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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · 1 day ago

Chief Data Scientist V – GEOINT Domain

Richland, WA

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$195K/yr - $329K/yr

5+ years exp

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution committed to tackling grand challenges through science and technology. The Chief Data Scientist will lead large research programs in the geospatial intelligence domain, providing strategic vision and operationalizing data-driven solutions to address national security challenges.

Biomass EnergyEnergyGovernmentProduct ResearchSecurity

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Define and execute a strategic vision for large, multi-year GEOINT data science programs, advancing geospatial analytics and operational AI capabilities

Lead and mentor diverse teams of data scientists and software engineers by guiding analytic methodologies, research approaches, and project implementation. This includes developing advance machine learning (ML) models, designing end-to-end workflows, and performing model testing and validation

Collaborate with software engineering teams to integrate analytic capabilities into scalable, field-ready systems

Serve as principal investigator on highly visible programs, ensuring technical excellence, meeting research milestones, and fostering sponsor relationships

Identify and lead proposal efforts to shape future investments in GEOINT analytics and AI research

Represent PNNL leadership in GEOINT research via publishing, presenting in high-impact venues, and participating in national technical exchanges

Establish and foster partnerships across PNNL, other DOE national laboratories, academia, and industry to accelerate innovation and deliver mission-aligned solutions

Engage directly with government sponsors, ensuring research outcomes meet operational objectives and requirements

Mentor and develop future technical leaders, helping to build a world-class GEOINT data science workforce

Serve as the primary interface with sponsors and develop a deep understanding of their mission priorities

Gain insight into sponsors’ operational environments and technical requirements to enable effective deployment of new capabilities

Support the ideation and execution of strategic initiatives by identifying key stakeholders and outlining actionable plans

Effectively communicate and leverage PNNL’s role in the larger mission landscape, addressing technical solutions, relevant use cases, and critical challenges

Qualification

GEOINT expertiseAdvanced ML Model DevelopmentEnd-to-End Workflow DesignModel Testing & ValidationOverhead Intelligence KnowledgeCollaboration with software engineersExceptional communication skillsLeadership skillsMentorship abilities

Required

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

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)

Preferred

Advanced degree in computing, engineering, geospatial sciences, or related discipline

Nationally recognized expertise in GEOINT, geospatial analytics, or operational AI

Advanced ML Model Development: Experience designing, implementing, and training state-of-the-art object detection and image classification models (including foundation models) for overhead imagery, with expertise in synthetic data generation, data augmentation, knowledge distillation, and continuous learning approaches. Expertise in multi-modal data fusion is highly desired

End-to-End Workflow Design: Proven ability to develop and deploy complete machine learning pipelines that rapidly process and exploit large-scale overhead imagery datasets, including experience with the full image processing chain and handling large structured/unstructured datasets

Model Testing & Validation: Experience with comprehensive test and evaluation (T&E) and verification and validation (V&V) methodologies for ML models, including defining testing protocols and iteratively refining models based on performance feedback

Overhead Intelligence Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with overhead collection platforms and their technical characteristics as they relate to imagery analysis and processing workflows

Strong record of securing external funding, managing research portfolios, and initiating new R&D programs

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with software engineering teams to deliver operational solutions

Experience working effectively with funding sponsors such as DOE, NNSA, DoD, or DHS, with the ability to influence strategic investments

Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to represent PNNL at national and international levels in government, industry, and academia

Active security clearance (or the ability to obtain and maintain one)