Senior Robotics Data Scientist. Job in Richland Move Collective Jobs

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are organized into directorates that focus on specific areas of scientific research or functions. Our Science & Technology directorates, including National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment, are supported by our advanced computing, applied mathematics, and data science capabilities. Our people—experts across numerous scientific disciplines—are vital to tackling the scientific challenges we face today.

Within the Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate (PCSD), the Advanced Computing, Mathematics, and Data Division (ACMDD) conducts both basic and applied research. This includes exploring artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, and computational engineering. Our innovation‑driven scientists and engineers are dedicated to advancing energy‑efficient computing systems and next‑generation algorithms to analyze and control complex scientific systems.

Responsibilities

The Data Sciences and Machine Intelligence Group within ACMDD seeks a highly qualified Senior Robotics Data Scientist to lead research in robotics and autonomous systems. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in robotic autonomy, intelligent control, and embodied AI. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will facilitate scientific discovery through automation and machine intelligence while developing new capabilities in optimization and machine learning.

Your primary focus will be on enhancing existing capabilities and introducing new ones in Optimization, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence, thereby solidifying our leadership in data science and machine intelligence. You should possess substantial national‑level expertise in areas such as robot systems integration, decision‑making through optimization, machine learning, control systems, and deploying machine learning in cloud and edge computing environments.

As a researcher at PNNL, your contributions will help design intelligent robotic platforms for applications like autonomous laboratories. Your work will support PNNL's mission of accelerating scientific discoveries using automation and machine intelligence. Key elements of your role will include modeling, simulation, and system integration of heterogeneous robotics and multi‑agent systems. You will apply advanced algorithms for motion planning, learning‑enabled control, and autonomous decision‑making, utilizing techniques like model predictive control, control barrier functions, and reinforcement learning. You'll work on innovative topics such as robotic manipulation, vision‑language‑action models, and robust task learning while developing high‑quality software with frameworks like MuJoCo, IsaacSim, and ROS.

Collaboration is essential in this role, where you'll partner with a team of computer scientists, engineers, and domain experts. You'll be expected to mentor post‑doctoral researchers, pursue programmatic funding, and communicate your findings through publications and presentations at prominent conferences and journals.

• Design and implement methods and processes for analyzing diverse datasets.
• Utilize statistical and machine learning knowledge to derive insights from structured and unstructured data.
• Develop predictive models and advanced algorithms for optimal data utilization.
• Adapt skills across different application domains.

This position is based at the PNNL main campus in Richland, WA and requires onsite work.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant experience –OR–
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant experience –OR–
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Robotics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or related fields.
• Experience in robot learning, motion planning, navigation, and control methods.
• Proven track record in leading R&D proposals for federal agencies with successful funding history.
• Strong understanding of robotics kinematics, dynamics, and perception systems.
• Familiarity with multimodal perception and embodied AI for decision‑making.
• Experience with physics‑simulation frameworks like MuJoCo and IsaacSim.
• Programming proficiency in Python/Julia/C++, ROS, and machine learning frameworks.
• Experience with robotic systems including manipulators and autonomous vehicles.
• Experience in cloud environments for machine learning deployment.
• Knowledge of cutting‑edge scientific deep learning methods.
• Ability to develop integrated systems efficiently.
• Leadership experience in delivering successful robotic solutions.
• Prior mentoring experience and ability to shape research vision.
• A history of impactful outcomes demonstrated by successful projects and publications.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a premier research institution with a commitment to integrity, creativity, collaboration, and impactful science. At PNNL, you will engage with renowned researchers and contribute to significant scientific innovations while enjoying benefits such as health insurance and flexible work schedules.

PNNL is located in eastern Washington, known for outdoor recreation and a reasonable cost of living. The Lab's campus is approximately a 45‑minute flight from major cities like Seattle and Portland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PNNL is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a work environment of fairness and respect while pursuing overarching scientific missions.

Drug‑Free Workplace

PNNL adheres to a drug‑free workplace policy and complies with federal laws regarding illegal drug use.

Please be aware that successful candidates will undergo a federal background investigation and verification process.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees can enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision insurance, and retirement plans.

Notice to Applicants

PNNL offers competitive salaries based on skills and experience. The salary for this position ranges from $140,200 to $228,800.