Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is looking for an early career Software Engineer on the Software Engineering and Architectures (SEA) team within the National Security Directorate (NSD). This onsite role in Richland, WA helps build mission-critical AI and intelligence platform software, with mentorship, code review, and production deployment as core parts of the experience. Salary range: USD 83,100 - 122,100 per year.
What you’ll build
You will collaborate with experienced engineers to design, build, and optimize scalable systems for processing multi-modal intelligence data at a remarkable scale and speed. Work includes developing applications that use AI agents and large language models (LLMs), supporting LLM integrations, evaluation, testing, and foundational MLOps practices. You will also contribute to software that combines multiple sources of intelligence and supports geospatial analysis, helping users understand complex information.
How the role develops your skills
- Build and maintain data pipelines and develop analytics workflows while learning how cloud-native systems process and manage data at scale.
- Participate in code reviews and design discussions, and grow in testing, debugging, documentation, and enterprise software development.
- Receive mentorship with increasing responsibility as you design, build, deploy, and support production-quality software.
Core responsibilities
- Collaborate with experienced engineers to design, build, and optimize scalable systems for processing multi-modal intelligence data.
- Develop AI-powered applications using AI agents and LLMs, including integrations, evaluation, testing, and foundational MLOps practices.
- Contribute to software that combines multiple sources of intelligence, supports geospatial analysis, and improves user understanding.
- Build and maintain data pipelines and analytics workflows; learn cloud-native data processing and management at scale.
- Join code reviews and design discussions while strengthening skills in testing, debugging, documentation, and enterprise development.
- Work with mentors to take on increasing responsibility and support production-quality software.
- Shape mission-critical AI systems and help build enterprise-scale data platforms for intelligence and security applications.
Required qualifications
- BS/BA or higher
- Hands-on experience building and delivering software applications using Python through professional, internship, academic, or personal projects
- Degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
- Experience programming in Python, Go, Rust, C#/.NET, or C++
- Solid understanding of software engineering and data management best practices
- Demonstrated strong communication and collaborative skills
- Technical skills to grow: at least one cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and familiarity with Linux environments
- Understanding of Git and version control, exposure to CI/CD, and familiarity with Agile or Scrum
- Experience writing SQL and a basic understanding of data modeling, data processing, or data pipeline concepts
- Familiarity with AI coding tools such as Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, or similar tools
- Comfort using AI coding tools to explore code, generate or improve tests, troubleshoot issues, and accelerate development while applying sound judgment around accuracy, security, code quality, and validation
- Interest in AI/ML, geospatial systems, large-scale data processing, and learning new technologies and domains
Location and schedule
This position is located in Richland, WA and requires onsite presence Monday through Thursday, with Friday as required by business needs.
Security clearance and drug-free workplace
- Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance is required.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens and selected applicants will be subject to a Federal background investigation to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
- This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP), requiring pre-employment drug testing and random post-employment drug testing.
- Applicants must demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
- PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by its Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP), and employment is contingent on passing a drug test. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
HSPD-12 PIV credential requirement
PNNL must obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential for new employees. To obtain the credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive favorable federal adjudication. Investigation tiers include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on tier), including marijuana and cannabis derivatives.
- 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 will need a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment.
- After meeting the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
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* (automatic enrollment)
- 401 (k) savings plan with company match*
- Accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year
- Ten paid holidays per year
