National Security Internship Program (NSIP)

Job Description

Here is the detailed enriched job description:

**•

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

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are organized into major departments, known as Directorates, each focused on a specific area of scientific research or function, with its own leadership and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology Directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. We also house the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility.

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

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, threats become more dynamic and complex—ranging from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. PNNL’s national security mission leverages our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a critical role in:
• Advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials.
• Detecting weapons of mass effect.
• Managing nonproliferation treaties.
• Securing our nation’s borders.
• Protecting 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 committed to identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.

To Learn More

• [PNNL National Security Internship](https://www.pnnl.gov/national-security-internship)
• [PNNL Emerging Threats and Technologies Division](https://www.pnnl.gov/emerging-threats-and-technologies)

Responsibilities

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

Your internship may be within one of several specialized technical groups:

• Cyber Resilience Foundations: This group collaborates with government and private sector stakeholders to quickly adapt to new technology spaces, understand how their introduction into specialized domains affects system security postures, and create solutions to improve their resilience to new technologies.
• Disciplines: Cyber Security Research, Cyber Security Engineering, IT/OT, Software Development, Network Architecture.

• Cyber Risk Reduction: The Cyber Risk Reduction group performs applied research leveraging PNNL capabilities in hardware, software, and firmware security to benefit sectors critical to national security. This involves figuring out how to deconstruct, evaluate, and improve complex systems, and developing tools, practices, and skills to meet these challenges.
• Disciplines: Cybersecurity Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Network Administration.

• Innovative Security Solutions: The evolving technology landscape is transforming physical protection and incident response, introducing new challenges like the convergence of physical and cybersecurity threats. These interconnected domains demand innovative methods to safeguard IT systems, materials, and vital infrastructure from increasingly complex risks. This group 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.
• Disciplines: Cyber and Physical Security, Hardware Vulnerability Assessment, Cyber Security Training.

• Global Research Analysis: The Global Research Analysis group leverages national laboratory expertise in mission threats, science and technology, and cultural context to identify emerging and monitor existing technologies. They provide decision makers with the context and understanding critical to national security.
• Disciplines: Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Cyber Security.

• Strategic Threat Analysis: The Strategic Threat Analysis (STA) group leverages partnerships around the world and expertise spanning multiple domains to address complex domestic and international security challenges. STA equips decision makers with nuanced insights and mitigation strategies in a rapidly evolving threat landscape shaped by emergent adversaries and technologies. Our experts bring a deep understanding of technical analysis, nonproliferation, risk and resilience, strategic trade controls, and regional affairs, delivering solutions that address 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.

• Mission Alignment: This group brings together senior technical and strategic advisors as a division-level advisory body to help tune and execute strategy through dedicated leadership. They work across the division’s capability areas to capture emerging programmatic opportunities, coach and mentor staff on strategy and business development, support the development and execution of division strategy, and develop strategic new sponsor relationships.
• (No specific “Disciplines” are listed for this group, as it is a strategic advisory role.)

Positions are available in Richland, WA and Seattle, WA, based on business need. Positions may also be performed remotely or on campus at PNNL based on business need.

HOW TO APPLY

To have a complete application package, the (2) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below for consideration:

• Step 1: Upload your Resume or CV in the “Resume” section only.
• *(Note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all positions an applicant applies to).• • Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in the “Additional Documents” section of the application. The file must be titled “ET&T – Summer 2026 NSIP Cover Letter”.
• Your cover letter should include:
• A clear statement of interest.
• Reference relevant college courses.
• Relevant experience, which may include extracurricular activities, that has prepared you for this career.

IMPORTANT: If any of the components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded per the instructions above, 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 matriculated/enrolled in a Master’s program at an accredited college or university.
• 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.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

• This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.
• Testing Designated Position: This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

Security, Credentialing, And Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered 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 are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead 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 thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that 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.

Rockstar Rewards

• Regular Hourly Employees: Offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.
• Temporary Hourly Employees: Offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
• [Click Here For Rockstar Rewards](https://pnnl.jobs/rockstar-rewards/)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

• Minimum Salary: USD $20.87/Hr.
• Maximum Salary: USD $31.30/Hr.

***