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 an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.
The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, part of the National Security Directorate, consists of over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. We work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions.
ResponsibilitiesPNNL's National Security Directorate (NSD) provides the tools, technologies, and training needed to prevent and counter acts of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), helping the United States secure its sources, materials, and borders. NSD experts directly support a range of U.S. government departments across critical national security mission areas, including safeguards and security, cybersecurity, emergency response, and counterintelligence. Within NSD, the Integrated Security Solutions (ISS) group focuses on understanding the full range of security domains and their interdependencies, applying that insight to develop new and effective ways to keep our nation safe.
A primary focus of this position is supporting the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Office of Radiological Security (ORS), which works to secure high-activity radiological materials at civilian sites across the United States and internationally. Specifically, this role will support ORS domestic implementation teams in executing the new ORS Prevent mission, providing direct technical expertise as a National Security Specialist (NSS) at PNNL. The selected candidate will be organizationally based within the ISS group in NSD while remaining directly accountable to PNNL's ORS Program for project execution and reporting to the assigned ORS Project Manager for day-to-day project activities.
This position involves frequent, high-level engagement with senior government, political, and industry stakeholders, including leadership at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Headquarters, other U.S. government agencies, hospital administrators, university leadership, and regulators. It offers a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on the security of the nation by helping safeguard high-consequence materials and strengthen the protective posture of critical sites and assets.
Provide 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.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 7 years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA or higher and 5 years of relevant experience -OR-
- AA and 16 years of relevant experience -OR-
- HS/GED and 18 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:
- Physical Security Systems: Hands-on experience designing, implementing, configuring, and maintaining physical security components, including access control, intrusion detection, video surveillance, and delay/denial systems, preferably in support of high-consequence assets such as radiological materials or critical infrastructure.
- Security Planning & Assessment: Demonstrated experience developing site security plans and executing self-assessments, performance testing, and vulnerability discovery to identify and close gaps in protective postures.
- Training, Delivery & Mentoring: Proven ability to design and deliver technical training to diverse audiences, and to mentor staff and partners by building rapport and trusted relationships across all levels of an organization, from front-line operators to executive leadership.
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Working knowledge of cybersecurity principles as they relate to the integration, hardening, and protection of networked physical security systems and operational technology (OT) environments.
- Response & Law Enforcement Training: Experience providing response-focused training to law enforcement and security personnel through workshops, tabletop and field exercises, and on-site delivery of operational training.
- Federal Program Experience: Prior experience supporting the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), or comparable federal agencies, including effective communication with senior government officials, regulators, and program leadership
- Insider Threat Mitigation: Experience supporting insider threat programs, including risk assessment, behavioral indicators, and integration with broader physical and cyber security controls.
- Uncrewed Systems (UxS) Knowledge: Experience with uncrewed systems (aerial, ground, or maritime), including both UxS operations and counter-UxS strategies for protecting high-value targets and facilities.
- Professional Certifications: Industry-recognized security certifications such as Physical Security Professional (PSP) or Certified Protection Professional (CPP).
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment- Travel requirements. This position may also require international travel at times.
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.
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 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 $107,900.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $167,100.00/Yr.
