OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have anEnvironmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division,part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a senior cybersecurity researcher with deep operational power systems expertise to advance the security, resilience, and trustworthiness of the nation’s electricity infrastructure. You will lead and contribute to research spanning secure communications, OT/ICS security, and grid‑aware cyber analytics, delivering field‑ready methods and tools that improve real‑time operations, situational awareness, and decision support for utilities and system operators.
ResponsibilitiesConducts fundamental and applied research in various cyber security domain areas. Research and advances theories, techniques and approaches to secure computing, cyber resiliency, cyber defense and analysis, including the design and efficiency of algorithms and how humans interact with computers and computing processes as well as the methods used for experimentation in the cyber security domain. Develops work products including new theories and technical advances in the field. Produces and/or integrates solutions driven by exploratory analysis from complex architectures and data sets based on research of security trends, new methods, and techniques used in unauthorized access or misused use of data and systems. Resulting from research and exploratory analysis, designs and develops novel and secure computational systems and components, including both hardware and software, with a focus on architectures, languages, applications, secure software design, secure hardware design, machine learning, reverse engineering, malicious software analysis, statistical modeling, formal methods and protocols. Prepares and presents technical reports, reports, and/or publications. May interface with external entities including law enforcement, intelligence and other government organizations and agencies.
- Lead research in grid cybersecurity and communications for critical infrastructure—develop strategies, tools, and use cases that prevent unauthorized access, detect anomalies, and harden operational networks.
- Lead system assessments looking for common modes of failure in the critical infrastructure supporting DHS lifeline sectors.
- Design and validate cyber‑resilient operational approaches for SCADA, EMS, DMS, protection & control, and grid‑edge devices, including integration into real‑time situational awareness and decision‑support systems.
- Integrate AI/ML and advanced modeling into cyber‑physical detection, response, and recovery workflows to improve forecasting, outage mitigation, and physical‑cyber resilience.
- Advance standards and industry adoption by collaborating with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, telecom providers, vendors, regulators, and government agencies.
- Publish and present research, producing documentation and guidance to accelerate deployment by operational stakeholders.
Industry engagement with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, vendors, and regulators.
Excellent communication skills; ability to translate complex cyber‑physical concepts for operational stakeholders.
This position supports the Energy Systems Resiliency (ESR) Group within PNNL’s EIBD. The role is virtual, with the expectation of frequent (more than quarterly) trips to Richland, WA, depending on program and sponsor requirements. Travel is expected to support stakeholder engagement, demonstrations, and national forums.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
- PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Deep technical expertise in Operational Technology (OT)/ Industrial Controls System (ICS), security and grid cybersecurity, including secure operational communications and critical infrastructure protection.
- Experience architecting hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testbeds integrating SCADA for threat emulation and resilience validation.
- Proven leadership delivering complex R&D programs and coordinating large, distributed technical teams.
- Strong understanding of power system operations and control theory, including the use of advanced analytics and requirements for operational decision support.
Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
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 applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment 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 if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot 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 (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include 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) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
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, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, 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 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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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 $166,800.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $275,200.00/Yr.
