Senior Classification Analyst
Date: Apr 8, 2026
Location: Knoxville, TN, US, 37930
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 16211
Overview:
The Laboratory Protection Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of the ORNL Senior Classification Analyst. This position will be responsible for providing programmatic and technical support and expertise to the ORNL Classification Program. In this position, you will assist the Classification Officer in supporting the management and oversight of the ORNL classification program and the classification of scientific, technical, and other information as well as provide Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) guidance for ORNL Programs. This position will assist in the review of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, environmental studies, and others as the need arises. The Senior Classification Analyst will interact with and provide technical support and interpretative guidance to Derivative Classifiers/Reviewing Officials.
ORNL is the largest U.S. Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad spectrum of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
This position may be required to serve as the alternate program manager in the absences of the Classification Officer and be responsible for assisting with fulfilling the classification requirements of the current UT-Battelle, LLC, Contracts, by ensuring the appropriate identification of ORNL programs and publications requiring protection in the interest of national security as defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (AEA) and Executive Orders, applicable federal regulations (10 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 1045, 10 CFR 1017, etc.), and Department of Energy (DOE) Orders and Directives. This position has broad responsibility loosely guided by classification program goals, policies, procedures, and strategy. Exerts considerable latitude in determining objectives and approach to work assignments. This position requires analysis of complex scientific and engineering information to determine the classification of documents. The Senior Classification Analyst will perform the following:
- Maintain declassification authority for documents and materials produced at ORNL from the DOE Office of Classification.
- Maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the ever-changing federal classification policies, laws, and statutes. Advanced knowledge of a wide range of principles, theories, professional competencies & application techniques of discipline, related disciplines, and organization technical considerations.
- Identify scientific and technical information that requires protection or control in accordance with federal regulations and DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration classification policies and guidelines.
- Maintain operational awareness of the classification/UCNI issues.
- Assist with providing recommendations to resolve classification/UCNI issues affecting ORNL mission objectives.
- Analysis of complex information and providing interpretations to identify the classification or controls that will be required on programmatic work products or processes to adhere to current classification guidance from DOE and other federal agencies.
- Interpret policies and developing procedures for ORNL staff to ensure compliance with federal requirements related to the identification of classified, UCNI, and Controlled Unclassified Information.
- Plans and leads major technical projects at the laboratory-wide level for successful implementation of the classification program.
- Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
Basic Qualifications:
- The applicant must meet the following education and experience criteria in relevant Department of Energy classification, UCNI, declassification, and classified subject areas:
- Bachelor’s degree plus 12 years of relevant experience, or
- Master’s degree plus 10 years relevant experience, or
- PhD plus 7 years relevant experience
- The applicant must have existing DOE Derivative Classifier, Derivative Declassifier, and UCNI Reviewing Official authorities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A scientific or technical degree.
- Current or former Classification Officer at DOE/NNSA site.
- Current or former Broad Derivative Classifier, Derivative Declassifier, and UCNI Reviewing Official authority at a DOE/NNSA site.
- Excellent analytical and interpretation abilities for applying current DOE classification guides in such areas as nuclear weapons design and testing, military applications, arms control, nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear materials production, intelligence/counterintelligence, or safeguards and security to ORNL’s national security programs.
- Knowledge and extensive experience in the Laboratory's operating environment to define processes and procedures that ensure compliance with federal requirements and are consistent with Laboratory objectives and operations are highly desired.
Special Requirements:
- Q clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
- Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville