National Security Internship Program (NSIP)

Job Description

Here is the detailed enriched job description:

About the Job: National Security Internship Program (NSIP) – Emerging Threats and Technologies Division

Overview of PNNL and its Mission

At the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), core capabilities are organized into major departments known as Directorates, each with its own leadership and budget, focused on specific scientific research or functions. These include Science & Technology directorates such as National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. PNNL also hosts the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science user facility.

The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, a critical component of the National Security Directorate, comprises over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts. These experts bring diverse backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. They collaborate in interdisciplinary project teams to develop innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions.

PNNL’s National Security Mission

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is a paramount national priority. As adversaries increasingly access sophisticated technologies and materials, threats become more dynamic and complex, ranging from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and various forms of terrorism. PNNL’s national security mission leverages its researchers, tools, and technologies to:

• Advance the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials.
• Detect weapons of mass effect.
• Manage nonproliferation treaties.
• Secure the nation’s borders.
• Protect critical infrastructures.

PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities, rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools, aim to enable stronger, more resilient technologies and systems for safeguarding national security. This mission is further bolstered by decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, all contributing to identifying and countering emerging threats globally.

The National Security Internship Program (NSIP)

PNNL is actively seeking interns for assignments within its prestigious National Security Internship Program (NSIP). The Emerging Threats & Technologies Division is looking for passionate individuals eager to solve critical national challenges using advanced techniques. Interns will have the unique opportunity to engage with complex problems in national security, energy, and science, applying cutting-edge research and analysis to enhance national safety and strength.

Internship Technical Groups and Disciplines

Internship assignments may be within one of several specialized technical groups:

• Cyber Resilience Foundations

  This group collaborates with government and private sector stakeholders to rapidly adapt to new technology spaces. They focus on understanding how new technologies impact system security postures in specialized domains and developing solutions to improve resilience.
  
  Disciplines: Cyber Security Research, Cyber Security Engineering, IT/OT, Software Development, Network Architecture.

• Cyber Risk Reduction

  The Cyber Risk Reduction group conducts applied research, utilizing PNNL’s capabilities in hardware, software, and firmware security. Their work benefits national security-critical sectors by deconstructing, evaluating, and improving complex systems, and by developing tools, practices, and skills to address these challenges.
  
  Disciplines: Cybersecurity Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Network Administration.

• Innovative Security Solutions

  Addressing the evolving technology landscape that transforms physical protection and incident response, this group tackles new challenges such as the convergence of physical and cybersecurity threats. They provide critical solutions for securing key assets through conventional countermeasures and advance techniques to navigate blended security environments, integrating cyber and physical threat assessments to enhance the protection of nuclear material and critical infrastructure.
  
  Disciplines: Cyber and Physical Security, Hardware Vulnerability Assessment, Cyber Security Training.

• Global Research Analysis

  Leveraging national laboratory expertise in mission threats, science and technology, and cultural context, this group identifies emerging and monitors existing technologies. They provide decision-makers with critical context and understanding vital for national security.
  
  Disciplines: Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Cyber Security.

• Strategic Threat Analysis (STA)

  The STA group utilizes global partnerships and multi-domain expertise to address complex domestic and international security challenges. They equip decision-makers with nuanced insights and mitigation strategies for a rapidly evolving threat landscape shaped by emergent adversaries and technologies. Experts provide deep understanding in technical analysis, nonproliferation, risk and resilience, strategic trade controls, and regional affairs, delivering solutions for gaps in legal frameworks, outdated approaches, and vulnerabilities within international systems and institutions.
  
  Disciplines: Law and Policy Analysis, Data Analysis, Nonproliferation, Counterproliferation, Finance/Trade Analysis.

Location

Positions are available in Richland, WA and Seattle, WA, based on business needs. Some positions may also be performed remotely or on campus at PNNL, depending on business requirements.

HOW TO APPLY

To ensure a complete application package, the following two items are required and must be uploaded correctly for consideration:

1. Step 1: Upload Resume or CV in the designated “Resume” section only. (Note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all applications.)
2. Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in the “Additional Documents” section of the application. The cover letter must be titled “ET&T – Summer 2026 NSIP Cover Letter”.

Your Cover Letter should include:

• A statement of interest.
• Reference relevant college courses.
• Detail relevant experience, including extracurricular activities, that have prepared you for this career.

Important: If any of these components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded according to these instructions, applications will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
• A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required.

Preferred Qualifications (Disciplines of Interest):

• Cybersecurity, Cyber Security Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Network Engineering, Network Architecture, Network Security, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Assurance, Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Cyber-Physical Systems, Physical Security, Security Engineering, Risk Management, Homeland Security, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Engineering Physics, Applied Science, Data Analytics, Data Science, Economics, Finance, International Relations, International Affairs, Security Studies, Public Policy, Law and Policy, Nonproliferation and International Security.

Additional Important Information

• This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required.
• PNNL is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.
• This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: As a national laboratory, PNNL adheres to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and DOE Order 473.1A. New employees must obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential by successfully completing a federal background investigation post-hire and receiving a favorable federal adjudication. All investigations include a declaration of illegal drug activities (including marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are illegal under federal law regardless of state laws).
• For Foreign National Candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential.
• Mandatory Requirements (Affiliation with Countries of Risk): The DOE prohibits employees and contractors from affiliations with foreign governments of countries DOE identifies as “countries of risk” without explicit approval. If offered a position and you have such affiliations, you must disclose this information and recuse yourself or receive approval prior to your first day of employment.

About PNNL

PNNL is a world-class research institution driven by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. It offers an exciting research environment and excellent benefits, including health insurance and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State, known for outdoor recreation and an affordable cost of living, with convenient access to Seattle and Portland.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

PNNL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, committed to a respectful and fair work environment. PNNL considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans are provided. PNNL is also committed to a drug-free workplace.

Compensation

Minimum Salary: USD $24.04/Hr.
Maximum Salary: USD $36.06/Hr.

Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range, with actual placement based on relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. PNNL does not consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers.

To Learn More

• PNNL National Security Internship
• PNNL Emerging Threats and Technologies