National Security Specialist 5: Sponsor Embedded Technical Liaison [Project Hire]

Company: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Washington
Posted on: October 24, 2024

Job Description:

OverviewProtecting 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 discoveryand 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.The National Security Directorate Physical Detection Systems & Deployment Division's Technology Integration (TI) Group is seeking an experienced National Security Specialist Technical Liaison Embedded in Sponsor space in the Baltimore, MD area. The TI group applies system integration and technology deployment expertise in support of large programs and complex projects vital to protecting our homeland. We collaborate across PNNL to provide impactful solutions that achieve real-world mission objectives in the field.The National Security Specialist Technical Liaison is expected to provide thought leadership and subject matter expertise to research related to emerging technologies in cyber operations while maintaining a willingness to explore other emerging issues in national security. You will directly support our U.S. National Security Sponsors, be a key player in highly visible, multi-disciplinary project teams or initiatives, proactively identify and solve complex problems, and present research findings internally and to sponsors. Initially, the candidate is anticipated to engage as a National Security Specialist on one or more projects PNNL performs for the Department of Defense.Typical project tasks can include:

• Develop curricula and train sponsors on operation and deployment of new technologies and prototype devices.
• Gather requirements to aid in program planning and management, operational sustainability, or system design and analysis.
• Utilize specialized knowledge of equipment and technologies to develop logistics strategies and concepts of operations for deployed technologies.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for operation of hardware and/or software to meet mission requirements.
• Serve as an on-site product support for a PNNL-developed technology.This position with PNNL is for full-time onsite project hire with one of our sponsors in the Baltimore, Maryland area. This is an at-will position with limited term employment funding not longer than one (1) year with optional add-on years at project discretion. It requires that a candidate be deemed suitable for a TS/SCI clearance and preference will be given to candidates already holding this clearance under another organization. There is an option to split time between other locations, requiring travel around the greater Baltimore, Maryland.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated leadership in the field of emerging technologies, and in particular, cyber operations.
  • Extensive experience deploying communications capabilities in field and operational environments.
  • Ability to proactively identify and solve complex problems, while using game changing method to think beyond existing solutions.
  • Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders on issues which will impact PNNL business.
  • Ability to identify key mission requirements and translate tasking to technical staff.
  • Makes recommendations that set precedent for future decisions and strongly influence laboratory policies and decisions at highest levelsSuccess in this position requires:
    • External thought leadership in cyber operations and the intersection of this domain with national security threats.
    • Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and new ways of thinking.
    • Ability to quickly understand key concepts in new domains and to communicate effectively with technical staff, laboratory leaders, and sponsors, including a strong ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
    • Strong organizational skills to prioritize multiple competing demands under pressure.
    • Providing guidance on technical approaches and sponsor engagement strategies and identifying and mitigating political sensitivities.
    • Maintaining effective and working relations with Laboratory staff and sponsor officials at all levels across multiple geographic locations.
    • Exceptional oral and written communication skills, and a reputation for integrity and trust. ResponsibilitiesProvide technical expertise in the development, operation and implementation of security systems, operational security, nuclear material safeguards, vulnerability assessments, risk analysis, security policy, and critical infrastructure protection. Apply specialized knowledge of equipment and technologies deployed for physical security, WMD counter-proliferation, and interdiction operations. Develop and implement training, exercises, procedures, logistics strategies, concept of operations, planning, and assessment techniques and tools associated with the deployment, operation, maintenance, and sustainability of these systems. Conduct assessments, evaluations and analysis of these systems to support troubleshooting, forecast reliability and sustainability challenges, and identify opportunities for technological or operational enhancements. Utilize breadth and depth of knowledge related to national and international safeguards and security policies and guidelines in the development and implementation of security strategies. Areas of emphasis include program planning and management, system design and analysis, tactics and training, requirements definition, and operational sustainability. Serve as a technical subject matter expert for procurement, installation and maintenance of integrated systems, including identification of R&D opportunities associated with next generation security systems, counter-proliferation and interdiction technologies. Communicate with a wide range of federal, state, and local authorities regarding policies, requirements, and conduct of operations both domestically and internationally.In these roles, the candidate will be expected to:
      • Work on significant and exclusive issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
      • Have broad expertise or unique knowledge, use skills to contribute to developing solutions to unique problem sets in counter-terrorism, and achieve goals in creative and effective ways.
      • Work under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives.
      • Serve as organization spokesperson on advanced projects and/or programs. Act as advisor to management and customers on advanced technical research studies and applications.
      • Act independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments. May supervise the activities of others.
      • Demonstrate capability in program planning and management, system design and analysis, requirements definition, and operational sustainability. Serve as a technical subject matter expert for leading software development projects, installation and maintenance of integrated systems, including identification of R&D opportunities associated with next generation security systems, counter-proliferation and interdiction technologies.
      • Lead geographically diverse teams, multi-agency collaboration, establish team unity and synchronize objectives of diverse stakeholder communities
      • Communicate with a wide range of federal, state, and local authorities regarding policies, requirements, and conduct of operations both domestically and internationally QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
        • BS/BA and 9 years of relevant experience -OR-
        • MS/MA or higher and 7 years of relevant experience -OR-
        • AA and 18 years of relevant experience -OR-
        • HS/GED and 20 years of relevant experience
        • Qualifying experience in the following areas will be counted: Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Homeland Security, intelligence community or military that supports national security or radiation detection/protection operationsPreferred Qualifications:
          • TS/SCI
          • National security-relevant communications capabilities.
          • Extensive experience deploying communications capabilities in field and operational environments.
          • Previous experience working in or directly supporting the U.S. National Security Departments/Agencies.
          • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
          • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with personnel in diverse job functions and levels of responsibility.
          • Experience working with both domestic and international issues.
          • Ability to translate technical material to policy audiences. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
            • Up to 25% domestic or international travel could be required.
            • The incumbent will be expected to work flexible hours to accommodate time zone differences associated with the location of virtual event participants. Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain both a DOE and Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) 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 PositionThis 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 PNNLPacific 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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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 OpportunityOur 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 . Drug Free WorkplacePNNL 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 RequirementIn 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 RequirementsPlease 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 RewardsEmployees 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. Notice to ApplicantsPNNL 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 SalaryUSD $121,100.00/Yr. Maximum SalaryUSD $191,400.00/Yr.
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Keywords: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Arlington , National Security Specialist 5: Sponsor Embedded Technical Liaison [Project Hire], IT / Software / Systems , Washington, Virginia