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 discovery and 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.

PNNL is a global leader in advanced cybersecurity research and development. The impact of our work is seen on the front lines every day, improving the security and reliability of critical networks and infrastructures through advanced sensing, analysis, defense, and response. Our fast-growing cybersecurity portfolio bridges basic research in the science of cybersecurity and applied programs that bring these advances to life.

For over 20 years, PNNL has been enhancing cyber capabilities to prevent digital intrusions and protect our national security. Collaborating closely with government agencies and industry partners, we provide innovative solutions to safeguard the nation’s critical strategic assets. Our approaches are deeply grounded in scientific principles, allowing us to develop methodologies, algorithms, and tools that create stronger and more resilient technologies and systems. These advancements help us analyze threats, and understand, predict, and control complex adaptive systems.

Responsibilities

The Cyber Risk Reduction Group Leader is responsible for the overall stewardship of PNNL’s cybersecurity R&D capability that we refer to as Integrity Assessments (+), which involves comparing firmware, software, and hardware to a known gold standard to identify and address vulnerabilities and deviations, such as implants, counterfeits, and accidents. This process necessitates experts in reverse engineering, supply chain analysis, penetration testing, formal methods, and other related fields. The Group leader’s responsibilities include establishing and implementing strategy, developing and leading people, ensuring operational excellence, and interacting with sponsors to expand PNNL’s reputation and programs. The Cyber Risk Reduction Group includes approximately 60 staff located across the Nation, including Richland and Seattle, WA. The Group Leader directly manages Team Leaders responsible for individual teams within the group and reports to Division Director for Emerging Threats & Technologies.

We create a work environment that prizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and flexibility, and we provide infrastructure and facilities – like advanced cyber-physical testbeds, high-performance computing platforms, and virtual reality environments – to maximize productivity and camaraderie in your teams. As Group Leader, you partner across the Laboratory and with sponsors throughout the US Government to guide our cybersecurity capability through its next growth phase while solving pressing cybersecurity challenges for the Nation. You work in partnership with other cybersecurity Group Leaders, including those leading Cyber Analysis & Analytics and Cyber Resilience Foundations.

Success in the role:

As a Group Leader, you are a strategic, future-oriented thinker who develops and executes growth plans with participation from staff and stakeholders around the Lab and across the Nation. You establish high standards and seek continuous improvement while creating the work environment that enables the success of each team member. You seek connections across the organization and both influence and understand the impact of organizational, national, and global changes. You are a diplomatic communicator, able to interpret and disseminate technical and organizational directions up and down, and are a role model for quality, safety, and security performance.

Positions comprised predominantly of research management responsibilities, with significant span of control and/or delegated authority and responsibility. These positions generally manage multi-disciplinary organizations through staff leaders or subordinate managers. Management decisions impact objectives, goals and long-term success of the organization and Laboratory.

• Developing and executing technical group plans, including R&D, business, and organizational priorities to support the delivery of cybersecurity programs.

• Managing four technical team leaders on the Cyber Risk Reduction Group management team, guiding performance development and creating the next generation of leaders.

• Establishing workforce and talent management plans, including staffing needs, retention, and hiring plans to grow and recruit new cybersecurity R&D leaders.

• Fostering a feedback-rich environment; actively understanding and resolving barriers that impede staff and accomplishment of work, and fostering active bi-directional communications that inform organizational decisions.

• Address staff performance, behavior, and feedback in partnership with HR and Team Leaders as needed.

• Administering overhead budgets and staff development resources to ensure expertise, facilities, and equipment are mission-ready.

• Working with business developers to define and attract new programs to the group; identifying and promoting new R&D ideas.

• Contributing to division and directorate strategy objectives as a member of the Cybersecurity, Protection, and Analysis Division leadership team; may lead, coordinate, or contribute to activities that advance long-term organizational goals.

• Translating strategy into action, setting directions for capability investments, defining future group strategy and technical agendas, and ensuring staff are successfully deployed on programs.

• Liaising with the external technical community, including developing partnerships with university and industrial collaborators, regularly interacting with sponsors in government to connect mission needs with PNNL capabilities, and creating business opportunities for staff and programs in your group and beyond.  

• Actively communicating Lab, sponsor, and external technical trends to the group and communicating group directions outwardly.  

• Creating and sustaining a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 10 years of relevant experience -OR-

• MS/MA or higher and 8 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in computer science, computer engineering, cyber security, electrical engineering or systems engineering preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with, the National Security Directorate’s Program Development Office and Program Management Office.

• Experience in partnering with talent acquisition to identify, recruit, hire and retain technical staff across fields such as computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering and cyber security.

• Highly skilled in managing research or technology development projects and teams; experience with DOE, DOD, DHS, and/or other federal agency cybersecurity priorities is preferred.

• Strong record of collaboration across technical domains and delivering results in multi-disciplinary environments.

• Demonstrated record in developing and sustaining external funding for cybersecurity programs.

• Outstanding record of professional, technical, and management accomplishments in cybersecurity or a related field, along with a reputation for integrity and trust.

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills and a love of mentoring others.

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

• Supervisory or line-management experience and direct responsibility for capability stewardship of a technical working group is preferred. 

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable

Additional Information

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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

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 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.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

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.

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.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/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 $174,100.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $261,200.00/Yr.