National Security Specialist 6 (Project Hire)

*Overview** At 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 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** This position requires extensive expertise in Nuclear Material Control and Accountability across the DOE/NNSA enterprise and a proven track record of contributing to critical mission objectives at secure sites. The successful candidate will possess the technical expertise, hands-on experience, and skills necessary to address operational challenges unique to DOE/NNSA facilities, including special nuclear material processing facilities. This individual will also contribute significantly to MC&A training program development, implementation, and technical support across diverse facilities. MC&A Training: + Update and refine NMC&A training content to reflect emerging policies and operational requirements + Deliver training sessions at NNSA contractor sites, plants, and laboratories to enhance professional qualifications and compliance + Participate in the comprehensive review and update or rewrite of NMC&A training materials to meet DOE/NNSA standards and mission needs Site Expertise: + Apply firsthand knowledge of plant and site operations at NNSA Hazards Category 1 special nuclear material processing facilities + Understand complex and operationally unique site-specific challenges to security implementation and provide tailored solutions to ensure compliance with MC&A policies and procedures Technical Advice: + Provide subject matter expertise and technical guidance to the NNSA MC&A Functional Area Manager to address enterprise challenges and support strategic initiatives + Serve as a trusted, reliable resource for resolving technical and operational problems and/or advancing performance improvement strategies across the nuclear security enterprise Meeting Participation: + Actively participate in MC&A training sessions, policy implementation panels, and technical working groups, providing insights and recommendations to ensure alignment with mission-critical objectives Program Development: + Contribute to the development and enhancement of training programs for the NNSA Technical Qualification Program (TQP) to strengthen enterprise-wide safeguards capabilities + Support MC&A implementation strategies across diverse sites and facilities with a sophisticated understanding of NNSA Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) operations and structure + Perform comprehensive updates to existing training programs to align with current DOE/NNSA directives and operational challenges **Qualifications** Minimum Qualifications: + BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience -OR- + MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience -OR- + AA and 20 years of relevant experience -OR- + HS/GED and 22 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: + Possess extensive (15+ years) experience in MC&A and safeguards across DOE/NNSA Hazards Category 1 processing facilities and similar secure environments + Demonstrate proficiency with tools and platforms such as DYMCAS, SAP ME, SAP, and Microsoft Office Suite + Have firsthand, documented experience with operations at NNSA facilities, with an emphasis on the unique security challenges associated with DOE/NNSA nuclear material processing + Be highly familiar with NNSA security programs and enterprise expectations as defined under DOE Order 474.2A, + Nuclear Material Control and Accountability + Exhibit a strong ability to provide creative, solutions-based recommendations for security and compliance challenges in operationally complex environments + Demonstrate excellent communication and instruction skills, with experience delivering tailored training and guiding workforce development initiatives + Completion of advanced certifications in MC&A fields through DOE/NNSA or National Training Center (e.g., MCA-101DE, MCA-110, MCA-120) + Completion of Basic Instructor Training through DOE/NNSA or National Training Center. + Holds current Q Security Clearance **Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment** Not Applicable **Additional Information** **This Project Hire position with PNNL is anticipated to end on September 30, 2026.** This 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 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. **About PNNL** Pacific 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 Opportunity** Our 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 . **Drug Free Workplace** PNNL 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 Requirements** In 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 Requirements** Please 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 Rewards** Employees 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. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards ( **Notice to Applicants** PNNL 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 Salary** USD $143,000.00/Yr. **Maximum Salary** USD $226,100.00/Yr.

Created: 2025-08-21