Pnnl Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.