Posting Title

Laboratory Protection Performance Assurance Professional

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Location

CO - Golden

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Position Type

Regular

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Hours Per Week

40

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Working at NREL

Join a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world’s energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community. We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.

At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL's environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.

Learn about NREL’s critical objectives: NREL's Mission and Vision.

Job Description

PERFORMANCE ASSURANCE PROFESSIONAL

The Program Planning and Management group within Laboratory Protection is seeking a motivated and experienced Performance Assurance Professional to develop, implement, and continuously improve Laboratory Protection’s performance assurance program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and execute performance tests for the Protective Force and physical security systems in alignment with Department of Energy (DOE) directives.
• Conduct Limited Scope Performance Tests (LSPTs) and Alarm Response and Assessment Performance Tests (ARAPTs) to evaluate system effectiveness.
• Prepare detailed reports, analyze test data to identify trends, and recommend corrective actions to mitigate vulnerabilities and performance gaps.
• Support emergency management readiness assurance activities, ensuring preparedness and adherence to compliance requirements.
• Advise LP leadership on performance program updates, best practices, and strategies for continuous improvement.
• Foster collaboration with diverse stakeholders to ensure alignment across projects and initiatives.
• Maintain and refine performance metrics, track key indicators, and support strategic decision-making efforts.

Knowledge

Familiarity with DOE Orders and other federal regulations related to security, safety, and emergency management, including:

• DOE O 151.1E, Comprehensive Emergency Management System
• DOE O 470.1A, Safeguards and Security Program Management Operations
• DOE O 470.3C, Design Basis Threat
• DOE O 470.4C, Safeguards and Security Planning
• DOE O 470.5A, Insider Threat
• DOE O 473.1A, Physical Protection Program
• DOE O 473.2A, Protective Force Operations

Performance testing standards including an understanding of methodologies and best practices for designing and conducting performance tests.

• Security and risk management including a knowledge of physical security systems, protective force operations, and threat assessment processes.
• Data analysis including expertise in statistical methods, data visualization, and metrics tracking.
• Emergency management systems including familiarity with readiness assurance and emergency response protocols.

Proven Skills

• Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to evaluate complex data and scenarios, identify trends, and develop actionable solutions.
• Project Management: Competency in planning, coordinating, and executing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and performance testing software.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and work effectively with teams and stakeholders.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, including drafting, editing, and proofreading clear, concise, and professional documents, reports, and presentations. Strong interpersonal skills to influence, motivate, and engage diverse audiences, with the proven ability to convey complex issues clearly and tactfully to individuals at all levels.

Abilities

• Critical Thinking: Ability to assess risks, evaluate alternative solutions, and implement effective strategies.
• Attention to Detail: Capable of ensuring accuracy in data analysis, reporting, and compliance documentation.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to learn new systems, adapt to changing priorities, and work non-standard hours when necessary.
• Problem Solving: Initiative and creativity to resolve complex issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Leadership: Capacity to influence, motivate, and guide teams toward achieving program goals and operational excellence.

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Basic Qualifications

Relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant PhD or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant JD or equivalent relevant education/experience. Complete understanding and wide application of technical principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Considerable knowledge of laws, regulations, principles, procedures and practices related to specific field. Strong leadership, project management and problem solving skills. Ability to use various computer software programs.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Strong background in performance assurance, security operations, or risk management within a regulated environment.
• Experience with DOE security directives, compliance standards, and emergency response protocols.
• Ability to analyze complex security data, develop reports, and drive process improvements.
• Effective communicator with a collaborative mindset, capable of engaging cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Proven experience in security performance testing, program evaluation, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing Power BI, Yellowfin, or similar Microsoft tools for data analysis and process improvement.
• Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance and SCI access. SCI access may require a polygraph examination.
  Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required. See DOE O 472.2Afor additional information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or relevant discipline. Equivalent relevant experience may be substituted for education.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in the security field. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience and knowledge of laws, regulations, principles, procedures, and practices related to security and the DOE 470 series Orders. They must demonstrate strong project management, and problem-solving skills, as well as proficiency in using various computer software programs.
• The ideal candidate will also have direct experience working with DOE O 151.1E, Comprehensive Emergency Management Systems; and DOE O 473.2A, Protective Force Operations.

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Professional III / Annual Salary Range: $74,900 - $123,600

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

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