System Safety Engineer

Overview At PNNL,our core capabilities are dividedamongmajor departmentsthat werefer to asDirectorateswithin the Lab,focused on a specific area of scientific research orother function, with its own leadership teamand dedicated budget. Ourdirectorates related toMission Support & OperationsincludeOffice ofGeneral Counsel, Business Services, Communications andExternal Engagement,Operational Systems,CommunicationsandInformation Technology,andPerformanceManagement. The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads delivery of PNNL’s 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio—the single largest construction and modernization effort in the Laboratory’s history. OSD oversees operations and facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning. A team ofnearly 800staff comprise OSD, spanning in a wide range of disciplines, including craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists. Together, they ensure that PNNL’s assets, services, and OSD-led programs are managed and performing safely, securely, reliably, effectively, and efficiently. The directorate stewards more than $250 million in annual budget authority; managing more than 2.5 million square feet of facility space across two campuses; overseeing approximately 200 regulatory program areas; and executing a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio. The mission of the Environment, Health, Safety and Security (EHS&S) D Division is to minimize risks, assure compliance with regulatory standards, and promote a culture of safety, health, and environmental stewardship. EHS&S focuses on reducing environmental impact, promoting employee health, preventing workplace incidents, and safeguarding physical and information security. Core functions include risk assessment, safety training, environmental stewardship, health monitoring, emergency preparedness, and implementing security measures. EHS&S fosters a culture of safety, maintainability, and continuous improvement, ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term organizational resilience. Responsibilities The Worker Safety and Health Program is seeking an experienced professional to join its Safety Engineering team as a System Safety Engineer. This is a full-time, onsite position supporting a dynamic research and engineering environment with systems that have the potential for significant safety and mission impacts to staff and facilities. The System Safety Engineer will provide technical leadership in identifying, evaluating, and collaborating on complex and high-hazard operations across research, laboratory, facility, and project activities. The successful candidate will work closely with engineers, scientists, operations personnel, project teams, and safety professionals to identify and analyze hazards in complex systems to ensure safety and regulatory compliance throughout the entire project lifecycle. The position provides solutions, advice, and recommendations to PNNL research and facilities staff. Key areas of focus include: Conduct hazards analysis of complex research systems involving multiple hazards that are novel, unique, or uncommon. Adapt hazard analysis methodologies based on Center for Chemical Process Safety methods such as What-if, HAZOP, and FMEA, to the research environment to analyze potential causes and consequences of events such as fires; explosions; uncontrolled releases of toxic, radioactive, or flammable chemicals; and major spills of hazardous materials. Participate in the Process Safety Board to identify PNNL projects requiring a process safety approach in support of their safe, compliant, and efficient performance and operation. Provide direct technical assistance in identifying, evaluating, and controlling workplace and research hazards. Produce thorough, high-quality reviews, assessments, analysis, and hazard assessments. Provide implementation methods for requirements. Interface effectively with staff and management at all levels, as well as external stakeholders including DOE-PNSO. Champion a strong safety culture through active participation, mentorship, and effective communication. Enable cutting edge research in a safe and responsible manner. Responsibilities: Implement Safety Programs: Implement, audit, and evaluate the effectiveness of the System Safety Program as a subject matter expert. Champion a strong safety culture through active participation, mentorship, and effective communication. Enable cutting edge research in a safe and responsible manner. Hazard Identification and Risk Management: Maintain systems and procedures to identify, evaluate, and control research hazards, conduct risk assessments, identify appropriate system and process safety directives to be implemented, and recommend mitigation strategies for identified hazards. Analysis and Assessment: Lead and conduct various safety analyses, assessments, and evaluations of system designs, modifications, operations, and procedures to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Compliance and Regulatory Affairs: Implement all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, DOE Orders, and Standards. Contractor and Quality Assurance and Improvement: Complete contractor assurance activities to verify programmatic compliance, effectiveness, and overall health. Partner with management and workers to strengthen the safety culture and promote continuous improvement of the System Safety Program by monitoring performance, analyzing metrics, and implementing corrective actions. Stakeholder Engagement: Effectively interface and collaborate with research staff and management at all levels, internal and external customers (including DOE-PNSO line management and EHS&S staff), and regulatory bodies. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR- PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related field; equivalent education and experience may be considered. Experience in a research laboratory, industrial, utility, manufacturing, construction, or other high-hazard environment. Proven ability to analyze complex (e.g., chemical, nuclear) processing systems using process and instrumentation diagrams, operating procedures, product information, and parts lists. Process safety board experience. Experience with hazard and accident analysis processes. Expertise in conducting qualitative and quantitative hazard analyses, risk assessments, and evaluating activities to mitigate safety hazards. Knowledge of contractor assurance activities including self‑assessments, program assessments, metrics, and in‑field performance observations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders and effectively present complex information. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking abilities. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and foster a culture of open communication and collaboration. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment This is a full-time, onsite role that may require work in laboratories, industrial facilities, construction areas, electrical rooms, and other operational environments. The position may require wearing personal protective equipment, entering controlled or high-hazard areas, climbing ladders or stairs, and working around energized or potentially energized equipment in accordance with established safety procedures. 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. 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 applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment 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 if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated. “Referral Eligible” 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, and flexible work schedules. 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 and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements 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. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Research Associates excluded. **All benefits are dependent upon eligibility. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position. Minimum Salary USD $148,000.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $233,900.00/Yr. #J-18808-Ljbffr