NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program – Class of 2027
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) administers the NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP), a 12-month salaried position that brings top talent to the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Fellows work in Washington, D.C., or at one of the NNSA site locations nationwide. Learn more about site locations.
About the role
The NGFP combines technical analysis, policy development, program oversight, stakeholder communication, and resource management to protect U.S. national security priorities. Fellows participate in exclusive professional development opportunities while supporting national and international NNSA programs.
Responsibilities
- Support a broad range of NNSA priorities, including stockpile management, nonproliferation, counterproliferation, information security, administrative and financial support, and more.
- Coordinate tasks, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
Explore the full range of NNSA offices and missions.
Requirements
- Be matriculated/enrolled in a graduate degree/doctorate program at an accredited college or university at the time of application OR have completed a graduate/doctorate degree no earlier than April 2, 2025.
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in graduate/doctorate program (current or final cumulative). Official transcripts demonstrating eligibility must be supplied by January 31, 2027.
- If enrolled in a dual bachelor/master program, verification of bachelor’s degree completion must be provided by May 20, 2027.
- Available to work full-time for the duration of the one-year fellowship (June 2027 – June 2028).
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. The background investigation includes review of employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with personal references, neighbors, and co-workers.
- Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
- This is a Testing Designated Position; the selected applicant will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with federal law.
- Applicants must demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in graduate/doctorate program (current or final cumulative).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
- Comfort interacting with high-level government officials.
- Open mind to new experiences and willingness to learn about varied cultures and perspectives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong ability to manage multiple priorities leveraging technical knowledge in national security missions, budgetary processes, and regulatory frameworks.
- Capacity to build relationships with stakeholders at domestic and international levels.
- Familiarity with U.S. government nonproliferation programs, DOE regulations, and global nuclear safety standards.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Robust telehealth care options and mental health benefits.
- Free wellness coaching and health savings account.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Basic life insurance and disability insurance.
- Employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
- Tuition assistance and relocation support.
- Backup childcare, legal benefits, and supplemental parental bonding leave.
- Surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
- Company-funded pension plan and 401(k) savings plan with company match.
- Up to 120 vacation hours per year and ten paid holidays per year.
Pay
Minimum Salary: USD $57,100.00/year
Maximum Salary: USD $79,500.00/year
Schedule
Full-time, one-year fellowship (June 2027 – June 2028).