Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, United States, 37830
Duration: Full-time
Application Deadline: Open for a minimum of 5 days; closes when a qualified candidate is hired
Language Requirement: English
Compensation: Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, has an 80-year legacy of addressing some of the nation’s most critical scientific challenges. With a diverse team of over 7,000 dedicated professionals, ORNL fosters an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives. The laboratory is renowned for translating scientific breakthroughs into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges, making it a top choice for innovators and researchers.
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Position Overview
ORNL seeks applications for a Principal Engineer for Geospatial Computing Infrastructure to launch and lead a next-generation Geospatial Data & Computing Center (GDC). The center will support ORNL’s high-performance computing (HPC) geospatial research portfolio within the Geospatial Science and Human Security Division. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise with strategic leadership to shape ORNL as a national leader in geospatial HPC, advanced computing paradigms, and data infrastructure.
This role requires a visionary who can both manage current operations and guide the center’s long-term growth. The Principal Engineer will define the center’s strategy, develop services, manage assets, cultivate a high-performing team, and engage with sponsors, users, and partners.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a strategic roadmap for the GDC that defines its mission, vision, value proposition, and operational model.
- Establish success metrics and a growth trajectory for the center.
Infrastructure & Asset Management
- Oversee integration, optimization, and scaling of compute, storage, networking, and geospatial data assets.
- Ensure high performance, resilience, and operational efficiency.
Service Delivery & Operations
- Define, implement, and improve service offerings, including geospatial compute pipelines, data management, analytics, and visualization.
- Establish operating policies, service-level agreements (SLAs), and performance metrics.
Research & Innovation
- Drive adoption of emerging geospatial and HPC technologies, such as AI/ML, cloud-HPC hybrid systems, edge computing, and quantum computing.
- Serve as principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on research proposals and secure external funding.
Team Development
- Recruit, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary team in HPC, data engineering, software development, and operations.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary liaison for sponsors, industry, academia, and internal ORNL leadership.
- Co-develop programs, market capabilities, and ensure alignment with institutional goals.
Budgeting & Governance
- Develop budgets, resource plans, and cost models; manage vendors and subcontractors.
- Define governance policies, compliance standards, and security protocols.
Performance & Risk Management
- Establish dashboards and metrics for utilization, user satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.
- Ensure operational robustness, data integrity, disaster recovery, and continuous improvement.
Best Candidate Profile
Education & Experience
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Computer Science, Data Science, Geospatial Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field.
- 10–12+ years of relevant experience in geospatial science, HPC/data infrastructure, or research center leadership.
- Proven leadership in building and managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Solid technical expertise in HPC systems, geospatial workflows, and data infrastructure.
- Experience engaging federal sponsors and managing programs at a senior level.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience in geospatial HPC, remote sensing, large-scale mapping, and analytics.
- Leadership experience in research centers or institutes with both service delivery and research missions.
- Familiarity with emerging geospatial/HPC technologies and national laboratory environments.
- Demonstrated success in securing external funding and building professional networks in the geospatial/HPC community.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills.
- Strong financial, acquisition, and governance experience.
- Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced research environment.
- Commitment to ORNL core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
Special Requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance, including pre-placement and ongoing drug testing, and potential polygraph testing.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility
- Must meet DOE access restrictions and complete a Federal Tier 1 background check.
- Compliance with HSPD-12 and DOE Order 473.1A is required, including verification of drug activity and completion of a federal background investigation.
Benefits & Work Environment
ORNL provides a competitive salary and an extensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- 401(k) retirement and contributory pension plans
- Life and disability insurance
- Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave
- Educational assistance and wellness programs
- Relocation support and employee discounts
- On-site amenities include fitness, banking, and cafeteria services
ORNL promotes an inclusive environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
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How to Apply
Candidates should apply online through the ORNL Careers Page. Accepted formats include Word (.doc/.docx), Adobe PDF (.pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm/.html) up to 5MB. Third-party resumes will not be considered.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle participates in E-Verify.
