Subsea Telecommunications Engineer

Overview

PNNL’s National Security Directorate focuses on mission‑driven solutions to protect national and global interests. The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity, engineering, and policy expertise across interdisciplinary teams.

• Design, deploy, and operate security solutions for telecommunications systems, optical networks, subsea cable infrastructure, and associated management platforms.
• Integrate hardware, software, and security controls specific to DWDM, optical transport networks (OTN), and submarine cable terminal equipment.
• Engineer and deploy security and defensive countermeasures tailored to telecommunications operational technology environments.
• Define, implement, and validate security requirements throughout the design and development of telecommunications infrastructure.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and configuration reviews of optical transport equipment, submarine cable landing stations, and control systems.
• Design architecture and implement new cyber defense methods for telecommunications and optical networking systems.
• Analyze threats to undersea cable systems, optical networks, and telecommunications supply chains.
• Develop security monitoring and incident response capabilities for telecommunications OT environments.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including telecommunications providers, vendors, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies.

• BS/BA with 5+ years of relevant experience, or MS/MA with 3+ years, or PhD with 1+ year.

• Direct experience with Ciena 6500 packet‑optical platforms, SAOS/MCP operating systems, and associated management software.
• Experience with DWDM, OTN, and related protocols.
• Familiarity with subsea cable systems, submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE), and cable landing station operations (Sub Com, ASN, or similar).
• Experience securing telecommunications OT environments and industrial control systems.
• Current Top Secret clearance.

• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
• Background investigation in accordance with 10
  
  CFR
  710, Appendix
  
  B.
• Pre‑employment and random drug testing for illegal substances, including marijuana.

Salary range: $140,200–$228,800 per year.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Robust telehealth and mental health benefits.
• Medical and wellness coaching, health savings account, and flexible spending accounts.
• Housing assistance and relocation support.
• Retirement plan with company match.
• Paid leave and holidays.

PNNL is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Laboratory does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. PNNL provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.