Overview

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.

Responsibilities

PNNL'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 Innovative 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 the ORS cybersecurity team in executing the new ORS Prevent mission, providing direct technical expertise as a Cybersecurity Engineer 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.

• Designs, deploys, and operates systems, networks, applications, and tools that underpin cybersecurity and cyber defense.
• Provides integration of hardware, software, and other components to solve operational challenges for cyber defenders.
• Performs data and systems engineering functions to support cyber operations activities and systems. Engineers and deploys security and defensive countermeasures and controls.
• Ensures system security needed in operations are assessed, established, and included in design and development; executes security requirements definition, systems analysis, systems design, security hardening, security test and evaluation, and certification and accreditation.
• Supports operational systems and performs activities such as vulnerability scanning, network, and system security configuration, etc.
• Design and architecture of new approaches, methods and techniques for cyber defense and resiliency for information technology and operational technology systems and networks.
• May interface with external entities including law enforcement, intelligence, and other government organizations and agencies.
• Perform Project tasking independently and completely.
• Respond to project leadership in a timely manner.
• Perform tasking related to software engineering, computing, automation, and cybersecurity infrastructure.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA or higher in cyber, computer science, or mathematics

Preferred Qualifications:

• Software Engineering & Automation
  • Implement software components following sound engineering practices, including modular design, consistent coding standards, and maintainable structure.
  • Develop automation scripts and tools to improve repeatability and reliability across development, testing, and operational workflows.
  • Build event-driven automation pipelines triggered by system or hardware actions, including cron-scheduled execution or device-initiated workflows.
• Automated Testing Tools
  • Create and maintain automated test suites to validate software behavior and system reliability.
  • Integrate automated testing frameworks into CI/CD pipelines using object-oriented languages such as Java or Python.
  • Improve test coverage and resilience by incorporating runtime checks, configuration validation, and environmental readiness tests.
• Cybersecurity Concepts & Practices
  • Apply foundational cybersecurity principles (secure coding, access control, data protection, environment hardening) across all engineering tasks.
  • Use static and dynamic analysis tools to identify vulnerabilities and contribute to remediation.
  • Support secure configuration management and reliable system-state verification.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Additional Information

This 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 Position

This 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.

Minimum Salary

USD $90,600.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $144,700.00/Yr.