As an Engineering and Physical Science professional, you will use your skills to create the systems and tools that will be used to enhance the operation of intelligence. You will advise, administer and perform scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1256567
Summary
As an Engineering and Physical Science professional, you will use your skills to create the systems and tools that will be used to enhance the operation of intelligence. You will advise, administer and perform scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1256567
The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal: to protect our nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information.
The NSA's Cybersecurity Directorate's Mission is to protect critical systems, information, material and infrastructure against physical exploitation by nation-state adversaries and trusted insiders through research, design, and engagement.
The NSA is located in the Washington DC Metropolitan area and is home to many commercial collaborators, universities, government laboratories, and sponsors. The D.C. Metropolitan area is not only a great place to live, but an ideal place for a young scientist/researcher to launch a career.
NSA currently has opportunities for highly motivated Physical Scientists to provide expertise, guidance and support to the development and implementation of mission capabilities that align with mission challenges. Individuals in these positions are responsible for:
- Research, Development, and Implementation - Deter the physical compromise of critical material through the research, development and implementation of technical solutions.
- Design Guidance and Training - Deliver training, education, and guidance to users in the identification and application of effective security solutions.
- Technical Analysis and Testing - Deliver technical testing services through state-of-the-art laboratory facilities consisting of environmental chambers and materials analysis tools.
- Community Outreach - Engage with Government and industry technical communities to share knowledge and leverage multi-source expertise to meet security requirements.
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 Physical Science or a related scientific field (for example, physics, chemistry, materials science, astronomy, engineering).
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: applying technical knowledge and expertise in engineering or physical sciences; development, research, design, or test of materials or products; or field investigations. Program or project management in a scientific field may account for some, but not all, of the experience.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. An Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience may be considered.
FULL PERFORMANCE
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. An Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered.
SENIOR
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Physical Science or a related scientific field (for example, physics, chemistry, materials science, astronomy, engineering).
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 - $192,764 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior)
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 should have proven experience in the programming, operation, and management of a variety of chemical and materials test chambers, to include: FT-IR, XRF, VSC-8000, digital microscopes, adhesion tester, pull tester, and various measurement tools. Evidence of corporate behavior and the ability to build and sustain alliances with a myriad of organizations is preferred.
The candidate should have a proven record of coordination with internal organizations and external test communities, to include DoD/IC customers. Strong written and verbal communications skills are desired.
A background in and familiarization with National, Department of Defense (DoD), and NSA/CSS policies, procedures, and directives governing the mission is highly desired.
The selectee must exercise sound judgment in all actions and be able to both provide and seek advice from an experienced workforce. The selectee should be comfortable interacting with all levels of organizational hierarchies and within the Intelligence Community, be proficient at operating in a dynamic and high-tempo environment with minimal supervision and possess strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
The selected individual will work in a dynamic environment with duties that can include the following:
- Configuring, managing, and sustaining chemical and materials analysis systems.
- Theory, design, and implementation of chemical analysis procedures that include specifications, uses, and types of chemical analysis equipment.
- The concepts and principles of chemical and materials analysis, and test standards.
- Applying concepts, principles, theories, and methods for evaluating and testing physical materials and products.
- Applying concepts, principles, theories, and methods for developing appropriate materials analysis protocols.
- Leading product development and/or project management efforts
- Maintaining currency on new or emerging technology.
- Operating within a materials analysis laboratory.
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.
