Undergraduate Tech Intern – Emerging Threats & Technologies

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

20h•Onsite

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 Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. 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 Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, part of the National Security Directorate, consists of over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. We work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions. The Emerging Threats & Technologies Division is looking for individuals who have a passion for solving critical national challenges using advanced techniques. The intern will be given an opportunity to be presented with complex problems in national security, energy, and science; apply cutting-edge research and analysis to make our nation safer and stronger. Disciplines include Cybersecurity, physical security, national security analysis, AI-driven data analytics, process automation, report generation, and data analysis of large datasets. Protecting 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 discovery and 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 evolving technology landscape is transforming the realm of physical protection and incident response, presenting new challenges such as the convergence of physical and cybersecurity threats. These interconnected domains require innovative methods to safeguard IT systems, materials, and vital infrastructure from increasingly complex risks. The Innovative Security Solutions group within the ET&T Division addresses these challenges by providing critical solutions and support for securing key assets through conventional countermeasures, while also advancing techniques to navigate the complexities of blended security environments. By leveraging operational expertise in asset protection, the group tackles the intricacies of converged security by integrating cyber and physical threat assessments and developing mitigations that enhance the protection of nuclear material and critical infrastructure.

Requirements

Candidates must have a high school diploma /GED or higher
Candidates must be degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university
Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5

Nice To Haves

An understanding and interest in learning about AI development and tools utilization, data analytics, and reporting
Enrolled in undergraduate program focused on data analysis and management, information systems management, and operations

Responsibilities

Be presented with complex problems in national security, energy, and science
Apply cutting-edge research and analysis to make our nation safer and stronger
Learn and participate in the use of AI tools and data analytics capabilities to solve complex data collection, analysis, and reporting challenges for PNNL stakeholders in support of national level needs
Adhere to strict quality, security, and safety requirements