Distributed-Systems Decision Scientist

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Distributed-Systems Decision Scientist to work in our Advanced Transportation Department. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every or every other Friday off.

As a decision scientist, you will explore new methods for applying machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to manage complex, distributed systems, such as fleets of autonomous, electric vehicles. In this role, you will work on a cross-functional team of mechanical, power-systems, software, and cybersecurity engineers, data scientists, and industry experts to address the mobility industry's toughest challenges. Your team's work will ensure that future mobility and supporting infrastructure is affordable, reliable, and secure.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Use optimization and AI/ML methods, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning to develop decision-making strategies for distributed, heterogeneous networks, including autonomous, electric vehicle fleets and distributed energy resources (DER)
• Develop AI/ML-based methods to strengthen the cyber-physical security of distributed, heterogeneous networks
• Analyze data and generate results in response to data analytics, visualization, and modeling needs on a variety of computational architectures (cloud, on-premises, edge-based).
• Apply advanced technologies, such as Explainable Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Large Language Models (LLMs), physics-informed machine learning, systems performance analysis, and/or data sensor fusion methodologies.
• Work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers on challenging work scopes.
• Demonstrate effective research skills and the ability to collaborate and partner with other government agencies, academia, and private sector companies to achieve project goals.
• Publish results of research and development in a mix of refereed publications and conference proceedings.

• Work effectively with other research teams to develop and manage cross-cutting technical programs for a variety of customers.

• Work with software and database developers to develop, test, and deploy software code to development, staging, and production environments.

• Analyze data quality, characterize, and communicate data quality issues to data providers, and design repeatable data processing procedures to accurately analyze data in the presence of quality issues.

• Work with domain experts to understand the scope and limits of questions that can be answered by data sets, identify key data features as inputs to analysis, and design output metrics that elegantly describe system attributes and behavior.

• Adhere to INL policies and lab-wide procedures related to software development, cybersecurity, and management of sensitive information and data.
• Work with data providers, database administrators, and software developers to diagnose and solve problems with data and software systems quickly and effectively.

Required:

• Level 2: Bachelor's of Science degree in data science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, autonomy, artificial intelligence, or related technical discipline and 2 years of experience; or
• Master's or PhD in one of the disciplines listed above and 0 years' experience.
• Relevant experience determined with the level.

• Experience in data science, data analysis, and software development using Python, C#, Java, or C++.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience in AI-driven decision making for distributed, heterogeneous networks
• Experience developing methods to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats on distributed networks, such as electric vehicle charging networks
• Knowledge of standard communication protocols for electric vehicle charging (e.g., ISO 15118, OCPP 2.0.1) and distributed energy systems (e.g., IEEE 2030.5, SunSpec Modbus)
• Experience with SciPy, Notebook IDE, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Cuda, Natural Language Processing Techniques, Graph Databases, Relational Databases, and a general understanding of data storage and processing.
• Experience with version control and repository management (e.g., Git).

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is $79,344 min - $162,732 max. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.