Software Engineer 1

Designs, develop, document, test, and debug new and existing software systems, hardware/software interfaces, and/or applications according to industry established software engineering principles and best practices. Works collaboratively within a team to execute on the full system development lifecycle including analyzing user needs to determine technical requirements; developing technical specifications based on conceptual design and requirements; developing well-crafted and documented source code; integrating hardware using software; automating manual tasks; and consulting with the end user to prototype, configure, refine, test, and debug programs or systems to meet needs. Identifies and evaluates new technologies or methods for implementation and continuous improvement.

This Software Engineer 1 role will support the development of the EMSL Science Central technology platform with a focus on backend services, data infrastructure, and platform reliability. The successful candidate will design and develop RESTful APIs using Python and FastAPI, build and maintain PostgreSQL databases, implement role-based access control (RBAC) across platform services, and contribute to the deployment of containerized services in Kubernetes environments. The team follows modern DevOps principles using GitLab CI/CD and actively uses AI-assisted development tools - including GitHub Copilot, OpenCode, and Claude Code - to accelerate development and improve code quality. The candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to deliver scalable, maintainable software that supports scientific research workflows at EMSL. Familiarity with frontend technologies is a plus but is not a primary focus of this role.

• BS/BA or higher in Bioinformatics, * Experience working at national labs and/or DOE
• Working knowledge of Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, and other deployment environments
• API development using Python
• Experience designing and implementing role-based access control (RBAC) for APIs and platform services
• Experience with API gateways (e.g., Kong, AWS API Gateway, or similar) for routing, rate limiting, and authentication enforcement
• Backend languages and tools such as Python and PostgreSQL
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or Github Actions
• Experience using AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, OpenCode, Claude Code, or similar) in a professional software development workflow
• Familiarity with RESTful API design patterns and backend service architecture

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

PNNL 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 Salary

USD $83,100.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $122,100.00/Yr.

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, 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 Integrated Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) leads fundamental research across biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, materials science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, mathematics, autonomy, and DOE national user facilities. Our vision is to accelerate scientific discovery by observing, understanding, simulating, predicting, and controlling dynamic biotic-abiotic processes and interactions within complex biological, chemical, material, and Earth systems. We intentionally connect disciplines to advance fundamental discovery science, develop transformative scientific capabilities, and address the nation’s most important challenges in energy, environmental resilience, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, health, and national security., Pacific 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., Please 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.