National Security Specialist 6

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Tampa, Florida

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division (PDSD), part of NSD, delivers policy-informed technology solutions by removing barriers to real-world implementation. We strive to understand end-user environments to transition technology from the developmental stage to deployment. Our diverse expertise in operational systems provides tools, technologies, and approaches for combating a range of threats, both at home and in more than 100 countries around the globe. The Emerging Technology department, part of PDSD, 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.

Requirements

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
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment.
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).

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.