Group Leader - Security Systems Optimization (SSO)

Overview We are seeking a people-focused leader passionate about defining and driving the laboratory’s understanding of blended security threats (e.g., physical, cyber, etc.) to serve as the Group Leader for Security Systems Optimization (SSO). Today, the SSO group harnesses its core capabilities in vulnerability and risk assessment, physical security evaluation & design, security technology development & deployment, cyber-physical security, maritime and aviation security, protective force, and security training development & delivery to apply a comprehensive security approach that delivers multidisciplinary, adaptive, and predictive solutions to counter multi-domain threats to the United States. Moving forward, we seek a Group Leader who will assess these capabilities to find new and innovative ways to help us counter, predict, and prevent future attacks aimed at critical infrastructure and key resources. The SSO Group needs a visionary leader who understands how to evaluate blended security threats in order to identify: 1) potential solutions that leverage existing cutting-edge science and technology (S&T) on existing programs; and 2) opportunities to drive future S&T development, either internally or externally. This visionary leader should be able to call on professional relationships inside and outside government to help craft and implement a strategy that engages all aspects of the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cybersecurity (CBRN-C) spectrum. The leader should also possess the interpersonal skills and experience to build an effective team that is empowered to execute the strategy. The ideal leader will be well-versed in crafting a strategy that leads to new security-informed research and development at PNNL, ultimately driving S&T into the mission. Responsibilities About the Role: As a core member of the Emerging Threats & Technologies Division leadership team, the SSO Group Leader (GL) fills a variety of functions: Provides line management and technical leadership for the group, with responsibility for selecting, maintaining, and growing the people, equipment, facilities, and technical capabilities necessary to grow and execute the group's work. The SSO group includes 40+ staff primarily located in Richland, WA, and the GL oversees a leadership team of five Team Leaders who are direct reports. The SSO GL establishes high standards, removes barriers to success, seeks continuous improvement, and establishes a culture of quality while creating an inclusive, productive, positive work environment. Provides strategic vision for the group, identifying key market opportunities where SSO capabilities can be applied and driving new ideas into the market. As a member of the NSD extended management team, the GL also identifies, solicits, and applies overhead and R&D funding and other resources necessary to meet these objectives. Depending on level of experience, the GL may contribute business and institutional objectives across the Nation Security Directorate and PNNL more broadly. Facilitates a collaborative approach to solving problems, seeking connections within the National Security Directorate (NSD) and outside the laboratory to achieve strategic outcomes. In this role, the GL must be a diplomatic communicator, able to interpret and disseminate technical and organizational direction up and down the organization. Serves as a role model in terms of meeting mission impact, achieving operational success, and building strong teams while emphasizing engagement, operational discipline, security, and safety. Responsibilities: Working with our Program Development Office to define and attract new programs; identify, promote, and drive science and technology (S&T) into either PNNL’s research and development (R&D) process or the R&D processes of U.S. government departments and agencies. Working closely with other groups in the Emerging Threats & Technologies Division to deliver science & technology solutions to our sponsors - act as a critical bridge between the research and operational capabilities of PNNL. Developing and executing technical group plans and strategies to support programmatic delivery. Managing five or more technical team leaders as part of the SSO management team, growing the next generation of leaders. Through the Team Leaders, accountable for the organization leadership of 40+ staff members. Fostering a feedback-rich environment; actively understanding and resolving barriers that impede staff and accomplishment of work; providing clear, direct and timely feedback and growth opportunities; and fostering active bi-directional communications to inform organizational decisions. Contributing to division and directorate strategy objectives as a member of the Emerging Threats & Technologies Division leadership team; may lead, coordinate or contribute to activities that advance organizational long-term goals. Translating strategy into action, settling directions for capability investments and defining future group strategy and technical agendas. Actively communicating Lab, sponsor and external technical trends to the group, and representing group directions and capabilities outwardly to these communities. Liaising with the external technical community, including developing partnerships with university and industrial collaborators who interact regularly with government sponsors to connect mission needs with PNNL computing capabilities. Administering overhead budgets and staff development resources to ensure expertise, facilities and equipment are mission-ready. Building a sense of community with PNNL staff located across the country in either hybrid or virtual environments. Serving Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 10 years work experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 8 years of experience Preferred Qualifications: Experience with DOD, DHS, DOE and/or other federal agencies. Highly skilled in managing research or technology development projects and teams. Strong record of collaboration across technical domains within the public and private sectors and delivering results in multi-disciplinary environments. Demonstrated ability to conceive, design, develop, test, and deploy creative security solutions. Demonstrated record of developing and sustaining external funding for R&D programs, particularly from DOD, DHS, DOE, or other government agency sponsors. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills and demonstrated ability to mentor others. Has a strong reputation for integrity and trust. Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Supervisory or line-management experience and direct responsibility for capability stewardship of technical working group is preferred. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not Applicable Additional Information This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. Requirements: U.S. Citizenship Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B. Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP). Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated. Testing Designated Position This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. 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. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 [email protected]. 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. Mandatory Requirements Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. 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.