Test and Evaluation Systems Engineer II

PNNL is seeking a System Engineer II to support test and evaluation, systems integration, verification and validation, and technical program activities in support of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other national security mission needs. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to plan, coordinate, execute, and document technical efforts that assess emerging technologies and support their transition into operational environments.

Projects may support DHS missions including border security, critical infrastructure protection, detection and screening technologies, situational awareness, emergency response, and other homeland security applications.

The position requires a highly organized and technically proficient engineer who can manage competing priorities, coordinate technical activities, track risks and issues, and contribute to the successful execution of complex projects. The selected candidate will support mission-focused engineering efforts by helping ensure technical quality, effective communication, and rigorous execution of test and evaluation activities across a diverse portfolio of homeland security and national security programs.

In this role, the selected candidate will design, implement, test, and maintain software for instrument control, user interfaces, data acquisition, and technical analysis workflows. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and engineers to connect measurement needs with robust software systems that support laboratory testing, system integration, deployment readiness, and operational troubleshooting.

Additional Responsibilites:

• Plans, develops, designs, and manages holistic systems solutions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provides expertise in how to tailor systems engineering techniques and processes to meet project objectives within constraints.
• Balances systems thinking and systems engineering best practices, as needed, over the full range of technology maturity levels.
• Applies systems engineering expertise to define cost/benefit and risk/opportunity, develop and analyze alternatives, support decisions, and mitigate risks.
• Develop and maintain plans and procedures for assigned technical activities.
• Coordinate test readiness, schedules, staffing, equipment, and required documentation.
• Track technical issues, risks, decisions, and action items through resolution.
• Review test and data products for completeness, consistency, and adherence to approved processes.
• Support system integration, verification, validation, and operational testing activities.
• Coordinate technical efforts across multidisciplinary project team.
• Continuously assess, learn, and apply emerging AI-enabled tools and technologies to improve engineering workflows, technical analyses, test activities, and mission outcomes while maintaining compliance with organizational policies and responsible-use practices.
• Assist in preparation of technical documentation, user guidance, test records, figures, data summaries, and internal reports that support project execution and sponsor communication.
• Operate with high standards for quality, safety, security, conduct of research, and protection of sensitive information.

• BS/BA and 2 years of systems engineering, test and evaluation (T&E), systems integration, verification and validation, or technical program support experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD
• Experience developing or implementing data-management processes for identifying, collecting, transferring, storing, accessing, and archiving data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining technical plans, procedures, schedules, risk registers, issue-tracking systems, and other project documentation.
• Experience planning and coordinating assigned test or data-collection activities, including defining objectives, schedules, roles, procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Experience developing or implementing data-management processes for identifying, collecting, transferring, storing, accessing, and archiving data.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports, procedures, presentations, and status documentation.
• Experience supporting government, research, or operational testing programs.
• Experience with complex technical systems, sensors, imaging systems, or related technologies.
• Familiarity with data governance and information-handling requirements.
• Experience managing data products such as equipment-generated files, images, field notes, and test observations.

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 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.

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 $89,300.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $131,200.00/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, 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, part of the National Security Directorate, 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., 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.