Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Overview

PNNL’s core capabilities are organized into major directorates focused on specific scientific research areas. The AI and Data Analytics Division, part of the National Security Directorate, integrates advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address complex data and analytic challenges.

Richland, WA or Seattle, WA – on‑site presence required.

Senior Machine Learning Engineer – refactor and modularize research code for maintainability, extensibility, and reusability. Work with researchers and engineers to align research goals with deployment requirements, and develop packages, APIs, and interfaces for mission‑relevant environments.

• Lead refactoring, modularization, and optimization of research code to improve maintainability, scalability, and production readiness.
• Collaborate with researchers to understand algorithmic intent and with engineers to ensure seamless integration into broader systems and workflows.
• Design and develop tools, pipelines, and APIs that enable deployment into mission‑relevant environments.
• Influence technical roadmaps and architectural decisions for AI/ML infrastructure.
• Evaluate and recommend emerging tools, frameworks, and practices to keep the team at the leading edge.
• Establish and promote best practices for translating research outputs into robust, production‑quality software.
• Mentor junior staff on software engineering standards, code quality, and research‑to‑production workflows.
• Write clear, well‑documented code and lead code reviews to uphold team standards.
• Conduct work in secure environments with adherence to operational security requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience –or–
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience –or–
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience in research engineering, ML engineering, AI systems integration, or applied data science.
• Strong proficiency in Python and hands‑on experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch, Tensor Flow, Hugging Face).
• Demonstrated ability to navigate research codebases and translate them into production‑ready components.
• Experience designing and deploying scalable ML pipelines or AI‑enabled tools in operational or mission‑critical settings.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills, with the ability to bridge research and engineering teams.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. Applicants 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. U.S. citizenship is required.

PNNL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures and employment.