Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Division Director, Physical Detection Systems & Deployment
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, United States, 99352
Overview
At 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, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational 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 Division Director (DD) plays a pivotal role in leading and developing a management team, inspiring staff and programs to achieve strategic goals, and cultivating a spirit of courageous discovery and inclusiveness within the Division’s workforce.
Responsibilities The PDSD DD is a member of the NSD senior leadership team, reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director for National Security. The DD influences organizational strategy and institutional efforts at the directorate and laboratory level, collaborating across the entire laboratory to envision and deliver new capabilities. The position partners extensively with peer leaders in the Program Development Office to support business development; with the Program Management Offices to support project execution; and across the Laboratory to advance our science, energy, and security missions. The DD oversees 5–7 Group Leaders who manage individual technical departments, which include staff located at PNNL facilities in Richland and Seattle WA, and remote staff distributed around the US.
PDSD Core Capabilities
Rare Event & Low Background Detection: supports low background measurements including signature definition, sample separation, detector design and construction, and analysis of backgrounds and data.
Semiconductor Device Fabrication: leads innovation in quantum and radiation‑hard (rad‑hard) semiconductor device fabrication, focusing on novel architecture, next‑generation materials, and enhanced manufacturing techniques to meet high‑performance demands.
Automation & Autonomous Systems: engineers/technicians/software developers across multiple teams with expertise in sensing and communications payload development, ROS and operational AI/ML models, and autonomous vehicle operations in air, land, and marine environments.
Radiofrequency Sensing & Communications: focuses on EM spectrum monitoring & analysis, mmWave imaging, RF fingerprinting, edge compute and developing low TRL to higher TRL through prototyping.
Nuclear Materials & Border Security: includes essential regional stakeholder relationship management, expert project delivery, readily deployable integrated technology solutions, technical subject matter expertise, strategic thinking, and thought leadership.
How We Work
We are intensely collaborative: key decisions are made by incorporating perspectives of diverse stakeholders, building relationships inside the Laboratory founded on mutual respect.
We lead with integrity: our missions focus on critical issues with safety and security expectations.
We lead through influence: while DDs have specific responsibilities, they must influence positive change inside the Laboratory and with external stakeholders beyond their immediate areas.
We are mission‑driven: we start with why—connecting discovery science to applied R&D that meets real‑world requirements.
Specific Responsibilities
Strategy Execution
Develop, implement, and communicate effective strategies and plans to advance physical detection systems for national security missions.
Anticipate and develop emerging R&D areas to address future needs of core mission sponsors.
Develop and maintain internationally distinctive research capabilities inside the Division.
Align Division capabilities and roadmaps with priorities of other organizations across NSD and PNNL to accomplish shared institutional goals.
Develop trusted partnerships across PNNL to develop new capabilities.
Partner closely with business development managers and project managers to support definition and capture of new opportunities and alignment between project scope and capability directions.
People Leadership
Develop and manage a strong Division leadership team; coach and develop future leaders; attract senior technical leaders to the Division.
Create an inspiring organizational culture and a work environment that maximizes engagement, wellbeing, and innovation.
Develop and implement talent development plans including hiring strategies and staff professional growth.
Develop practices to best align staff resources with strategic and programmatic needs.
Maximize diversity and inclusion in R&D program execution and Division operations.
Organizational Management
Manage and enhance the facilities and assets required to deliver on Division and organizational strategies; ensure mission readiness of Division capabilities.
Develop and manage Division overhead budgets to align with strategic priorities.
Lead with integrity; create an environment of operational discipline around security and safety.
Embrace and nurture a culture of inclusion, transparency, and accountability.
External Engagement
Develop approaches for enhancing external reputation and visibility of Division capabilities through publication strategies and outreach to technical and sponsor communities.
Develop strong relationships with leaders at peer laboratories, universities, and industry to create collaboration networks necessary to deliver on strategic priorities.
Actively engage senior leaders in sponsor organizations, in partnership with Program Development managers, to shape strategic thinking about future investments.
This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
BS/BA and 15 years work experience - or -
MS/MA or higher and 13 years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in an engineering discipline, physics, mathematics, or statistics, or a related field.
Proven experience with management of large‑scale advanced computing projects or organizations and leading multi‑disciplinary teams.
