Physical Security Systems Engineer

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads delivery of PNNL’s 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio— the single largest construction and modernization effort in the Laboratory’s history. OSD oversees operations and facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning. A team of nearly 800 staff comprise OSD, spanning in a wide range of disciplines, including craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists. Together, they ensure that PNNL’s assets, services, and OSD-led programs are managed and performing safely, securely, reliably, effectively, and efficiently. The mission of the Environment, Health, Safety and Security (EHS&S) Division is to minimize risks, assure compliance with regulatory standards, and promote a culture of safety, health, and environmental stewardship. EHS&S focuses on reducing environmental impact, promoting employee health, preventing workplace incidents, and safeguarding physical and information security. Core functions include risk assessment, safety training, environmental stewardship, health monitoring, emergency preparedness, and implementing security measures. EHS&S fosters a culture of safety, maintainability, and continuous improvement, ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term organizational resilience.

Requirements

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 supporting the areas of: Technology protection, Facility security, access control, Information security, Technical security, Personnel security, Compliance surveys and assessments, Risk assessment, Incident investigation and response, or patrol operations and alarm response may be counted
Experience must be through work with Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Homeland Security, intelligence community or military operational security, investigations, federal/state/local law enforcement or commercial/industrial security.
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
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).
Mandatory Requirements: 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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer science, IT networking, or related technical fields with a focus on physical security solutions.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Certified Security Systems Professional (CSSP).
Certifications for video surveillance systems (e.g., Genetec, Milestone, Avigilon).
Certifications for access control systems (e.g., C-Cure, Lenel).
Product-specific certifications (e.g., AXIS, i-Pro, Bosch).
Proven expertise in managing security system lifecycles, leading modernization projects, and deploying advanced cloud-based or analytics-driven security solutions.
Ability to work in dynamic environments while utilizing problem-solving skills to create adaptable and efficient solutions.
Proven experience in physical security systems, networked control or surveillance systems, or closely related fields.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of Physical Access Control Systems (PACS), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Video Management Systems (VMS), and other physical security technologies to ensure optimum performance and compliance.
Work closely with architects, engineers, IT teams, facility operations teams, and internal and external stakeholders to integrate security systems seamlessly into building plans, infrastructure, and processes while adhering to project timelines.
Provide technical oversight to contractors, ensuring all security system installations meet DOE and organizational standards while addressing stakeholder concerns.
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, threats, and areas requiring enhanced security measures.
Manage the lifecycle of security systems, focusing on upgrades, modernization projects, and maximizing system performance while minimizing downtime.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend emerging security technologies, automation tools, and analytics-based solutions that align with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including security system configurations, architectural diagrams, compliance reports, and operational procedures to ensure knowledge retention and standards consistency.
Provide training and technical support to personnel regarding security protocols, equipment usage, and system troubleshooting, ensuring operational efficiency.
Serve as a subject matter expert and program manager for DOE technical or sub-topical program areas related to Physical Security. Collaborate with program teams to ensure alignment with DOE orders and regulatory requirements.
Regularly review and refine organizational security system standards in accordance with NIST publications, DOE Orders, and contractual requirements while identifying areas for innovation and improvement.