surface, underwater and space. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to be involved in both internal investments as well as externally funded projects that would help set the direction for autonomous systems research & development (R&D) at PNNL for the foreseeable future. **Responsibilities** + Researches, develops, designs, and tests electrical/electronic systems, components, equipment, and networks as well as their control and optimization theory and techniques + Adapts and applies control theory to design electrical/electronic systems with desired behaviors + Designs, develops, installs, and supervises all aspects of control systems and processes + Determines design approaches and parameters + Analyzes equipment to establish operating data, conducts experimental tests, and evaluates results + Selects components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability + Researches, develops, and applies tools, simulations, and models of electric power systems and components addressing problems in planning, operations, economics, resilience, and optimization of system performance + Designs and develops new techniques and methodologies for control and integration of diverse energy resources and points of consumption + Develops and applies system architectures, models, and technologies for secure and reliable electric power systems and related technologies such as communications systems and grid cyber security + PNNL is seeking an enthusiastic technical individual with knowledge of sponsor needs and a proven track record of solving those needs to help build our portfolio in the radio frequency domain The candidate will be responsible for: + Providing substantial technical contributions in a complex, time-sensitive, and safety-conscious laboratory working environment + Planning, executing, analyzing, and documenting engineering and research tasks with minimal supervision + Authoring and contributing to proposals, journal articles, technical reports, patent disclosures, and enhancement of external visibility of PNNL's research efforts + Successful execution of complex technical scope + Sustainment of existing sponsor funding + Development of new sponsor funding opportunities + Strategic advice related to sponsor needs + Strategic advice related to the group capability development + Mentoring of junior staff + Contributes to the coordination of initiatives and/or projects of diverse scope + Follows processes and operational policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions + Acts as advisor to subordinate(s) to meet schedules and/or resolve technical problems Technical qualifications we'll be looking for: + Sustained and recent experience in autonomous systems R&D + Experience in integrated hardware and software systems development + Experience in requirements management including Verification and Validation + Experience in Test and Evaluation (T&E) of fieldable systems as well as simulated environments + Proficiency in Python and modern C+ **Qualifications** Minimum Qualifications: + BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR- + MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR- + PhD with 5+ year of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: + Established record or research in the Autonomous Systems space published in peer reviewed journal articles or presented at juried conferences + Experienced with one or more federal sponsors a plus + Currently holding a federal security clearance **Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment** Not applicable. **Additional Information** This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. Requirements: + U.S. Citizenship + Background Investigation: 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. + Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and 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). Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated."Referral Eligible" **Testing Designated Position** This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. **About PNNL** Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. **Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity** Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov . **Drug Free Workplace** PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. **HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement** In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. **Mandatory Requirements** Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. **Rockstar Rewards** Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Research Associates excluded. **Once eligibility requirements are met. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards) **Notice to Applicants** PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position. **Minimum Salary** USD $165,500.00/Yr. **Maximum Salary** USD $261,600.00/Yr.