Experience effectively engaging with funding sponsors such as DOE, NNSA, DoD, or DHS; demonstrated ability to initiate substantial new R&D efforts and collaborations.
Experience in effective management and administrative oversight, creativity in decision making and problem solving, and dedication to mentoring and career development.
Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting information clearly to diverse audiences.
Experience in interacting at the highest levels of management, internally and externally, constructively and collaboratively.
Possession of an active security clearance.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not applicable.
Additional Information This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty. The investigation also examines foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Requirements:
U.S. Citizenship.
Background Investigation: Applicants will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter under 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Drug Testing: All security clearance positions are testing designated positions; applicants must demonstrate non‑use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 months preceding completion of the 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 Position This position is a testing designated position (TDP). The selected candidate 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 PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world‑class research institution committed to Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, an enthusiastic workforce works on meaningful science and innovations for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors. At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits, including health insurance and flexible work schedules. The lab’s campus is located in eastern Washington State, and is serviced by the PSC airport.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity PNNL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer treating all individuals fairly and respectfully. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in employment. Contact careers@pnnl.gov if assistance or accommodation is needed.
Drug‑Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug‑free workplace and requires a drug test prior to employment. Any positive test for illegal controlled substances, including marijuana, will result in withdrawal of the employment offer.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements Employees must obtain and maintain a HSPD‑12 PIV credential. This requires successful background investigation post‑hire. Eligibility and tier of investigation depend on duties and national security or public trust responsibilities. Foreign nationals without three consecutive years of U.S. residency require a local site‑specific only credential; once eligible, they must obtain a PIV credential. DOE prohibits affiliation with certain “country‑of‑risk” governments without explicit approval.
Rockstar Rewards Employees and families receive medical, dental, vision, telehealth, mental health, wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending, basic life, disability insurance, employee assistance, travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, fertility support, and automatic enrollment in a pension plan. Additional benefits include vacation hours and paid holidays. (Research Associates excluded; benefits depend on eligibility.)
Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and the placement depends on skill level. Compensation offers are determined by position requirements, market trends, pay equity, and applicant qualifications. The organization does not ask for or consider current or past salaries.
Minimum Salary USD $233,400.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary USD $368,800.00/Yr.
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The Division Director (DD) plays a pivotal role in leading and developing a management team, inspiring staff and programs to achieve strategic goals, and cultivating a spirit of courageous discovery and inclusiveness within the Division’s workforce.
Responsibilities The PDSD DD is a member of the NSD senior leadership team, reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director for National Security. The DD influences organizational strategy and institutional efforts at the directorate and laboratory level, collaborating across the entire laboratory to envision and deliver new capabilities. The position partners extensively with peer leaders in the Program Development Office to support business development; with the Program Management Offices to support project execution; and across the Laboratory to advance our science, energy, and security missions. The DD oversees 5–7 Group Leaders who manage individual technical departments, which include staff located at PNNL facilities in Richland and Seattle WA, and remote staff distributed around the US.
PDSD Core Capabilities
Rare Event & Low Background Detection: supports low background measurements including signature definition, sample separation, detector design and construction, and analysis of backgrounds and data.
Semiconductor Device Fabrication: leads innovation in quantum and radiation‑hard (rad‑hard) semiconductor device fabrication, focusing on novel architecture, next‑generation materials, and enhanced manufacturing techniques to meet high‑performance demands.
Automation & Autonomous Systems: engineers/technicians/software developers across multiple teams with expertise in sensing and communications payload development, ROS and operational AI/ML models, and autonomous vehicle operations in air, land, and marine environments.
Radiofrequency Sensing & Communications: focuses on EM spectrum monitoring & analysis, mmWave imaging, RF fingerprinting, edge compute and developing low TRL to higher TRL through prototyping.
Nuclear Materials & Border Security: includes essential regional stakeholder relationship management, expert project delivery, readily deployable integrated technology solutions, technical subject matter expertise, strategic thinking, and thought leadership.
How We Work
We are intensely collaborative: key decisions are made by incorporating perspectives of diverse stakeholders, building relationships inside the Laboratory founded on mutual respect.
We lead with integrity: our missions focus on critical issues with safety and security expectations.
We lead through influence: while DDs have specific responsibilities, they must influence positive change inside the Laboratory and with external stakeholders beyond their immediate areas.
