Cybersecurity Network Engineer

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 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

PNNL is committed to researching and developing new technologies and methodologies by using rigorous techniques to investigate, validate, and verify findings, and enable the discovery of new cybersecurity solutions. A successful candidate is inquisitive, strives for continuous learning, and will translate their expertise and passion to the cybersecurity field. This person will perform research and develop solutions that will have a tangible impact on the nation’s cyber defenses. Your expertise and creativity will enhance an innovative culture, and you will be part of diverse teams who are inventing new solutions for difficult problems in cybersecurity. 

This position collaborates with peers to architect, design, deploy, and operate innovative systems, networks, applications, and tools that support cybersecurity and cyber defense. Integrates hardware, software, and other components to address operational challenges for cyber defenders and performs data and systems engineering activities in support of cyber operations. Engineers and deploys security controls and defensive countermeasures while ensuring operational security requirements are assessed, defined, and incorporated throughout design and development.

Responsibilities include conducting systems analysis and design, security hardening, security testing and evaluation, certification and accreditation, and developing new approaches, methods, and techniques to strengthen cyber defense and resiliency across information technology and operational technology systems and networks. The successful candidate works effectively with government sponsors, PNNL project managers, technical staff, and peers to resolve emerging issues with deployed PNNL tools, improve software capabilities, and develop or deliver technical briefings. The ideal candidate is professional, ethical, self-motivated, and able to manage tasks independently, recommend a path forward, and deliver results with integrity while working effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 

Knowledge

• Knowledge of network security protocols.
• Knowledge and experience with 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular communication systems and mobile applications.
• Knowledge of systems engineering processes and life cycles as they apply to the cybersecurity domain.
• Understanding of current and emerging tools, software products, capabilities, and methodologies relevant to project needs. 

Skills

• Experience with wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks.
• Hands-on experience with cloud technologies and platforms, including AWS, Azure, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Experience with virtualization technologies, including VMware vSphere and/or Proxmox.
• Experience using Ansible and Python to create scripts and automate processes.
• Experience configuring network switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Experience installing, configuring, and supporting operating systems, including Microsoft Windows and Linux.
• Experience using Jira, Confluence, and other Atlassian suite tools to track tasks and maintain documentation.
• Experience writing concise, clearly articulated technical reports.
• Experience using GitLab.
• Demonstrated proficiency with PNNL-developed technologies and the ability to maintain that proficiency as relevant tools and software evolve. 

Abilities

• Ability to research and recommend hardware and software capabilities that meet the needs of the project team.
• Ability to perform diagnostics and testing of custom hardware and software to determine the root cause of issues.
• Ability to use artificial intelligence models to assist in creating tools and identifying the root cause of issues with existing tools.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in a cyber-related discipline.
• Ability to support operations in a classified environment.
• Certifications including Network +, CCNA, or Security +. 
• Ability to rapidly learn and understand the application and impact of advanced and emerging technical security principles, theories, and concepts.
• Strong understanding of fundamental computer science.
• Strong understanding of cyber security concepts and practices.
• Strong analysis and technical writing skills.

Not Applicable

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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:

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) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

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.

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.

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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.