PNNL

Margaret Axelson is a seasoned technical professional with 33 years of experience at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), all within the Energy & Environment Directorate. She built her career from the ground up—advancing from an Access Control Clerk to Group Secretary, Project Clerk, Project Specialist, Web Designer, and ultimately to her current role as an IT Engineer. Throughout this progression, she has earned a reputation as a versatile, solutions‑oriented expert who supports programs, projects, and research teams through a unique blend of web development, technical support, purchasing, and data management capabilities. 

Margaret develops, designs, implements, upgrades, and maintains websites across Project, Program, Group, Division, Directorate, and Laboratory levels, ensuring alignment with PNNL branding and communication standards. She also provides Drupal maintenance and collaborates closely with the EED Communications team. Her work frequently includes producing high‑quality, computer‑generated deliverables—often under tight deadlines—for audiences ranging from the general public to senior federal clients.

Known as a “jack‑of‑all‑trades,” Margaret is proficient in a wide range of software tools, including project management, web development, publishing, and graphic design applications. She is highly skilled in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, WeBuilder, and numerous web browsers and productivity platforms. Her hardware expertise spans PC and Mac systems, troubleshooting, and full software/hardware setup for computers and handheld devices.

Margaret is also a key purchasing specialist at PNNL, supporting high‑level procurement across multiple programs and research activities. Her responsibilities have included purchasing for the DOE CALiPER program, the Lighting Lab in Portland, the Connected Buildings Program, the ACES/Chambers Program, NSDD, and other technical initiatives. As one of PNNL’s few designated “P‑Card Super Users,” she contributes to procurement efficiency and system improvements. She also serves as her group’s primary point of contact for computer equipment ordering.

Her technical support experience includes contributions to the Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) Technology Tracking, Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) Technology Tracking, and the Building Technologies Program. She managed and maintained technology data within multiple program databases and produced technology fact sheets and program reports using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.

Margaret is recognized for her ability to work independently, manage complex tasks with minimal guidance, and support multidisciplinary teams including project managers, technical staff, and subcontractors. Her strengths include database development and management, software/hardware testing, installation and configuration, and providing technical assistance to end users of project‑developed tools.

• Purchasing and procurement systems
• Website development, management, and administration
• Computer system setup and troubleshooting
• Support for field equipment setup and testing

• Columbia Basin College, courses in Web Design, Computers and Graphics
• National Technical Schools