Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · 8 hours ago
Principal Research Scientist – AI and ML for the Electrical Grid
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$173K/yr - $274K/yr
5+ years expPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is addressing significant energy challenges through innovative research. They are seeking a Principal Research Scientist with expertise in AI and ML to lead research initiatives aimed at improving the electrical grid's operation, resilience, and security.
Biomass EnergyEnergyGovernmentProduct ResearchSecurity
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead pioneering research efforts to apply AI, including generative AI and agent-based approaches, to improve the operation, automation, resilience, and security of the electrical grid
Lead PNNL’s research agenda on AI for the grid by contributing to strategic planning and securing funding opportunities
Operationalizing AI research and development for the purposes of ensuring national and economic security especially as it relates to Defense Critical Electric Infrastructure
Develop and drive innovative concepts for real-world applications of ML in areas such as energy forecasting, grid disturbance detection, anomaly detection, and human-in-the-loop decision-making for grid operators
Serve as the principal investigator (PI) on complex, multi-disciplinary research projects funded by DOE, ARPA-E, utilities, and other stakeholders. Define project vision, build teams, and oversee successful execution
Collaborate across different components of the organization supplying domain expertise to AI/ML experts in other areas
Mentor and coach junior, mid-career, and senior scientists in the AI and grid research space, fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and excellence within the team
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including universities, grid operators, utilities, ISO/RTOs, national labs, and solution providers, to identify emerging needs and develop solutions that scale to the real world
Publish high-impact peer-reviewed papers, present research findings at conferences, and represent PNNL as a leader in the AI-for-energy community
Qualification
Required
BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
PhD with 5+ years 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
Deep understanding and experience applying machine learning and agentic approaches to the grid domain
Expertise in energy systems, power systems, or grid operations, with a strong understanding of the technical and operational challenges facing modern and future grids
Proven track record of leading large-scale, interdisciplinary research teams and securing competitive research funding
Knowledge of U.S. energy infrastructure, regulatory landscape, and the role of AI/ML in supporting grid modernization goals
Experience integrating AI models, including Agentic approaches, into planning or real-time operations engineering workflows for electric utilities or ISOs/RTOs
Demonstrated thought leadership in emerging AI applications, particularly around explainable AI, ethical AI, and AI for critical infrastructure
Strong communication and technical writing skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights for diverse audiences, including technical experts, policymakers, and stakeholders
Established professional network within AI, ML, DOE, or energy industry communities
Must be able to acquire and maintain a national security clearance, Q/SCI
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Robust telehealth care options
Several mental health benefits
Free wellness coaching
Health savings account
Flexible spending accounts
Basic life insurance
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Business travel insurance
Tuition assistance
Relocation
Backup childcare
Legal benefits
Supplemental parental bonding leave
Surrogacy and adoption assistance
Fertility support
Company-funded pension plan
401 (k) savings plan with company match
120 vacation hours per year
Ten paid holidays per year
Company
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory operates as a government research laboratory.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2022-07-14Grant
2018-07-16Grant
Leadership Team
Allison Campbell
Associate Laboratory Director for Earth and Biological Sciences
Deborah Gracio
Laboratory Director
Recent News
Inside HPC & AI News | High-Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence
2026-01-11
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
2026-01-03
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