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Gen Ai Software Developer Jobs in Kennewick, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Gen Ai Software Developer information

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$48.6K

$113.4K

$168.2K

How much do gen ai software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for gen ai software developer in Kennewick, WA is $113,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $131,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Gen AI software developer?

A Gen AI Software Developer is a professional who designs, builds, and maintains software systems that leverage generative artificial intelligence models, such as large language models (LLMs) or generative adversarial networks (GANs). Their work often involves training, fine-tuning, and deploying AI models to generate content, automate tasks, or enhance user experiences in applications. They need strong programming skills, a solid understanding of machine learning principles, and familiarity with AI frameworks. Gen AI Software Developers collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and product teams to deliver innovative AI-driven solutions. As generative AI becomes more prevalent, these developers play a key role in shaping the future of software development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Gen AI software developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gen AI Software Developer, you need strong programming skills (especially in Python), a background in computer science or a related field, and expertise in machine learning and deep learning principles. Familiarity with frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, experience with cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and knowledge of version control systems are typically required, along with certifications in AI or data science being advantageous. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication help developers work across technical and non-technical teams and drive innovation. These skills ensure the development of robust, scalable AI solutions that address real-world needs and integrate seamlessly within organizations.

How do Gen AI software developers typically collaborate with data scientists and product managers during the development process?

Gen AI Software Developers regularly work alongside data scientists to translate machine learning models into scalable, production-ready applications. They collaborate closely with product managers to understand user requirements and ensure that AI-powered features align with business goals. This teamwork often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, iterative feedback cycles, and joint problem-solving sessions to address technical challenges and optimize model performance. Clear communication and a shared understanding of project objectives are essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Gen Ai Software Developer vs Machine Learning Engineer?

AspectGen Ai Software DeveloperMachine Learning Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, AI, or related; experience with AI frameworksBachelor's or higher in CS, Data Science, or related; strong programming skills
Work EnvironmentTech companies, startups, AI-focused teamsResearch labs, tech firms, AI/ML departments
Employer & Industry UsageAI product development, software solutionsModel development, data analysis, AI system deployment
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on AI application development in softwareFocuses on building and optimizing ML models

While both roles involve AI and require programming skills, Gen Ai Software Developers primarily focus on creating AI-powered software applications, whereas Machine Learning Engineers specialize in designing, building, and optimizing machine learning models. The roles often overlap but differ in their core focus and typical work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Gen Ai Software Developer jobs in Kennewick, WA?

For Gen Ai Software Developer jobs in Kennewick, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Gen Ai Software Developer jobs in Kennewick, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Gen Ai Software Developer jobs in Kennewick, WA are:

What cities near Kennewick, WA are hiring for Gen Ai Software Developer jobs?

Cities near Kennewick, WA with the most Gen Ai Software Developer job openings:

Gen Ai Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gen Ai Software Developer job openings in Kennewick, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,353 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Lead Software Engineer IV

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Richland, WA • On-site

$161.30 - $255/hr

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview

PNNL’s AI & Data Analytics Division, part of the National Security Directorate, focuses on developing computational solutions for national security challenges.

Responsibilities

We are seeking an exceptional Lead Software Engineer to architect and build next‑generation AI systems that span agentic AI platforms, large‑scale data orchestration, and real‑time intelligence processing.

Who You Are

An experienced engineer who bridges infrastructure, AI/ML, and production software. You have built highly scalable systems from scratch, led impactful initiatives, and turned complex problems into solutions. You are comfortable architecting distributed systems and fine‑tuning large language models.

What You’ll Build

  • AI‑Native Systems: Agentic AI with dynamic reasoning, LLM orchestration, MLOps platforms, and multimodal reasoning pipelines
  • Scalable Infrastructure: Microservices across security enclaves, real‑time streaming, petabyte‑scale ETL, data lake/mesh architectures, and Kubernetes/CI‑CD for classified & edge environments
  • Production Systems: Secure AI deployments, observability across enclaves, ethical AI compliance, and geospatial/time‑series intelligence data fusion
  • Technical Leadership: Lead engineers on high‑impact, ambiguous scope; drive architecture and strategy; build roadmaps from cutting‑edge research; mentor teams

What You Bring

  • Engineering Leadership: Expert Python and another language (C#/.NET, Go, C++); experience establishing best practices, advanced CI/CD, and architecting distributed systems
  • AI/ML Architecture: Production agentic AI experience; deep expertise with PyTorch/TensorFlow/JAX and LLM orchestration; LLM optimization and end‑to‑end ML platform design
  • Cloud & Distributed Systems: Enterprise‑scale architecture across AWS/Azure/GCP; Docker, Kubernetes, IaC; event‑driven systems (Kafka, RabbitMQ); API design mastery; polyglot persistence
  • Data Platform Engineering: Cloud‑native pipelines & orchestration (Airflow, Prefect); data lakehouse architectures; distributed computing (Spark, Flink, Ray); petabyte‑scale optimization and modern data formats
  • Leadership & Communication: Mentoring teams, articulating strategy to executives, balancing delivery with technical excellence, and driving cross‑functional collaboration

What Makes This Role Unique

You will work at the intersection of cutting‑edge AI research and production engineering, building platforms that process the nation's most sensitive intelligence data while shaping technical strategy.

National Interest Project Examples

  • Detect and prevent smuggling of drugs and contraband at ports of entry
  • Develop large data pipelines to thwart funding for terrorists, nuclear proliferators, drug cartels, and rogue leaders
  • Applying big data solutions to national security problems
  • Applying image classification for nuclear forensics analysis
  • Develop capabilities for scalable geospatial analytics

Location

This position is based in Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence Monday through Thursday, with Friday as required by business needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD and 3 years of Software Engineering experience
  • MS/MA and 5 years of Software Engineering experience
  • BS/BA and 7 years of Software Engineering experience
  • AA and 16 years of Software Engineering experience
  • HS/GED and 18 years of Software Engineering experience in designing, architecting, programming, deploying, and automating software solutions for scientific research or consumer products
  • Current, hands‑on software development experience using Python

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Actively using Python for the previous five years
  • Expert‑level Python: Architecting production frameworks and large multilanguage codebases at scale
  • Enterprise ETL/data platform leadership: Designing petabyte‑scale pipelines, orchestration (Airflow, Prefect), and data lakehouse architectures
  • Advanced cloud architecture: Multi‑cloud strategy across AWS, Azure, or GCP with Kubernetes and Infrastructure as Code at enterprise scale
  • FFRDC or national laboratory experience
  • National security / intelligence experience in classified environments
  • Production agentic AI / advanced LLM experience
  • Distributed ML at scale
  • Technical team leadership experience through ambiguous, high‑impact scope
Additional Requirements

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PNNL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected class.

Minimum and Maximum Salary

Minimum Salary: USD $161,300.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary: USD $255,000.00/Yr.

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About Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a premier research institution based in Richland, Washington, US. Operated by Battelle Memorial Institute under contract to the US Department of Energy (DOE), it is one of the DOE's seventeen national laboratories. PNNL primarily specializes in fields such as environmental science, energy, nuclear science, and national security. Founded in 1965, the lab has since been committed to its core values of integrity, creativity, collaboration, impact, and courage. Their mission is "to transform the world through courageous discovery and innovation." Notable achievements include significant contributions to projects like the Human Genome Project and the development of grid-friendly appliances.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Richland, WA, US

Year founded

1965

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