Cybersecurity Network Engineer

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, WA, seeks a cybersecurity researcher to translate expertise into secure, resilient systems. You will architect, test, and deploy defenses across IT/OT environments, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver measurable impact and support national security objectives.

The role emphasizes rigorous analysis, policy-aware engineering, and clear technical communication while maintaining high ethical standards and readiness for

Qualifications

• Experience with wireless technologies and secure network practices.
• Experience with cloud, virtualization, and automation tooling.
• Ability to analyze, design, and improve cyber defense systems.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop cybersecurity solutions with measurable impact.
• Architect, deploy, and operate secure systems and networks.
• Perform security testing, certification activities, and hardening.
• Collaborate with sponsors, project managers, and engineers to resolve issues.
• Prepare technical briefings and maintain clear documentation.

Skills

Wireless technologies

Cloud technologies

Virtualization

Automation with Python

Networking security

Atlassian tools

GitLab

Technical reporting

AI-assisted tooling

Education

BS/BA in cyber-related field

MS/MA in cyber

PhD in a related field

Tools

AWS

Azure

Docker

Kubernetes

VMware

Proxmox

Ansible

Jira

Confluence

GitLab

Job description

Overview

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-worldthreats 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

Responsibilities

PNNL is committed to researching and developing new technologies and methodologies by using rigorous techniques to investigate, validate, and verify findings, and enable the discovery of new cybersecurity solutions. A successful candidate is inquisitive, strives for continuous learning, and will translate their expertise and passion to the cybersecurity field. This person will perform research and develop solutions that will have a tangible impact on the nation’s cyber defenses. Your expertise and creativity will enhance an innovative culture, and you will be part of diverse teams who are inventing new solutions for difficult problems in cybersecurity.

This position collaborates with peers to architect, design, deploy, and operate innovative systems, networks, applications, and tools that support cybersecurity and cyber defense. Integrates hardware, software, and other components to address operational challenges for cyber defenders and performs data and systems engineering activities in support of cyber operations. Engineers and deploys security controls and defensive countermeasures while ensuring operational security requirements are assessed, defined, and incorporated throughout design and development.

Responsibilities include conducting systems analysis and design, security hardening, security testing and evaluation, certification and accreditation, and developing new approaches, methods, and techniques to strengthen cyber defense and resiliency across information technology and operational technology systems and networks. The successful candidate works effectively with government sponsors, PNNL project managers, technical staff, and peers to resolve emerging issues with deployed PNNL tools, improve software capabilities, and develop or deliver technical briefings. The ideal candidate is professional, ethical, self-motivated, and able to manage tasks independently, recommend a path forward, and deliver results with integrity while working effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of network security protocols.
• Knowledge and experience with 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular communication systems and mobile applications.
• Knowledge of systems engineering processes and life cycles as they apply to the cybersecurity domain.
• Understanding of current and emerging tools, software products, capabilities, and methodologies relevant to project needs.

Skills

• Experience with wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks.
• Hands-on experience with cloud technologies and platforms, including AWS, Azure, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Experience with virtualization technologies, including VMware vSphere and/or Proxmox.
• Experience using Ansible and Python to create scripts and automate processes.
• Experience configuring network switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Experience installing, configuring, and supporting operating systems, including Microsoft Windows and Linux.
• Experience using Jira, Confluence, and other Atlassian suite tools to track tasks and maintain documentation.
• Experience writing concise, clearly articulated technical reports.
• Experience using GitLab.
• Demonstrated proficiency with PNNL-developed technologies and the ability to maintain that proficiency as relevant tools and software evolve.

Abilities

• Ability to research and recommend hardware and software capabilities that meet the needs of the project team.
• Ability to perform diagnostics and testing of custom hardware and software to determine the root cause of issues.
• Ability to use artificial intelligence models to assist in creating tools and identifying the root cause of issues with existing tools.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in a cyber-related discipline.
• Ability to support operations in a classified environment.
• Certifications including Network +, CCNA, or Security +.
• Ability to rapidly learn and understand the application and impact of advanced and emerging technical security principles, theories, and concepts.
• Strong understanding of fundamental computer science.
• Strong understanding of cyber security concepts and practices.
• Strong analysis and technical writing skills.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

Requirements:

• U.S