National Security Internship Program (NSIP) – Emerging Threats and Technologies Division

Job Description

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

Overview

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

This internship is situated within the Emerging Threats and Technologies Division (ET&T), a vital part of the National Security Directorate. ET&T comprises over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with diverse backgrounds including cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, and data science. We operate in interdisciplinary project teams to deliver innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions.

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is a paramount national priority. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, threats are becoming more dynamic and complex across various domains: cyber, nuclear, chemical, biological weapons of mass effect, and other forms of terrorism. PNNL’s national security mission leverages our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a crucial 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, threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are committed to identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant global and domestic impact.

To Learn More:

• PNNL National Security Internship
• PNNL 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 be presented with complex problems in national security, energy, and science, applying cutting-edge research and analysis to enhance our nation’s safety and strength.

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 their impact on system security postures in specialized domains, and develop solutions to improve resilience to these new technologies.

Disciplines: Cyber Security Research, Cyber Security Engineering, IT/OT, Software Development, Network Architecture.

Cyber Risk Reduction

This group conducts applied research leveraging PNNL’s capabilities in hardware, software, and firmware security to benefit sectors critical to national security. They focus on deconstructing, evaluating, and improving complex systems, and developing the tools, practices, and skills needed 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, creating new challenges such as the convergence of physical and cybersecurity threats. This group addresses these complexities by providing critical solutions and support for securing key assets through conventional countermeasures, while advancing techniques for blended security environments. They leverage operational expertise in asset protection, integrating cyber and physical threat assessments, and developing mitigations to enhance the protection of nuclear material and critical infrastructure.

Disciplines: Cyber and Physical security, Hardware Vulnerability Assessment, Cyber Security Training.

Global Research Analysis

This group utilizes national laboratory expertise in mission threats, science and technology, and cultural context to identify emerging and monitor existing technologies. They provide decision-makers with critical context and understanding relevant to national security.

Disciplines: Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Cyber Security.

Strategic Threat Analysis

The Strategic Threat Analysis (STA) group leverages global partnerships and multi-domain expertise 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. Experts bring 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.

Work Locations: 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 ensure a complete application package, the following (2) listed items are required and must be uploaded correctly for consideration:

1. Step 1: Upload 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).
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, which may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS: 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 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.

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. We offer 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, considering 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. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace, supported by its 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 adheres to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A. New employees must obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential by successfully completing a federal background investigation post-hire and receiving a favorable federal adjudication. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the investigation tier). 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 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

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. If offered a position at PNNL and you have such an affiliation, 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 (Temporary Hourly)

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range, and actual placement is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. We do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers.

Salary Range

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