PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is highlighting scientific and technical experts in the national security domain who were recently promoted to scientist and engineer Level 5 (S&E 5), one of PNNL’s most senior research roles. These individuals have contributed significantly to groundbreaking scientific advancements, cutting-edge technology, and innovative solutions developing at PNNL.

Mike Giardinelli is a principal engineer and thought leader in software engineering, cloud engineering, data engineering, and analytics with an applied background across telecom, software, and e-commerce. He learned valued skills from his experience in the commercial industry but was looking for something different—something with more challenge and impact.

“I feel strongly about the impact that our work in national security has. First and foremost, it’s not just me, there’s always a team behind it. The domains and missions that we support are significant to our nation and world. Oftentimes, the people that we support don’t get the support they need elsewhere,” said Giardinelli.

Along with being promoted to S&E 5, Giardinelli serves as the group leader for Human Centered Computing and has been a driving force in adopting and integrating the latest, state-of-the-art cloud and machine learning technologies for large-scale data analytic platforms and solutions across the full range of national security spaces.

“If I had any words of encouragement, whether it be early career or others trying to change careers, I would strongly encourage those searching to open their minds to the other opportunities outside of the technical community and technical companies,” said Giardinelli. “There are a lot of opportunities in spaces like national labs that provide foundation for growth—not just technical growth, but also exposure to missions and flexibility around missions so they can understand what they are passionate about.”

 Click here for more of the Science for Security video series.