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.

To learn more:

https://www.pnnl.gov/national-security-internship

https://www.pnnl.gov/emerging-threats-and-technologies

NOTE: Several documents are strictly required to submit with the application to be eligible for this position. Please read the entire job posting for detailed instructions.

Responsibilities

PNNL is seeking bachelors degree candidates for assignments within the National Security Internship Program (NSIP). The Emerging Threats & Technologies Division is looking for individuals who have a passion for solving critical national challenges using advanced techniques. The intern will be given an opportunity to be presented with complex problems in national security, energy, and science; apply cutting-edge research to make our nation safer and stronger.

Positions are available in Richland, WA, Seattle, WA and Washington, DC, based on business need. Positions may also be performed remotely or on campus at PNNL based on business need.

Your internship can be in one of several technical groups: Cyber Analysis and Analytics, Cyber Resilience Foundations, Cyber Risk Reduction, Global Research Analysis, Threat Prevention and Resilience, Strategic Threat Analysis, Mission Alignment, or Innovative Security Solutions.

Cyber Analysis and Analytics

Creates reliable, repeatable, and robust methods for obtaining and maintaining cyber situational awareness. The team combines expertise in integrated hardware configuration and deployment for data collection, secure analytic architectures and information management, scalable data analytics for operational alerting and triage, and network vulnerability and threat analysis to create actionable insights for decision makers in critical infrastructure protection and national security. We leverage state-of-the-art infrastructure resources, like cloud technology, to rapidly solve sponsor challenges.

• Disciplines: Data Analysis, Cyber Security Analysis, Software Development, Secure Information Management

Cyber Resilience Foundations

The Cyber Resilience Foundations group works with government and private sector stakeholders to quickly adapt to new technology spaces, understand how their introduction into specialized domains affects system security postures, and create solutions to improve their resilience to new technologies.

• Disciplines: Cyber Security Research, Cyber Security Engineering, IT/OT, Software Development, Network Architecture

Cyber Risk Reduction

The Cyber Risk Reduction group performs applied research leveraging PNNL capabilities in hardware, software, and firmware security to benefit sectors critical to national security by figuring out how to deconstruct, evaluate, and improve complex systems and develop tools, practices, and skills to meet these challenges.

• Disciplines: Cybersecurity Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Network Administration

Global Research Analysis

The Global Research Analysis group leverages national laboratory expertise in mission threats, science and technology, and cultural context to identify emerging and monitor existing technologies and provide decision makers the context and understanding critical to national security.

• Disciplines: Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Cyber Security

Threat Prevention and Resilience

The Threat Prevention and Resilience group engages with international leaders, organizations, and practitioners to identify emerging threats, understand evolving operating conditions, adapt to changing technology, implement national security strategy, and educate our allies to the developing environment. These activities ensure the effectiveness and resilience of our network and capabilities to anticipate, detect, and mitigate national security threats.

• Disciplines: International Law and Policies

Strategic Threat Analysis

The Strategic Threat Analysis Group engages with entities around the world to identify emerging threats and develop threat mitigation strategies. Such strategies integrate data, scientific and technical information into products used by decision makers in policy and intelligence settings. Our experts in law and policy analysis, data analysis, and various national security subject areas, including nonproliferation, counterproliferation, arms control, and strategic trade controls, leverage their understanding of current challenges and emerging trends in their respective domains to propose solutions that fill gaps in policy or legal frameworks, mitigate technology risks, and strengthen existing solutions.

• Disciplines: law and policy analysis, data analysis, nonproliferation, counterproliferation, finance/trade analysis

Mission Alignment

Bringing together senior technical and strategic advisors as a division-level advisory body to help tune and execute strategy through dedicated leadership. Working across the division’s capability areas to capture emerging programmatic opportunities, coach and mentor staff on strategy and business development, support the development and execution of division strategy, and develop strategic new sponsor relationships.

Innovative Security Solutions

Ensuring global nonproliferation of nuclear weapons, mitigating the risks of nuclear and radiological terrorism, and safeguarding critical infrastructure from physical and cyber-physical attacks are paramount objectives for U.S. national security. Therefore, the Innovative Security Solutions Group in ET&T provides leadership and vital support for securing key assets through conventional countermeasures, while simultaneously driving innovation in cyber-physical threat mitigation advancements to thwart nuclear and radiological terrorism, as well as to fortify the protection of critical infrastructure.

• Disciplines: physical protection methodology and implementation, hardware vulnerability assessment

*HOW TO APPLY*

To have a complete application package, the (2) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below for consideration:

Step 1: Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all positions an applicant applies to).

Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in “Additional Documents” section of the application titled “ET&T - 2025 NSIP Cover Letter”.

• Cover letter should include: Statement of interest, reference relevant college courses, and relevant experience that may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career.

If any of the components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded per the instructions above, applications will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a Bachelor’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

• Minimum GPA of 3.3 is required.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required.

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, 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 $26.92/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $35.00/Hr.