OverviewAt 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, Integrated Discovery 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 Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division (PDSD), part of NSD, delivers policy-informed technology solutions by removing barriers to real-world implementation. We strive to understand end-user environments to transition technology from the developmental stage to deployment. Our diverse expertise in operational systems provides tools, technologies, and approaches for combating a range of threats, both at home and in more than 100 countries around the globe.
The Disruptive Technology group, part of PDSD, supports national-security missions requiring instrumentation, control systems, data acquisition, measurement science, and technical problem solving across physics and engineering applications.
ResponsibilitiesThe Disruptive Technology group is seeking an Electrical and Electromechanical Systems Engineer III with electrical engineering and electromechanical systems experience to support hardware development, integration, troubleshooting, and deployment of complex measurement systems.
This role will also support nuclear event monitoring and related deployable measurement-system activities, including next-generation in-field gas analysis systems for detection and characterization of radioactive noble gases.
The successful candidate will be expected to learn the technical mission area, execute hands-on engineering work, and grow into a project-facing technical contributor who can interact with sponsors and support higher-level technical planning.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, review, and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, interface definitions, and configuration-controlled technical documentation for prototype and deployed instrumentation systems.
- Design, implement, and troubleshoot control-system hardware for integrated gas-processing systems.
- Troubleshoot low-voltage and high-voltage electrical circuits, instrument wiring, sensor interfaces, power distribution, grounding, noise, and system integration issues in laboratory and deployment-like environments.
- Support electromechanical system development, assembly, verification, commissioning, field-readiness activities, field deployment support, and post-test troubleshooting.
- Connect measurement-system needs with practical engineering outputs, including subsystem requirements, test plans, acceptance criteria, and corrective-action recommendations.
- Analyze operational and experimental data to diagnose system performance, identify failure modes, and recommend design or process improvements.
- Contribute to automation, maintainability, throughput, consumables reduction, and measurement-efficiency improvements for next-generation deployable detection systems.
- Coordinate with scientists, software engineers, mechanical engineers, technicians, project managers, and sponsors to deliver safe, reliable, and mission-relevant technical outcomes.
- Prepare figures, test summaries, engineering notes, technical reports, and presentation materials for internal project reviews, sponsor discussions, and technical decision-making.
- Operate with high standards for quality, safety, security, conduct of research, and protection of sensitive information.
This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence Monday through Friday. QualificationsMinimum 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 Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Systems Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
- Experience designing, documenting, integrating, and troubleshooting control systems or instrumentation hardware.
- Hands-on experience with prototype wiring, sensors, signal conditioning, DAQ interfaces, power supplies, relays, interlocks, electrical safety practices, and laboratory troubleshooting.
- Working knowledge of electromechanical systems involving gas handling, vacuum systems, compressors, valves, detectors, embedded controllers, PLCs, or automated test systems.
- Ability to translate ambiguous system behavior into structured troubleshooting plans, test procedures, data reviews, and corrective actions.
- Experience supporting fieldable or deployable systems, including configuration management, maintainability, verification, and operational-readiness activities.
- Competence with data analysis or scripting tools such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or equivalent tools.
- Interest in advancing measurement systems through practical use of automation, AI/ML-enabled diagnostics where appropriate, new sensors, and emerging technologies.
- Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain technical findings to project teams, sponsors, and non-specialist stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary science and engineering teams.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot applicable.
Additional InformationThis 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.
Testing Designated PositionThis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
About PNNLPacific 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 OpportunityOur 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
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL 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 RequirementsAs 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 duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered 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, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $122,100.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $193,000.00/Yr.
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