Data Engineers play a vital role in tackling key national security issues. Applicants will design, build, and maintain systems that handle data to support our mission goals, from intelligence gathering to cybersecurity.
In this role, applicants will create & improve data pipelines and databases, helping our teams quickly access & search through both structured and unstructured data transforming raw information into standardized, usable formats that power our operations and protect the nation.
Summary
Data Engineers play a vital role in tackling key national security issues. Applicants will design, build, and maintain systems that handle data to support our mission goals, from intelligence gathering to cybersecurity.
In this role, applicants will create & improve data pipelines and databases, helping our teams quickly access & search through both structured and unstructured data transforming raw information into standardized, usable formats that power our operations and protect the nation.
Drawing on skills in data design, computer science, and specific knowledge of our field, applicants will turn mission needs into practical technical solutions. This includes building data structures, connecting different data sources, and ensuring data moves smoothly between systems.
Applicants will also communicate the capabilities and limitations of data systems to subject matter experts and key decision-makers. Using cutting-edge tools, applicants will have opportunities to solve real-world problems in collecting, organizing, storing, and processing data.
We're looking for talent at all levels, from those just starting out to seasoned experts, ready to make a real difference in national security.
As a Data Engineer at NSA/CSS, you will transform and deliver high-priority datasets to enable exploitation and analysis for critical intelligence and cybersecurity missions.
Design and Build Scalable Data Infrastructure
- Design and architect systems that collect, transform, and manage data at scale using cloud, open source, and custom solutions
- Create data models, schemas, databases, and optimized pipelines that process large, complex datasets
- Implement ETL (extract, transform, load) processes and automated data validation methods
Data Engineering and Analysis
- Derive structured data from unstructured sources and combine multiple datasets to create a complete picture
- Address conflicting, missing, or inconsistent data through cleaning and curation
- Conduct exploratory data analysis using mathematical and statistical methods
- Identify data features required to solve mission challenges
Collaboration and Communication
- Partner with collectors, data scientists, software engineers, and domain experts to design integrated solutions
- Elicit customer needs and translate them into technical implementations
- Document processes, analyses, and results for technical and non-technical audiences
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to team members
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.
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: data mining, analytical algorithms, software engineering, systems administration, data science, data flow management, designing/implementing machine learning, data management, database design, data architecture, system architecture, or database administration (e.g., developing, maintaining, troubleshooting).
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience, or a Master's degree and no experience.
FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, 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.
SENIOR
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or 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. Experience must also include formal or informal leadership.
EXPERT
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience.
Experience must also include formal or informal leadership.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Engineering, or Physical Sciences.
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 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.
Technical Skills and Experience
- Experience with ETL processes, workflow/container orchestration, and cloud solutions (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Proficiency with database and search technologies, distributed computing, and serverless design patterns
- Experience analyzing or processing large, sparse, or complex bulk datasets
- Understanding of scaling and performance optimization for distributed/cloud systems
- Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, Perl, R) and programming concepts
- Familiarity with various data formats, database architectures, and open-source data engineering tools
- Experience with Serialization Formats: JSON, XML, etc.
Domain Knowledge
- Experience with signal/image processing, geospatial modeling, or voice/data communications
- Understanding of data science concepts, AI/ML applications, and automation
- Experience working with conflicting, missing, or inconsistent data
Competencies
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound decisions with limited information
- Creativity in generating new ideas, processes, or solutions for complex challenges
- Ability to adapt interpersonal style to accommodate different approaches and perspectives
- Resilience in high-pressure situations, bouncing back from setbacks while staying positive and focused.
- Experience building collaborative information and knowledge-sharing networks
- Strong skills in oral and written communication, tailored effectively for both technical and non-technical audiences
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.
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4);
OR
- Certification of Service:
A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date;
AND
- Standard Form 15 (SF-15)
Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).
If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability;
AND
- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)
You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).
**Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.
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.
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4);
OR
- Certification of Service:
A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date;
AND
- Standard Form 15 (SF-15)
Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).
If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability;
AND
- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)
You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).
**Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.
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.
