National Security Specialist 2

Company: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Washington
Posted on: May 24, 2025

Job Description:

Overview

Protecting 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 discoveryand 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.Are you interested in contributing to national security while representing a billion-dollar international research institution? At PNNL, our collaborative environment and commitment to work/life balance make us an ideal place to advance your career, challenge yourself, and make a difference in the world. We are seeking a driven and energetic National Security Specialist (NSS) to join the Operational Readiness Group within the National Security Directorate (NSD) at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.In this role, you will provide support for a portfolio of national security focused projects and programs, focusing on the implementation of technical scope for a range of mission needs. Flexibility is essential, as the level of effort required for each team may shift based on project needs. You will assist these teams with a wide variety of project implementation needs that will include coordination and communication between various teams and project stakeholders.The National Security Specialist role serves as a critical coordinating interface among Project Managers, Deputy Deputy Project Managers, other National Security Specialists, Contract Specialists, Project Controls Professionals (PCP), and other project and program stakeholders. The primary responsibility is to provide in-office support for project teams. However, you may also travel with the team as needed. This position has the potential for approximately one (1) trip per month.
Responsibilities

• Assist project stakeholders in coordinating team activities, including collecting monthly status information for performance reporting, such as schedule updates, variance explanations, and financial reviews.
• Help with travel planning and coordinates with support and sustainability staff to ensure successful implementation trips and sustainability events.
• Assist in developing and implementing 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.
• Communicate effectively as a team with a wide range of federal, state, and local authorities regarding policies, requirements, and operations both domestically and internationally.
• Assist team and utilize knowledge related to national and international safeguards, security policies, and guidelines to develop and implement security strategies, with an emphasis on program planning and management and operational sustainability.
• Serve as the Technical Oversight Representative (TOR) for implementation contracts, assisting the management of project lifecycle, and handle various tasks such as drafting Statements of Work (SOW), Sole Source Justifications (SSJ), and fulfilling financial obligations, including invoice payments and deliverables.
• Assist the project leads to help facilitate strong communication with internal teams and external stakeholders, including project sites, contractors, and DOE-HQ, to ensure clear and timely information sharing.
  Qualifications
  
  Minimum Qualifications:
  • BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
  • MS/MA or higher -OR-
  • AA and 12 years of relevant experience -OR-
  • HS/GED and 14 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 operationsPreferred Qualifications:
    • Background and/or technical education in project management, international relations or security related field are highly desirable and will allow the incumbent growth opportunities in the various national security projects and programs supported by the National Security Directorate.
    • Successful experience in a wide range of business and management situations, as well as a demonstrated capability to interact successfully with Government sponsors and senior program managers is essential.
    • Familiarity with the Department of Energy (DOE)/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). This position requires the incumbent to understand and assist with implementation of the objectives and goals of Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Global Material Security and to support programmatic activities to meet those goals.
    • Knowledge of contracting principles and business practices within the government, commercial, and academic arenas.
      Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
      
      This position involves both work that requires a physical presence at the Richland, Washington PNNL Campus and can also offer a percentage of remote work from an adequate personal working environment.
      Additional Information
      
      Not applicable.
      Testing Designated Position
      
      This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
      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, 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.
      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 $31.88/Hr.
      Maximum Salary
      
      USD $47.31/Hr.
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Keywords: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Silver Spring , National Security Specialist 2, Other , Washington, Maryland