Lead Engineer – Physical Embodiment of AI Job Richland area,Washington USA,Engineering

Lead Engineer

At PNNL, we are seeking a Lead Engineer who can bring automation and autonomy to our R&D. A key facet is engineering the physical embodiment of artificial intelligence—translating advanced AI/ML algorithms into robust, fieldable autonomous robotic systems. This role focuses on the hardware implementation of autonomous systems, using advancements in embodied AI to create self-governing systems that have the capability of adapting without human intervention.

It requires deep expertise in mechanical engineering, robotics integration, autonomy architectures, and physical/digital test infrastructure development.

The selected candidate will support the design and implementation of integrated robotic platforms, digital twin ecosystems, and laboratory-scale autonomy testbeds that accelerate deployment across air, ground, maritime, subsea, and space domains. This role bridges mechanical design, embedded systems, autonomy software, simulation environments, and sponsor-driven mission needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience
-OR-
MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience
-OR-
PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Core Technical Depth

Demonstrated experience designing and deploying integrated robotic systems
Strong background in mechanical system design for mobile or fieldable platforms
Experience developing and validating digital twins of physical robotic systems
Expertise in autonomy stack integration across hardware and software layers
Experience with embedded systems and edge AI optimization
Proficiency in Python and modern C++
Experience with ROS/ROS2 and robotics middleware

Testbed & Infrastructure Development

Experience building robotic laboratories or autonomy experimentation facilities
Experience implementing SIL/HIL frameworks
Experience integrating COTS embedded compute platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, M.2 accelerators)
Experience generating and scaling datasets through simulation engines (Omniverse, Isaac Sim, Unreal, Blender)

Research & Field Deployment

Sustained experience in autonomous systems R&D
Experience transitioning research systems into operational environments
Record of peer-reviewed publications or juried conference presentations
Experience working with federal sponsors, particularly within defense or national security missions
Knowledge of security and compliance requirements for fielded autonomous systems

This position is based in Richland, WA and requires onsite engagement with robotic laboratories and hardware development environments.