Signals Analysis is a cutting-edge technical discipline that seeks to identify the purpose, content and user(s) of signals. With the rapid evolution of signals technology, the NSA must maintain and develop a highly talented workforce of Signals Analysts who are a vital part in maintaining our technical capabilities to produce signals intelligence. Signals Analysts analyze signals from various sources, including foreign communications, radar, and other electronic systems seeking to recover.
Summary
Signals Analysis is a cutting-edge technical discipline that seeks to identify the purpose, content and user(s) of signals. With the rapid evolution of signals technology, the NSA must maintain and develop a highly talented workforce of Signals Analysts who are a vital part in maintaining our technical capabilities to produce signals intelligence. Signals Analysts analyze signals from various sources, including foreign communications, radar, and other electronic systems seeking to recover.
The SADP is a three-year development program that trains new hires to become certified professional Signals Analysts. The program is designed to include intensive, structured, formal training courses and a wide range of work assignments focused on various aspects of signals analysis. Over the period of three years, selected candidates will gain experience through a rotational structure that includes exposure to different areas of specialization within signals analysis.
The selected candidate will apply their knowledge in STEM to exploit advanced signals data and deliver analytic results that yield the highest impact intelligence and security outcomes for the NSA and the Nation. The path to becoming a certified professional Signals Analyst is divided into four parts:
- Rotation: Tour each area of specialization offered at NSAW for a period of 6-12 months. Up to five rotational tours will be completed over the three-year period. Opportunities to travel outside of NSAW may become available throughout the duration of the program.
- Learning: Complete a comprehensive suite of core and advanced technical courses taught by NSA subject matter experts.
- Writing: Dive deep into a signal-related topic by authoring a professional technical paper.
- Presentation: Brief a recap of tour experience and discuss the technical paper in front of a board of subject matter experts.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be given the opportunity to specialize in an area of their choosing and will gain valuable experience by spending up to three additional years honing their craft as a Signals Analyst.
All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position:
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: signals analysis (COMINT, ELINT, FISINT or PROFORMA); protocol analysis; network troubleshooting; network traffic characterization; network security analysis; or design and engineering of aerospace, communications, electronic or industrial systems.
If not credited toward education requirement, completion of relevant military training will be considered towards the experience requirement.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL:
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience plus relevant military education; or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, plus relevant military education; or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.
FULL PERFORMANCE:
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience plus relevant military education; or an Associate's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, plus relevant military education; or 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.
Education
Degree must be in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, a Physical Science, or a related technical field. A broader range of degrees may be considered for those who have completed a relevant military training program.
Relevant military education in a relevant military degree, relevant military training, or military development program (for example, Intermediate Tech ELINT Analyst, 451/461 (Intermediate Signals Analysis), 452 (Advanced Signals Analysis), Military Signals Analysis Program (MSAP), Military ELINT Signals Analysis Program (MESAP), or Military Operational Signals Analysis Program (MOSAP).
NOTE: A copy of your unofficial transcript is required to be submitted with your application and may expedite processing.
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).
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 possesses a strong technical aptitude and a commitment to continuous learning.
We are seeking a professional who is:
- Analytically Driven
- An Effective Communicator (writing and briefing/presentation/public speaking)
- Collaborative
- Adaptable in Fast-Paced Environments
- Proactive & Accountable
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.
