Security Design Engineer 5

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management. 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 directorate stewards more than $250 million in annual budget authority; managing more than 2.5 million square feet of facility space across two campuses; overseeing approximately 200 regulatory program areas; and executing a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio. 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. The Physical Security Design Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, integration, testing, and maintenance of physical security systems that safeguard physical assets and mitigate risks. This role ensures that all security systems align with federal regulations, organizational standards, industry best practices, and emerging technological advancements. The engineer combines technical expertise and adaptability with a solid understanding of security principles to develop scalable and efficient solutions tailored to unique operational needs. Additionally, the position focuses on managing dynamic environments, problem-solving, and maintaining compliance with complex regulatory requirements.

Requirements

BS/BA and 9 years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA or higher and 7 years of relevant experience
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 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).
Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

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.

Benefits

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, 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 401 (k) savings plan with company match.
Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

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