National Security Internship Program (NSIP) Intern

Job Description

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

Overview

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), core capabilities are organized into major departments, or Directorates, each with its own leadership and budget, focused on specific areas of scientific research or other functions. The National Security Directorate is one of our key Science & Technology directorates, alongside Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment.

The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, a vital part 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 is dedicated to protecting U.S. residents and visitors. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies, threats evolve, becoming more dynamic and complex—ranging from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. PNNL leverages its researchers, tools, and technologies to advance capabilities in:

• Identifying and securing nuclear materials.
• Detecting weapons of mass effect.
• Managing nonproliferation treaties.
• Securing our nation’s borders.
• Protecting critical infrastructures.

Our scientific discovery, rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools, enables stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. This is coupled with 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.

To Learn More:

• PNNL National Security Internship
• Emerging Threats and Technologies Division

Responsibilities

PNNL is 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 nation’s safety and strength.

Your internship can be in one of several specialized technical groups:

• Cyber Resilience Foundations: This group collaborates with government and private sector stakeholders to adapt quickly to new technology spaces, understand how these technologies impact system security postures in specialized domains, and create solutions to improve resilience.
  
  Disciplines: Cyber Security Research, Cyber Security Engineering, IT/OT, Software Development, Network Architecture.
• Cyber Risk Reduction: This group conducts applied research leveraging PNNL’s hardware, software, and firmware security capabilities to benefit sectors critical to national security. This involves deconstructing, evaluating, and improving 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: Addressing the evolving landscape of physical protection and incident response, this group tackles new challenges such as the convergence of physical and cybersecurity threats. They provide critical solutions and support for securing key assets through conventional countermeasures and advance techniques for blended security environments. By integrating cyber and physical threat assessments and developing mitigations, they 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 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 critical context and understanding for national security.
  
  Disciplines: Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Cyber Security.
• Strategic Threat Analysis: The STA group utilizes global partnerships and expertise across multiple domains 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 bring deep understanding of 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.
  
  Disciplines: Law and Policy Analysis, Data Analysis, Nonproliferation, Counterproliferation, Finance/Trade Analysis.

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

1. Step 1: Upload Resume or CV in “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 “Additional Documents” section of the application titled “ET&T – Summer 2026 NSIP Cover Letter”.

Cover letter should include:

• Statement of interest.
• Reference relevant college courses.
• Relevant experience that may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career.

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 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 3.3.

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. 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. 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 adheres to the 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 Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. This requires successful completion of the applicable tier of federal background investigation post-hire and a favorable federal adjudication. 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). 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 are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.
• 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 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. 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.

Minimum Salary: USD $16.25/Hr.

Maximum Salary: USD $26.00/Hr.