Technical Project Manager, Software Engineer and AI

Technical Project Manager 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. We are seeking an experienced Technical Project Manager to support the successful delivery of software implementation projects. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in software engineering, computer science, mathematics or data science. Highly desired skills include knowledge of the full software development lifecycle, expertise in agile project management, and the ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, and project milestones effectively. This position requires strong communication skills, exceptional organizational abilities, and a proactive approach to project management. Key Responsibilities Manage day-to-day execution of software engineering, data science, and AI/ML projects from initiation through deployment and transition to operations. Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, milestones, staffing plans, and status reporting. Apply agile project management practices to support software delivery, data science experimentation, and iterative development. Coordinate with Technical Leads, Software Architects, Principal Investigators, data scientists, engineers, and subject matter experts to support project execution and issue resolution. Support management of data science and AI/ML workstreams, including planning for data readiness, experimentation, model development, validation, deployment, and operational integration. Track project progress, risks, dependencies, decisions, and action items using tools such as Jira and Confluence. Identify, communicate, and help mitigate project risks related to scope, technical execution, data availability, model performance, and deployment readiness. Communicate project status, issues, and recommendations to sponsors, leadership, and project teams. Support management of complex project scope by balancing sponsor priorities, technical constraints, and delivery timelines. Provide routine performance feedback for project team members and partner with line management to support staff development. Create development opportunities for project team members through stretch assignments, sponsor exposure, technical challenges, and participation in new initiatives. Support the Project Management Office, Sector, and line management with project planning, proposal development, recruiting, and process improvement activities. Serve as a project interface with sponsors and stakeholders, building understanding of mission objectives and operational requirements. Mentor at least one early-career project manager or project team member and contribute to the growth of project management capability within the organization. Support professional development across the team, including planning for conferences, publications, and other development opportunities as appropriate within project resources. This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence. Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant project management experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 7+ years of relevant project management experience Preferred Qualifications: Degree in computer science, data science, information technology, engineering, or a related technical field Experience managing software engineering, analytics, AI/ML, or data science projects in technically complex environments Experience working with cross-functional teams that include software engineers, data scientists, researchers, and subject matter experts Familiarity with agile delivery methods and project tracking tools such as Jira and Confluence Familiarity with data science and AI/ML lifecycle activities, including experimentation, validation, deployment, and operationalization Experience developing and managing project schedules, budgets, dependencies, and delivery metrics Experience supporting sponsor engagement and communicating with technical and program stakeholders Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and team collaboration skills PMP certification or ability to obtain and maintain certification within a defined period after hire This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct. 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 applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment 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 if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated. 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 and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job