As an Engineering and Physical Science professional, you will leverage your skills to develop and enhance systems and tools that support intelligence operations. Your responsibilities will include advising on, administering, and performing scientific projects such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment. By applying your science and engineering skills, you will make a significant contribution to protecting the nation.
Summary
As an Engineering and Physical Science professional, you will leverage your skills to develop and enhance systems and tools that support intelligence operations. Your responsibilities will include advising on, administering, and performing scientific projects such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment. By applying your science and engineering skills, you will make a significant contribution to protecting the nation.
With ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, a highly skilled, professional workforce of Systems Engineers (SE) is essential to build, integrate, and optimize complex systems and services. These World-class, experienced, technical professionals solve challenging systems engineering problems utilizing incredibly innovative solutions. Systems Engineers perform trade studies to generate and translate conceptual designs into technical specifications, participate in the evaluation of prototype hardware systems and software solutions, and integrate these solutions into the worldwide collection and processing architecture.
Backgrounds such as Cybersecurity, SIGINT, electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, computer science, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) all have a place in the spectrum of implementations, ranging from commercial/government off-the-shelf solutions to the development of new and unique technologies. The Systems Engineer combines this background with inherent knowledge, skills, practical experience, and other core SE competencies to meet the emerging requirements to develop the next generation of high performing Enterprise Systems Engineers.
JUNIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERS
NSA hires recent college graduates and junior systems engineers to support a technical mission office or participate in a Development Program. These systems engineers are involved in various projects designed to nurture and grow their skills. They gain hands-on, practical knowledge of architecture and infrastructure by designing engineering systems over the lifecycle in areas such as networks, servers, hardware, and software. Supported by robust training, junior systems engineers have opportunities to form relationships with mentors and explore possibilities.
Under the guidance of senior or mid-career engineers, they work on smaller projects and assist with system design, implementation, and testing. They develop and maintain technical documentation and standards, and are eager to learn and adapt to new technologies and tools. Junior systems engineers are energetic, motivated, driven to continual learning, and ready to grow their careers.
All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in either Engineering or a relevant technical field (for example, computer science, mathematics, or physics).
For all of the above degrees, if program is not ABET accredited, it must include specified coursework.*
Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i) computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics.
Relevant experience must be in engineering systems over their lifecycle (for example, conception, design & development, testing, production, distribution/deployment, operation, maintenance & support, decommissioning).
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
With an Engineering degree, entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. OR, with a degree in a relevant technical field (for example, computer science, mathematics, or physics), entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.
FULL PERFORMANCE
With an Engineering degree, entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. OR, with a degree in a relevant technical field (for example, computer science, mathematics, or physics), entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's or Doctoral degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in either Engineering or a relevant technical field (for example, computer science, mathematics, or physics).
For all of the above degrees, if program is not ABET accredited, it must include specified coursework.*
Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i) computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics.
Additional information
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $87,362 - $153,082 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The ideal candidate demonstrates applicable knowledge or experience in a technical field, with a familiarity of systems engineering practices and concepts in areas such as Cybersecurity, SIGINT, communications, telecommunications, electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, computer science, data management, data processing, network architecture, or software design, development, and implementation. The ideal candidate is passionate about continual learning and possesses excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Additionally, ideal candidates exhibit strong leadership and communication skills, are proficient in multiple programming languages and technologies, and have expert-level knowledge of system design, architecture, and integration. They are innovative and willing to share creative and unconventional ideas, motivated to drive projects to completion, and capable of working collaboratively across different functional areas.
Knowledge, skills, and experience in one or more of the following areas are highly desired: systems engineering principles such as technology/system readiness assessment, modeling and simulation, security design engineering, and test evaluation and integration; systems architecture, framework, and standards. While not mandatory, Systems Engineering Certifications (i.e., DAWIA Certification, CISCO, and INCOSE) are beneficial and can enhance your qualifications.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
