Cybersecurity Network Engineer

About the role

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) the core capabilities are organized into Directorates focused on scientific research and other functions. The National Security Directorate (NSD) provides science‑based, mission‑focused solutions to complex, real‑world threats. Within NSD, the Emerging Threats and Technologies Division comprises over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with expertise in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and related fields. Teams work interdisciplinary to integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop new cybersecurity technologies and methodologies using rigorous techniques to investigate, validate, and verify findings.
• Architect, design, deploy, and operate innovative systems, networks, applications, and tools that support cybersecurity and cyber defense.
• Integrate hardware, software, and other components to address operational challenges for cyber defenders.
• Perform data and systems engineering activities in support of cyber operations.
• Engineer and deploy security controls and defensive countermeasures while ensuring operational security requirements are incorporated throughout design and development.
• Conduct systems analysis and design, security hardening, security testing and evaluation, certification and accreditation.
• Develop new approaches, methods, and techniques to strengthen cyber defense and resiliency across IT and OT systems and networks.
• Collaborate with government sponsors, PNNL project managers, technical staff, and peers to resolve emerging issues with deployed tools, improve software capabilities, and deliver technical briefings.
• Research and recommend hardware and software capabilities that meet project needs, perform diagnostics and testing of custom hardware/software, and use AI models to assist in tool creation and issue diagnosis.

Skills

• Knowledge of network security protocols.
• Experience with 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular communication systems and mobile applications.
• Understanding of systems engineering processes and life cycles as applied to cybersecurity.
• Familiarity with current and emerging tools, software products, capabilities, and methodologies relevant to project needs.
• Hands‑on experience with wireless technologies (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Virtualization experience (VMware vSphere, Proxmox).
• Proficiency in using Ansible and Python for scripting and automation.
• Configuration of network switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Installation, configuration, and support of Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems.
• Use of Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence) for task tracking and documentation.
• Technical report writing with clear, concise articulation.
• Version control with GitLab.
• Demonstrated proficiency with PNNL‑developed technologies and ability to maintain expertise as tools evolve.

Abilities

• Research and recommend hardware/software solutions aligned with project objectives.
• Diagnose and test custom hardware and software to determine root causes of issues.
• Leverage artificial‑intelligence models to create tools and identify problems with existing tools.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) with 2 years relevant experience — or Master’s (MS/MA) — or PhD.
• Preferred: Degree in a cyber‑related discipline.
• Ability to support operations in a classified environment.
• Professional certifications such as Network+, CCNA, or Security+.
• Rapid learning of advanced and emerging technical security principles, theories, and concepts.
• Strong foundation in computer science and cyber‑security concepts and practices.
• Excellent analytical and technical writing skills.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance (background investigation per 10 CFR 710, Appendix B).
• Pre‑employment and random post‑employment drug testing; must demonstrate non‑use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 months preceding the questionnaire for National Security Positions.
• Compliance with DOE and Battelle policies regarding foreign government affiliations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Robust telehealth and mental‑health benefits.
• Free wellness coaching.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Basic life insurance and disability insurance.
• Flexible work schedules.