Chief Engineer – Physical Embodiment of AI

Chief EngineerAt PNNL, we are seeking a Chief Engineer who can bring automation and autonomy to our R&D. A key facet is engineering the physical embodiment of artificial intelligence—translating advanced AI/ML algorithms into robust, fieldable autonomous robotic systems. This role focuses on the hardware implementation of autonomous systems, using advancements in embodied AI to create self-governing systems that have the capability of adapting without human intervention.

It requires deep expertise in mechanical engineering, robotics integration, autonomy architectures, and physical/digital test infrastructure development.The selected candidate will lead the design and implementation of integrated robotic platforms, digital twin ecosystems, and laboratory-scale autonomy testbeds that accelerate deployment across air, ground, maritime, subsea, and space domains. This role bridges mechanical design, embedded systems, autonomy software, simulation environments, and sponsor-driven mission needs.This position is based in Richland, WA and requires onsite engagement with robotic laboratories and hardware development environments.ResponsibilitiesStrategic & Technical LeadershipDefine and execute the technical vision for AI-enabled autonomous systems with an emphasis on physical system realization and field transitionLead development of integrated autonomy architectures spanning mechanical systems, sensing, controls, embedded compute, and AI/ML stacksTranslate sponsor mission needs into engineered robotic systems and deployable autonomy capabilitiesEstablish digital twin and physical prototyping capabilities that accelerate system validation and transitionMechanical Engineering & Robotic System DevelopmentLead mechanical design and integration of robotic platforms including:Structural systemsActuation and mobility subsystemsPower distribution and thermal managementPayload integration and sensor mounting architecturesEngineer robotic embodiments capable of operating in austere and mission-relevant environmentsDevelop modular hardware architectures to enable rapid prototyping and mission reconfigurationOversee fabrication, assembly, integration, and validation of robotic platformsConduct system-level trade studies balancing weight, power, compute, and autonomy performanceAutonomy & AI IntegrationDesign and implement end-to-end autonomy stacks integrating:Perception (EO/IR, LiDAR, IMU, multi-modal fusion)State estimation and navigationPlanning and decision-makingControls and low-level actuationDeploy advanced ML architectures onto edge and embedded hardware platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson-class devices)Optimize models for real-time, low-latency operation within power- and compute-constrained robotic systemsDevelop scalable MLOps pipelines tailored for robotics environmentsDigital Twin & Test Infrastructure DevelopmentArchitect and implement high-fidelity digital twin environments for robotic systems using simulation platforms such as Omniverse, Isaac Sim, Unreal, or equivalentEstablish software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and human-in-the-loop testing frameworksDesign hybrid physical/digital experimentation workflows linking lab hardware with simulation-based validationDevelop robotic laboratories and autonomy experimentation facilities capable of supporting multi-domain platformsBuild data pipelines for synchronized physical and simulated experimentationEnable rapid iteration between simulated and real-world deploymentsSystems Engineering, Test & EvaluationLead requirements definition, verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A)Execute Test & Evaluation (T&E) for fieldable systems under sponsor constraintsConduct performance characterization of mechanical, electrical, and autonomy subsystemsEnsure systems meet safety, cybersecurity, and compliance requirements for defense applicationsLead integration and demonstration efforts during on-site DoD test eventsResearch, Funding & MentorshipShape internal R&D investments in robotic autonomy and physical AI systemsAuthor and contribute to proposals, journal publications, technical reports, and patent disclosuresSustain and grow sponsor-funded programsMentor junior engineers in mechanical design, robotics integration, and autonomy developmentAdvise leadership on emerging technologies in embodied AI and autonomous systemsQualificationsMinimum Qualifications:BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-PhD with 5+ years of relevant experiencePreferred Qualifications:Core Technical DepthDemonstrated experience designing and deploying integrated robotic systemsStrong background in mechanical system design for mobile or fieldable platformsExperience developing and validating digital twins of physical robotic systemsExpertise in autonomy stack integration across hardware and software layersExperience with embedded systems and edge AI optimizationProficiency in Python and modern C++Experience with ROS/ROS2 and robotics middlewareTestbed & Infrastructure DevelopmentExperience building robotic laboratories or autonomy experimentation facilitiesExperience implementing SIL/HIL frameworksExperience integrating COTS embedded compute platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, M.2 accelerators)Experience generating and scaling datasets through simulation engines (Omniverse, Isaac Sim, Unreal, Blender)Research & Field DeploymentSustained experience in autonomous systems R&DExperience transitioning research systems into operational environmentsRecord of peer-reviewed publications or juried conference presentationsExperience working with federal sponsors, particularly within defense or national security missionsKnowledge of security and compliance requirements for fielded autonomous systemsSecurity Clearance RequirementsThis 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. CitizenshipBackground 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.