OverviewOur expert staff provide multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. Key capabilities include science (chemical and mechanical). We employ a systems perspective that includes, discovery technology development and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. EP&MD focuses on three mission contributions: Clean Fossil Energy, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
ResponsibilitiesAs a Principal Chemical Engineer within the Chemical & Biological Processing (C&BP) Group, you will be recognized as an expert technical leader supporting our impacts in the in catalysis, process development and/or reaction engineering space. This is a critical role to identify and steward growth areas, facilitate groundbreaking research efforts and collaborate with stakeholders in industry, academia, and with collaborative National Laboratory partners. This role is for an integral leader who will shape PNNL's approach to addressing societal challenges through the transformation of underutilized carbon sources into sustainable materials, chemicals, and fuels.
Designs, develops, and operates processes or unit operations to create a diverse range of products. Evaluates and manipulates the chemical properties of various substances used in the fabrication of new products. Designs, models evaluates, and implements chemical processes, instrumentation, and equipment to ensure effectiveness in engineering and design. Performs trials, tests, and/or experiments to support engineering, production, and/or R&D activities. Applies the principles of chemistry, nuclear science, biology, physics, material science, math, and engineering to solve problems that involve the production, use or conversion of chemicals, materials, and energy. Uses the principles of biology and the tools of engineering to mimic biological systems to create products or to modify and control biological systems so that they can replace, augment, sustain, or control chemical and mechanical processes.
Key Responsibilities:- Drive PNNL strategic planning and definition of research priorities in Chemical and Biological Processing research efforts
- Build strong multidisciplinary R&D teams able to impact the scientific and technological challenges in this area.
- Develop the strategy and manages day-to-day science and technology activities, providing scientific and technical authority, leadership, and direction.
- Lead scoping, scheduling, and budgeting of complex interdisciplinary projects and programs.
- Publish as primary or contributing author on high-impact publications or reports.
- Lead national and international professional activities and external collaborations.
- Mentor other Laboratory scientists and engineers and is technical resource to other staff members and assists in attracting top scientist/engineer talents to PNNL.
Specific Duties:- Leads organizational teams by assigning operational tasks/projects/functions to proactively identify and promote new capabilities.
- Selects and develops technical approaches to complex challenges. Principal investigator or co-PI on multiple or significantly complex, and/or high risk projects or tasks and/or involving multiple tasks, capabilities.
- Develops, and realizes new significant project opportunities, leading the development of technical sections of large proposals.
- Takes lead in scope, schedule, and budget for projects or large tasks Demonstrates ability to acquire funding for self and task level teams.
- Serves as a role model for quality, safety, and security. Mentors staff and peers.
- Lead author or developer on a significant number of technical products.
- Recognized by sponsors and collaborators for delivery on important programmatic elements.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
- PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expertise in heterogenous catalysis, chemical or biological process development, and/or reaction engineering.
- Extensive experience in petrochemical process development.
- Proven experience in translating stakeholder needs into research programs.
- Demonstrated ability in developing, proposing, and leading new projects.
- Excellent communication skills, with experience delivering compelling communications to varied audiences.
- Significant experience supporting and managing safe operations of engineering scale systems.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable.
Additional InformationNot Applicable.
Testing Designated PositionNot a Testing Designated Position.
About PNNLPacific 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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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.
Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential RequirementIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease 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.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**Once eligibility requirements are met.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL 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 SalaryUSD $141,300.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $223,300.00/Yr.