NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program – Class of 2027
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) is the premier channel for bringing top talent to tackle our nation’s critical security missions. NGFP fellows provide support to national and international programs across the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and support the successful coordination of tasks, reporting, and stakeholder engagement while participating in exclusive professional development opportunities. This multi-disciplinary program combines technical analysis, policy development, program oversight, stakeholder communication, and resource management to protect U.S. national security priorities. The program is sponsored by NNSA and administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The fellowship is a 12-month, salaried position working with NNSA program offices in Washington, D.C., or at one of the NNSA site locations nationwide. Learn more about site locations.
About the role
Fellows support a broad range of NNSA priorities, including stockpile management, nonproliferation, counterproliferation, information security, administrative and financial support, and more. Learn about NNSA offices and missions.
Responsibilities
- Support NNSA priorities in areas such as stockpile management, nonproliferation, counterproliferation, information security, and administrative/financial support.
- Coordinate tasks, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
- Participate in exclusive professional development opportunities.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- 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).
- Selected applicants must supply official transcripts demonstrating eligibility (minimum 3.0 GPA) no later than 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).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
- Comfort interacting with high-level government officials.
- Open-mindedness 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.
Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance, including a background investigation covering employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with personal references, neighbors, and co-workers.
- Compliance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B for access to classified matter.
- 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 for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Robust telehealth care options and mental health benefits.
- Free wellness coaching and health savings/flexible spending accounts.
- Basic life insurance and disability insurance.
- Employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
- Tuition assistance, relocation, 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 10 paid holidays per year (Research Associates excluded).
Pay
Minimum Salary: USD $57,100.00/year
Maximum Salary: USD $79,500.00/year
Schedule
Full-time, 12-month fellowship (June 2027 – June 2028).