We are mission‑driven: we start with why—connecting discovery science to applied R&D that meets real‑world requirements.
Specific Responsibilities
Strategy Execution
Develop, implement, and communicate effective strategies and plans to advance physical detection systems for national security missions.
Anticipate and develop emerging R&D areas to address future needs of core mission sponsors.
Develop and maintain internationally distinctive research capabilities inside the Division.
Align Division capabilities and roadmaps with priorities of other organizations across NSD and PNNL to accomplish shared institutional goals.
Develop trusted partnerships across PNNL to develop new capabilities.
Partner closely with business development managers and project managers to support definition and capture of new opportunities and alignment between project scope and capability directions.
People Leadership
Develop and manage a strong Division leadership team; coach and develop future leaders; attract senior technical leaders to the Division.
Create an inspiring organizational culture and a work environment that maximizes engagement, wellbeing, and innovation.
Develop and implement talent development plans including hiring strategies and staff professional growth.
Develop practices to best align staff resources with strategic and programmatic needs.
Maximize diversity and inclusion in R&D program execution and Division operations.
Organizational Management
Manage and enhance the facilities and assets required to deliver on Division and organizational strategies; ensure mission readiness of Division capabilities.
Develop and manage Division overhead budgets to align with strategic priorities.
Lead with integrity; create an environment of operational discipline around security and safety.
Embrace and nurture a culture of inclusion, transparency, and accountability.
External Engagement
Develop approaches for enhancing external reputation and visibility of Division capabilities through publication strategies and outreach to technical and sponsor communities.
Develop strong relationships with leaders at peer laboratories, universities, and industry to create collaboration networks necessary to deliver on strategic priorities.
Actively engage senior leaders in sponsor organizations, in partnership with Program Development managers, to shape strategic thinking about future investments.
This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
BS/BA and 15 years work experience - or -
MS/MA or higher and 13 years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in an engineering discipline, physics, mathematics, or statistics, or a related field.
Proven experience with management of large‑scale advanced computing projects or organizations and leading multi‑disciplinary teams.
Experience effectively engaging with funding sponsors such as DOE, NNSA, DoD, or DHS; demonstrated ability to initiate substantial new R&D efforts and collaborations.
Experience in effective management and administrative oversight, creativity in decision making and problem solving, and dedication to mentoring and career development.
Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting information clearly to diverse audiences.
Experience in interacting at the highest levels of management, internally and externally, constructively and collaboratively.
Possession of an active security clearance.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not applicable.
Additional Information This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty. The investigation also examines foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Requirements:
U.S. Citizenship.
Background Investigation: Applicants will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter under 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Drug Testing: All security clearance positions are testing designated positions; applicants must demonstrate non‑use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 months preceding completion of the 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 Position This position is a testing designated position (TDP). The selected candidate 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 PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world‑class research institution committed to Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, an enthusiastic workforce works on meaningful science and innovations for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors. At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits, including health insurance and flexible work schedules. The lab’s campus is located in eastern Washington State, and is serviced by the PSC airport.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity PNNL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer treating all individuals fairly and respectfully. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in employment. Contact careers@pnnl.gov if assistance or accommodation is needed.
Drug‑Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug‑free workplace and requires a drug test prior to employment. Any positive test for illegal controlled substances, including marijuana, will result in withdrawal of the employment offer.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements Employees must obtain and maintain a HSPD‑12 PIV credential. This requires successful background investigation post‑hire. Eligibility and tier of investigation depend on duties and national security or public trust responsibilities. Foreign nationals without three consecutive years of U.S. residency require a local site‑specific only credential; once eligible, they must obtain a PIV credential. DOE prohibits affiliation with certain “country‑of‑risk” governments without explicit approval.
Rockstar Rewards Employees and families receive medical, dental, vision, telehealth, mental health, wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending, basic life, disability insurance, employee assistance, travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, fertility support, and automatic enrollment in a pension plan. Additional benefits include vacation hours and paid holidays. (Research Associates excluded; benefits depend on eligibility.)
Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and the placement depends on skill level. Compensation offers are determined by position requirements, market trends, pay equity, and applicant qualifications. The organization does not ask for or consider current or past salaries.
Minimum Salary USD $233,400.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary USD $368,800.00/Yr.
#J-18808-Ljbffr