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The Emerging Technology department, part of the Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division, is looking for a National Security Specialist 6. The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strategic vision to identify emerging capability gaps, evaluate advanced technologies, and lead multidisciplinary teams in the development, demonstration, and transition of innovative national security solutions.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as a recognized technical authority and trusted advisor to senior government sponsors on emerging technologies supporting national security missions.
• Evaluate, assess, and integrate advanced technologies including cyber, directed energy, electronic warfare, AI/ML, autonomous systems, sensing technologies, and secure communications to address evolving operational requirements.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for research, systems engineering, technology maturation, testing, evaluation, and operational transition.
• Develop technical roadmaps and investment strategies that align laboratory capabilities with Department of War, Intelligence Community, and DOE mission priorities.
• Translate sponsor capability gaps into research initiatives, prototype demonstrations, technology transition opportunities, and sponsor-funded programs.
• Lead technology assessments, trade studies, engineering analyses, risk assessments, and technical evaluations supporting sponsor decision-making.
• Develop and execute technology demonstration, verification, validation, and operational test strategies for advanced national security capabilities.
• Provide technical oversight throughout the lifecycle of complex research and engineering projects, including requirements development, systems integration, testing, transition, and operational deployment.
• Advise senior laboratory leadership and government sponsors regarding emerging technology trends, acquisition strategies, program risks, and future investment opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with government agencies, national laboratories, industry partners, universities, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs).
• Lead proposal development, technical volume preparation, white paper development, sponsor engagement, and capture activities supporting laboratory growth.
• Represent PNNL during executive-level technical exchanges, working groups, program reviews, conferences, and interagency collaborations.
• Mentor engineers, researchers, and project managers while fostering technical excellence and cross-organizational collaboration.
• Work independently with broad latitude in determining technical direction and strategic priorities while providing leadership across multiple high-impact national security initiatives.

This position is based in Tampa, FL and requires an onsite presence.

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 War, Homeland Security, intelligence community or military that supports national security or radiation detection/protection operations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in systems engineering and systems integration
• Experience working with the Department of War Science & Technology (S&T) programs
• Familiarity with research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E)
• Experience in sponsor engagement with Department of War, Intelligence Community, Department of Energy (DOE), USSOCOM, Combatant Commands, or federal R&D organizations
• Experience collaborating with DOE National Laboratories, FFRDCs, UARCs, academia, and industry
• Demonstrated experience transitioning technology from research into operational capability
• Experience working in emerging technologies including cyber operations, directed energy, AI/ML, autonomous systems, secure communications, electronic warfare, and advanced sensing
• Experience providing technical leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment:

• Frequent domestic and/or international travel is required.

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.

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 (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 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:

As 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: