Operations Specialist Jobs in Washington
Operations Specialist jobs in Washington are concentrated in aerospace and defense, cloud computing infrastructure, logistics, and state government administration, with openings at every level from coordinator to senior operations manager. The busiest hiring metros are Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma, where established employers such as Boeing, Amazon, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord regularly post operations roles. Supply chain optimization, process improvement, and IT operations coordination are the most in-demand specializations across Washington's private and public sectors. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
- Research Associates excluded.
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Key duties and responsibilities include:
- Integrates operational capabilities, requirements, and solutions across research and support organizations to enable and enhance effective and efficient project execution in support of the Lab’s mission.
- Maintains awareness of existing and planned changes in the operational risk profile of assigned research operating envelope.
- Maintains situational awareness of operational needs and emerging regulatory requirements, providing analysis of options and recommendations to mitigate exposure to operational risk and reduce the frequency of operational upset conditions.
- During upset conditions, assists management in the identification and implementation of immediate actions. This may include leading or participating in critiques and accident investigation, participating in causal analyses, and identifying and managing corrective actions and lessons learned.
- Evaluates the need for and provides necessary Subject Matter Expert (SME) support to line management, staff, and Project Management Offices to assist with project planning, assessment activities and risk identification and mitigation.
- Supports day-to-day work being conducted in research spaces including coordinating, scheduling, and logistics of contractors, crafts personnel, and other visiting researchers, including utilization of equipment, systems, and capabilities within their assigned spaces.
- Conduct risk reviews in the Electronic Prep & Risk System – review safety questions with Project Managers and approve operations risks.
- Provide oversight into Lab Assist activities (planning, assessments, routine operations, hazards analysis).
- Represent EED management for lab space related issues, including overseeing project and equipment startups.
- Interface and communicate with research, including lab modifications and other facility needs, to Subject Matter Experts (Safety and Health, Facilities, Infrastructure & Operations staff [building managers, and engineers] and assure operational needs are met and support the R&D mission’s needs.
- Mitigate impact to R&D activities during outages, facility modifications, etc.
- Coordinates operations and performs duties within the DOE and appropriate regulatory agencies requirements.
- Identifies issues, develops solutions, and manages implantation of PNNL-wide requirements, also provides recommendations that have measurable long term impact on the success of the laboratory and sets precedent on future decisions.
- Demonstrates the ability to build consensus across a broad spectrum of stakeholders and/or interest groups by articulating the strategic alignment of the organizations. Exerts positive influence for the laboratory advantage in all circles
- Functions as an operational lead and gives direction to other exempt staff.
- BS/BA and 11 years of relevant operations experience -OR-
- MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant operations experience
- Degree in engineering field such as mechanical, chemical, or nuclear engineering
- Experience with DOE’s Unreviewed Safety Question Process
- Experience as a Fissionable Material Handler Worker or Supervisor
- Experience with 10 CFR 830 regulatory and safety basis requirements
- Experience with implementing DOE O 422.1, Conduct of Operations
- Strong interpersonal skills (including conflict management and team building skills)
- Experience as a member of an Emergency Response Organization
- Demonstrated experience managing in a bargaining unit environment; demonstrated judgement handling sensitive personal matters, and problems of complex, technical nature
- Experience in operations of nuclear facilities and radiological work planning
- Qualified as a radiation worker
- Experience with Radiation Generating Devices (RGDs)
- Must be willing and able to work in radiologically controlled or high hazard areas
- Radiological worker
- Industrial setting
- Ability to travel 10%
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.
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.
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 at careers@pnnl.gov.
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.
For foreign national candidates:
See All 77 Operations Specialist Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Specialist JobsOperations Specialist Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Specialist Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations specialist jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a closely related field
- Two or more years of experience coordinating operational workflows or process improvement projects
- Demonstrated proficiency with enterprise resource planning or project management software such as SAP or Smartsheet
- Strong data analysis skills with experience using Excel, Tableau, or comparable reporting tools
- Ability to obtain or maintain a federal security clearance for defense or government contractor roles
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies applied in an operational setting
Operations Specialist Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operations specialist in Washington?
Most operations specialist positions in Washington require a bachelor's degree in business, operations management, supply chain, or a related discipline, though no state-issued license is mandated for the general role. Candidates targeting defense contractor or government agency positions should pursue a federal security clearance eligibility early. A Lean Six Sigma certification or a Project Management Professional credential recognized by Washington employers strengthens applications significantly across aerospace, logistics, and tech sectors.
Which companies hire operations specialists in Washington?
Companies currently hiring operations specialists in Washington include DICK'S Sporting Goods, University Of Washington, and Lime, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Washington's concentration of aerospace, cloud services, and federal contracting employers means operations roles here often require cross-functional coordination across large, complex organizations.
Which Washington cities have the most operations specialist jobs?
Seattle, Everett, and Spokane are the Washington cities with the most operations specialist openings. Seattle and Bellevue account for the largest share because of the dense cluster of technology companies and corporate headquarters there, while Tacoma draws consistent demand from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Port of Tacoma, and regional logistics and distribution operations.
Are there remote operations specialist jobs in Washington?
Yes, and more than many operational roles, because a significant portion of the work involves data analysis, reporting, and cross-team coordination that can be done remotely. About 50% of operations specialist openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the strong tech-sector presence in the state. Project management, business operations, and IT operations coordination are the sub-areas most likely to offer fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a operations specialist in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to operations coordinator or administrative operations associate roles at Washington's large employers, where structured onboarding programs exist. Boeing, Amazon, and Washington state agencies regularly post early-career operations positions and rotational programs designed for candidates without direct experience. Lateral moves from customer service lead, logistics associate, or administrative specialist roles are common stepping stones. Earning a Lean Six Sigma White or Yellow Belt credential before applying demonstrates process-improvement fundamentals that Washington hiring managers actively look for at the entry level.
Where can I find and apply to operations specialist jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to operations specialist jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings. Search the roles available, find the positions that fit your background and target location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 77 Operations Specialist Jobs in Washington
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