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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · 18 hours ago

Principal Advisor, AI and Analytics

District of Columbia, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff

$195K/yr - $329K/yr

11+ years exp

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution focused on scientific research and national security. The Principal Advisor, AI and Analytics will connect PNNL’s AI, data science, and analytics teams with U.S. Government sponsors to address national security challenges through innovative AI and analytics solutions.

Biomass EnergyEnergyGovernmentProduct ResearchSecurity

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Connect missions and capabilities

Maintain deep, current knowledge of PNNL’s AI, data science, and analytics portfolio and actively connect these capabilities to sponsor mission needs through joint working sessions, meetings, and collaborative forums

Serve as a primary liaison between senior sponsor leadership and PNNL project teams in DC, Seattle, and Richland, ensuring two‑way translation of mission needs and technical possibilities

Lead collaborative solution development

Convene and lead multidisciplinary teams from PNNL, sponsor organizations, other national labs, industry, and academia to co‑develop visionary AI‑ and analytics‑enabled solutions to sponsors’ hardest problems

Build consensus and advocacy for implementation by aligning technical approaches with policy, operational, and acquisition realities

Shape strategy and R&D investments

Leverage deep knowledge of sponsor missions, day‑to‑day operations, and analytic tradecraft to jointly define problem sets, success criteria, and roadmaps for new starts and major initiatives

Provide authoritative technical and policy insight to PNNL and sponsor leadership on AI and emerging technologies, informing internal R&D investment and external program strategy

Co‑develop strategies for PNNL’s AI, data science, and analytics portfolio that incorporate emerging national and international trends and lessons learned from collaborative efforts

Enhance analytic production and tradecraft

Improve PNNL’s analytic products by mentoring others on state‑of‑the‑art analytic tradecraft and processes

Advocate for and support improved analytic tradecraft standards, ensuring AI‑ and data‑enabled products are rigorous, policy‑relevant, and accessible to senior consumers

Build and sustain communities and partnerships

Organize and host visiting government and industry teams at PNNL’s DC, Richland, and Seattle facilities, designing engagements as working sessions that produce concrete collaborative outcomes

Strengthen partnerships with other DOE labs, government agencies, and AI‑relevant industry and academic partners to enable cross‑lab and cross‑agency initiatives of national importance

Represent PNNL in interagency and multi‑agency forums focused on AI and emerging technologies, and help lead or contribute to key committees and working groups

Guide teams and mentor talent

Provide collaborative leadership and advisory support to cross‑functional project teams (analysts, scientists, engineers, and developers) to help them prioritize, meet delivery schedules, and resolve technical and analytic challenges

Mentor junior and senior staff on sponsor interaction, briefing and writing at the highest levels, and career progression—fostering a culture of shared learning, high tradecraft standards, and cross‑organizational collaboration

Qualification

AI expertiseData analyticsNational security experienceTechnical leadershipInterdisciplinary collaborationOral communicationWritten communicationMentoringCommittee leadershipAnalytic tradecraftSecurity clearanceRelationship building

Required

BS/BA and 13 years of relevant experience -OR-

MS/MA or higher and 11 years of relevant experience

Preferred

Degree relevant to this position

Experience working for a government agency in national security or defense

Demonstrated success leading applied research, technical analysis, or operational programs that require close collaboration across multiple organizations

Proven ability to engage as a credible expert with senior U.S. Government leaders (e.g., flag/general officers, Assistant Secretary/Deputy Secretary or Director/Deputy Director level), clearly communicating complex AI and analytics topics and influencing decisions on R&D and operational priorities

Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, including experience briefing and producing high-impact analytic or technical products for senior policymakers and military or agency leadership

Strong track record working within and leading interdisciplinary teams composed of analysts, scientists, and engineers

Demonstrated ability to identify new mission-driven opportunities, build relationships, and turn them into funded programs or initiatives

Experience leading or chairing highly collaborative committees, working groups, or communities of practice focused on scientific and technical topics

Extensive experience with AI in a national security context, including the ability to explain technical implications, risks, and opportunities to senior non-technical leaders

Proven ability to build and sustain trusted relationships across all levels—from junior analysts to senior executives—across multiple agencies, labs, and partner organizations

Established network with senior government executives responsible for AI, and familiarity with key AI-relevant industry and academic partners

Mastery of analytic tradecraft and a proven ability to train, mentor, and elevate analysts and technical staff across organizations

Possession of an active security clearance