Group Leader - Advanced Engineered Systems

"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 Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division, part of the National Security Directorate, delivers policy-informed technology solutions by removing barriers to real-world implementation. We strive to understand end-user environments to transition technology from the developmental stage to deployment. Our diverse expertise in operational systems provides tools, technologies, and approaches for combating a range of threats, both at home and in more than 100 countries around the globe.

The Division is seeking a strategic and technically grounded leader for the Advanced Engineered Systems Group. This leader will guide a talented multidisciplinary organization while shaping a forward-looking vision that expands technical capability, grows sponsor relationships, and develops new mission-focused programs.

The Advanced Engineered Systems Group supports a future mission environment increasingly defined by resilient communications, autonomous and robotic platforms, advanced sensing technologies, and edge computing solutions for size-, weight-, and power-constrained environments. The Group's approximately 50 staff-including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, technicians, and project support professionals-design, prototype, integrate, and deploy complex systems that address national security challenges ranging from contraband detection to nuclear material identification.

The Group is recognized for delivering customized, operationally relevant systems to users in the field. Core capabilities span automation and autonomous systems; sensing and communications payload development; robotic operating systems; operationalization of AI/ML-enabled capabilities; and autonomous vehicle operations across air, land, and maritime domains. The Group also advances resilient sensing and communications technologies across the electromagnetic spectrum, including RF, optical, acoustic, and mmWave systems, along with RF fingerprinting, edge computing, and technology maturation from early-stage research through prototyping and operational deployment.

The Group Leader must possess a strong understanding of engineered systems, hardware-software integration, and the full technology development lifecycle from concept through deployed capability. Success in this role requires the ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams, cultivate sponsor relationships, align investments with strategic mission needs, and execute complex programs that deliver operational impact.

Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Execution

* Partner across technical groups to develop integrated capabilities that address emerging mission needs.

* Lead Group strategy, capability development, and growth in emerging technology areas.

* Contribute to the PDSD Division Level strategy.

* Build collaborations across PNNL to strengthen capabilities and support new business opportunities.

People Leadership

* Lead and develop an approximately 50-person multidisciplinary organization.

* Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, accountability, and technical excellence.

* Support recruitment, workforce planning, staff development, and succession planning.

* Create an engaging, high-performing work environment that supports staff wellbeing and growth.

Operational Management

* Manage Group operations, staffing, facilities, and technical assets to support mission execution.

* Ensure safe, secure, and compliant laboratory operations with strong…