OverviewProtecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.
The Technology Integration (TI) Group within the National Security Directorate seeks an experienced National Security Specialist capable of leading complex projects in support of the U.S. Department of Energy / National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) Program. Our group leverages system integration and technology deployment expertise to support large programs and complex projects that are vital to protecting our homeland. We collaborate across PNNL to provide impactful solutions that achieve real-world mission objectives in the field.
The candidate will serve as the NSDD Project’s Maintenance Program Manager. The NSDD Program plays an integral role in the DOE/NNSA's nonproliferation mission by strengthening the overall capability of partner countries to deter, detect, and interdict illicit trafficking of special nuclear and other radiological materials by providing radiation detection systems (RDS) and associated training at international borders. An integral part of the NSDD program is to help partnering counties develop maintenance approaches to sustain the long-term operation of deployed systems. A well-structured maintenance program isn't just about fixing what's broken; it's about preventive measures, continuous improvement, and supporting sustainable practices that promote cost effective and targeted approaches that help ensure NSDD’s partners’ counter nuclear smuggling capabilities remain effective in the long-term.
In this role, the Maintenance Program Manager is responsible for partnering with and supporting the Sustainability Program Manager in the oversight and execution of the maintenance portfolio which includes roughly $12 million in total budget and provide leadership to 10+ Maintenance Program contributors. The Maintenance Program Manager performs strategic oversight to improve NSDD’s RDS maintenance for partnering countries and plays a crucial role in providing robust and timely technical support to country teams - whether it's responding to service requests, managing equipment procurements and site-level upgrades, or offering other vital support services.
ResponsibilitiesProvide technical expertise in the development, operation and implementation of security systems, operational security, nuclear material safeguards, vulnerability assessments, risk analysis, security policy, and critical infrastructure protection. Apply specialized knowledge of equipment and technologies deployed for physical security, WMD counter-proliferation, and interdiction operations. Develop and implement training, exercises, procedures, logistics strategies, concept of operations, planning, and assessment techniques and tools associated with the deployment, operation, maintenance, and sustainability of these systems. Conduct assessments, evaluations and analysis of these systems to support troubleshooting, forecast reliability and sustainability challenges, and identify opportunities for technological or operational enhancements. Utilize breadth and depth of knowledge related to national and international safeguards and security policies and guidelines in the development and implementation of security strategies. Areas of emphasis include program planning and management, system design and analysis, tactics and training, requirements definition, and operational sustainability. Serve as a technical subject matter expert for procurement, installation and maintenance of integrated systems, including identification of R&D opportunities associated with next generation security systems, counter-proliferation and interdiction technologies. Communicate with a wide range of federal, state, and local authorities regarding policies, requirements, and conduct of operations both domestically and internationally.
In this position, the candidate will be expected to:
- Work directly with the NSDD HQ Maintenance Functional Area Lead to set strategy, identify maintenance initiatives, and prioritize NSDD Maintenance Program efforts.
- Provide oversight of NSDD’s Technical Services capability to manage service requests, equipment procurements, and other support services;
- Provide oversight of Service Life Extensions (SLE) projects, including the execution of contracting actions for site-level upgrades for central alarm station (CAS) software, regional handheld equipment and part repair centers, in-country technical support and remote support, and equipment and spare parts acquisitions;
- Prepare, distribute, and maintain maintenance related documentation;
- Lead geographically diverse teams, multi-agency collaboration, establish team unity and synchronize objectives of diverse stakeholder communities.
- Perform program planning and management, system design and analysis, and requirements definition for NSDD management and sponsors relative to the long-term operation of deployed RDS; and
- Serve as a technical subject matter expert for leading RDS development projects, installation and maintenance of integrated systems, including identification of R&D opportunities associated with next generation security systems, counter-proliferation and interdiction technologies.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 9 years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA or higher and 7 years of relevant experience -OR-
- AA and 18 years of relevant experience -OR-
- HS/GED and 20 years of relevant experience
- Qualifying experience in the following areas will be counted: Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Homeland Security, intelligence community or military that supports national security or radiation detection/protection operations
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working on significant and exclusive issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of options for preventing and correcting issues for deployed RDS deployed in over 90 countries. Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
- Have broad expertise or unique knowledge and use skills to contribute to development of solutions for the operation of RDS, to include system integration approaches and deployment of new radiation detection technologies in counter nuclear smuggling applications to achieve goals in creative and effective ways.
- Act independently to determine methods and procedures on new technical solutions to address RDS challenges in the field. Will supervise the activities of others.
- Experience working with DOE/NNSA sponsors managing nonproliferation programs
- Experience planning and executing work for NSDD capacity building programs
- Experience collaborating with country teams and in-country stakeholders to accomplish NSDD mission goals
- Demonstrated capability to provide effective project leadership and maintain strong established working relationships with DOE/NNSA sponsors, other project managers, Project Management Offices and Technical Group Managers to address staffing needs and resolve execution issues.
- Communicates expectations clearly, manages with integrity, is thoroughly familiar with technical challenges associated with NSDD project activities, provides direction and coaching to project teams, and manages deviations from the standard approach to resolve conflicts. Leads by example instilling trust among project teams and provides mentoring to junior staff.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment- Up to 10% domestic or international travel could be required.
Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
- Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.
Testing Designated PositionThis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**Once eligibility requirements are met.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $123,500.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $195,200.00/Yr.
