Polygraph Examiner

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Albuquerque, New Mexico

2h•Onsite

About The Position

PNNL seeks an experienced polygraph examiner to conduct counterintelligence-scope polygraph (CSP) and specific incident polygraph (SIP) examinations for the U.S. Department of Energy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Relocation will be provided. The primary CSP exam format is the Test for Espionage and Sabotage (TES), conducted in accordance with 10 CFR 709, the Federal Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Examiner Handbook, and other DOE and National Center for Credibility Assessment guidance. The examiner will primarily conduct assessments in civilian and corporate environments rather than military, law enforcement, or public safety settings. The role requires working effectively with individuals representing a broad range of cognitive styles and neurotypes, including neurodivergent populations. The examiner provides technical expertise, analysis, and publishable products to advance science and address challenging problems in national security, energy, and the environment. The position requires consistent on-site presence during the Monday–Friday work week and business travel of 10% to 50% of the time. The work schedule is driven by project needs and falls within core business hours of Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional weekend or irregular-hour work or travel. The employee must complete an initial approximate 6-to-12-week certification training period, including approximately 25 exams under Quality Control supervision. A formal recommendation for federal certification will depend on demonstrated technical proficiency, professionalism, and compliance with DOE Polygraph Program standards. The employee must meet Federal Polygraph Continuing Education Certification Program requirements within 12 months of hire. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance and is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

Requirements

BS/BA and 9 years of relevant experience, or MS/MA or higher and 7 years of relevant experience.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance and meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter under 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Ability to complete required federal polygraph certification training and meet continuing education requirements within 12 months of hire.
Ability and willingness to travel for business 10% to 50% of the time, usually for 4–6 days per trip.
Ability to work on-site during the Monday–Friday work week, with occasional work or travel on Saturday or Sunday and at irregular hours.
Ability to manage potentially stressful situations professionally and expertly to maintain security and safety and attain program goals.
Ability to sit, stand, and talk; occasionally push, pull, or lift up to 50 pounds; and climb multiple building levels via stairways.
Ability to speak clearly and articulately for long periods during polygraph interviews.
Ability to meet the rigors of domestic travel.
Must demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions; selected candidates are subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Experience with counterintelligence or criminal investigations, with extensive additional training in computerized instrumentation for Psychophysiological Detection of Deception and in psychology, physiology, interviewing, and interrogation.
Graduate of the NCCA Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Program.
Four or more years of experience conducting counterintelligence-scope polygraph exams, especially in the Test for Espionage and Sabotage (TES) format.
Knowledge of current federal test data analysis (TDA) criteria and ability to independently and objectively implement TDA procedures.
Knowledge of current polygraph theory and principles and associated aspects of human psychology and physiology.
Proficiency in detecting and countering polygraph countermeasures.
Proficiency with a Lafayette computerized polygraph instrument, Windows 11, Microsoft 365 products including Microsoft Teams, and routine polygraph-instrument troubleshooting.
Strong commitment to professionalism in challenging, complex, and dynamic situations.
Ability and flexibility to proactively understand, recognize, and acclimate to dynamic situations and personalities in a business setting.
Mission focus and demonstrated attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Conduct counterintelligence-scope polygraph (CSP) and specific incident polygraph (SIP) examinations for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Conduct Test for Espionage and Sabotage (TES) examinations in accordance with applicable DOE and National Center for Credibility Assessment guidance.
Work effectively with individuals representing a broad range of cognitive styles and neurotypes, including neurodivergent populations.
Provide technical expertise, analysis, and publishable products to advance science and address national security, energy, and environmental challenges.
Gather, analyze, and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
Anticipate internal and external business challenges and sponsor or regulatory issues, and recommend process or service improvements.
Identify and solve unique and complex problems with broad Laboratory impact.
Determine the significance and reliability of incoming information and integrate it with current data using technical expertise in relevant scientific, engineering, or policy disciplines.
Evaluate information and recommend a course of action.
Apply and interpret theories, principles, methods, tools, and technologies within an area of specialty.
Provide domain knowledge and insight on national-level mission needs to multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers.
Complete certification training and continuing education requirements.