PNNL Careers FAQ
Get answers to common questions about applying to jobs at PNNL
As you step into your job search journey, you’re likely to have questions. Below are some commonly asked questions and answers to help you along the way.
Jump to questions about:
Finding Jobs
Q. Where can I find current job opportunities at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)?
A. All open positions for which we are currently accepting applications are listed on the PNNL Careers site.
Use the search function to enter keywords, such as "computing." If you would like to view all open positions, click on “Find Jobs,” located to the right of the search bar or click on the “Browse All Jobs” tile located below “Explore Career Opportunities”.
Q: Where can I find current internship opportunities at PNNL?
A: All open intern positions for which we are currently accepting applications are listed on the PNNL Careers site.
You can learn more about PNNL’s internship programs from the Office of STEM.
Submitting Your Application
Q: How do I apply?
A: It’s easy! To get started, simply click “Apply Now”, enter your e-mail address, and click “Next.”
For general questions about the application process such as how to create a profile, how to log in, or how to manage or update your information, click on the “Application FAQs” link located just above the ‘iCIMS’ logo. If you don’t immediately see this, just scroll to the bottom of your current page.
Q: To complete my application, I am being asked for additional documentation (e.g., cover letter and transcripts). How do I provide this information?
A: To upload additional documents, select and upload using one of the three following options: Upload from "My Computer," "Google Drive," or "Dropbox." Please remember to black out sensitive personal data (social security number, date of birth, etc.) on any documents you submit. This step protects your privacy and helps keep our process secure. For positions that require additional documents for the initial application, make sure you provide these or your application will be deemed incomplete.
Q: I have created a profile or applied previously, but I cannot remember my password. What should I do?
A: Once you enter your e-mail address, you will see an option to “Reset your password.” If you do not receive a reset e-mail, please make sure to check your spam or junk e-mail folders. If you’ve checked all of these and still need help, e-mail us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Q: Some of my information, including my resume, has changed. Should I complete a new application?
A: No. You can simply log in to your existing profile, click on “Dashboard” and then “Update Your Profile.”
What Happens Once You Have Applied
Q: How do I know my application was received?
A: Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an e-mail confirming we’ve received your application. If you don’t receive a confirmation e-mail, please make sure to check your spam or junk e-mail folders.
Q: When should I expect to hear from PNNL once my application has been submitted?
A: We aim to connect with applicants as soon as possible. However, some positions receive a high number of applicants, and timelines can vary. We want to assure that each application, including yours, gets the proper attention and careful consideration it deserves. If your application is chosen to move forward in the process, you will be contacted directly.
Q: How do I check the status of my application?
A: You can check your application status at any time by going to the PNNL Careers site. Click on “View Application Status” (located at the top right-hand corner of the page), then select “Full-Time,” “Post-Doctoral,” or “University Internships.”
Note: If you have applied through multiple portals (e.g., University and Full-Time), you will be able to view your application status for all of them.
Identification and REAL ID
Q: What is REAL ID and what do I need to know about it for badging and access at PNNL?
A: In 2005, Congress enacted Public Law 109-13, 119 Stat. 302, commonly referred to as the REAL ID Act.
The Act modified U.S. federal law pertaining to standards for security, authentication, and issuance procedures for state driver’s licenses and identification (ID) cards. It applies to all federal facilities that have access-control requirements involving ID checks.
Q: What identifications are considered REAL ID compliant?
A: All identification must include a photograph and be unexpired.
- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
- Permanent Resident Card or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
- Foreign passport
- Employment authorization document that contains a photograph (Form I-766)
- Driver’s license or identification card issued by a state or possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph, including Real ID compliant, or identifications indicating “Not for Federal Identification” (or similar language)
- U.S. Military or government identification card
- U.S. Military dependents identification card
- PIV badge
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant identification and are accepted. Most EDLs do not contain the REAL ID-compliant star marking but are accepted for access at PNNL.
Q: How do I know if my driver’s license is REAL ID compliant?
A: REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses may have a gold or black star located on the driver’s license (usually in the top right corner). Washington’s EDLs feature an American flag and say “Enhanced Driver License” at the top.
Q: What if I don’t have a REAL ID compliant identification?
A: A REAL ID-compliant form of identification is necessary for unescorted access to PNNL facilities. If you don’t possess a REAL ID compliant form of identification, escorted access may be granted with an escort and proper approvals.
Q: What if my driver’s license isn’t Enhanced or REAL ID-compliant?
A: No problem—you still have options. You can provide any of the other acceptable forms of identification listed above, such as a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or Employment Authorization Document. As long as your ID is unexpired and includes a photo, it can be used for badging and facility access. If you’re not sure whether your ID qualifies, feel free to reach out to us at careers@pnnl.gov—we’re happy to help clarify before your badging appointment.
Q: Where can I read more about REAL ID in general (unrelated to PNNL access)?
A: Visit the Washington State REAL ID website and the Department of Homeland Security website.
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Other Helpful Information
Q: I am not ready to apply, but I would like to send in my resume. Is that an option?
A: If you’re not ready to apply for a specific opportunity, we encourage you to join our Talent Community where you can upload your resume and indicate areas of interest. Visit the PNNL Careers site and click on “Join Our Talent Community” (located at the top of the page) to get started.
Q: I see pay ranges included in PNNL’s job postings. Is this the full pay range or the starting pay range?
A: Per Washington State pay transparency requirements, PNNL lists the full pay range for each position. 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.
Q: Why do I see different pay ranges for PNNL jobs on other job search sites?
A: This discrepancy often occurs because job search sites may aggregate salary information from various sources, including historical data, reports from employees, or even estimated calculations, rather than using the pay range from the employer’s official job posting. The pay range indicated in the job postings on the PNNL Careers site is the accurate pay range.
Q: What does it mean by "on-site," "hybrid," and "virtual" in PNNL’s postings?
A: An on-site workplace arrangement indicates the work is performed on-site a PNNL campus.
A virtual workplace arrangement indicates the work is performed from a location other than a PNNL campus, most often from home.
A hybrid workplace arrangement indicates the work is performed using a combined approach of both on-site and remote. While the on-site requirements can vary depending on the nature of the work, all hybrid workplace arrangements have a minimum requirement to be on-site a PNNL campus at least two days per week. Employees living within 50 miles of a PNNL campus work a hybrid workplace arrangement.
Q: Why does PNNL require U.S. citizenship for certain positions?
A: PNNL requires U.S. citizenship for specific roles under limited circumstances given the nature of our work as a federal contractor including: Obtaining security clearances for sensitive projects, adhering to U.S. export control regulations, complying with federal contract requirements, and handling controlled unclassified information. These measures collectively assure the protection of national security interests, compliance with government policies, and safeguarding of sensitive information.
Not all positions at PNNL require U.S. citizenship. Many positions, particularly those not involving sensitive or classified information, are open to all qualified individuals, regardless of their citizenship status.
Q: Who should I contact if I need to request an accommodation during the job application or employment process?
A: PNNL is 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 careers@pnnl.gov.
Q: Where can I learn more about PNNL’s excellent benefit offerings?
A: Explore Rockstar Rewards to learn more about PNNL's benefit offerings.