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Are you an Engineering, Computer Science or Applied Mathematics professional who enjoys working with hardware to understand its basic operation? Would you like to apply these skills in support of the Intelligence Community mission? NSA is seeking experienced professionals in computer design, microelectronics, radio frequency design, and systems engineering to solve emerging challenges. Apply your science and engineering skills to protect the nation.
02/20/2025 to 02/27/2025
$86,498 - $190,848 per year
GG 7 - 14
Many vacancies in the following location:
No
No
Not required
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
None
No
Yes
1245467
832027500
With the ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, NSA needs Hardware/Software Engineers to design, develop, construct and evaluate electronic hardware and software processing components. These components are typically subsystems of communication, collection, processing or analysis systems.
Hardware Software Engineers utilize electrical, computer, mechanical, and materials engineering knowledge and skills to design, assemble, test, analyze and reverse engineer electronics hardware in support of the NSA mission.
The National Security Agency (NSA) currently has an opportunity for Hardware/Software Design Engineers.
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEERS are hired into positions supporting a broad range of specialized skills including Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Communications Engineering. Positions will be in an office directly supporting a technical mission.
The responsibilities of a Hardware/Software Design Engineer may include:
- Designing, developing, testing, and/or evaluating computer or computer-related equipment.
- Designing, developing, testing and evaluation of programmable hardware devices or digital circuits. - Programming, modifying and/or configuring system software that manages the computer hardware and provides services to the applications.
- Applying software engineering principles to design, develop, test, and evaluate/modify software applications.
When submitting your application, please ensure that you fully populate all sections of the resume tool with all relevant skills, experience, and education, as the resume entered into the tool will be the primary resume used to evaluate your application. Please do NOT populate the resume tool with - see resume.
Please attach an unofficial copy of your transcripts from all schools attended when applying for this position. Providing a copy of your transcripts is especially critical to ensure the position's coursework obligations have been met.
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics. For engineering degrees, if program is not ABET-EAC 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.
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: $86,498 - $190,848 (Entry, Full Performance, Senior) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
On the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.
Benefits: NSA offers excellent benefits to include relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, paid personal fitness time, training and continuing education classes, health and life insurance, Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Federal retirement plan.
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).
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Knowledge, skills, and experience in one or more of the following is desired:
- Experience with Agile Software Development.
- Experience in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, Java, Java Script, VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, etc.
- Experience reverse engineering firmware or software.
- Experience in Information Assurance analysis or implementation.
- Experience organizing and managing their own projects or the projects of small teams.
- Understanding of the basic concepts of cryptography and cryptographic systems.
- Understanding of the basics of computer networking and low level protocols.
- Familiarity with basic electronic components such as ASICs, PCBs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc.
- Familiarity with electronics debugging equipment such as multi-meters and oscilloscopes.
- Experience with application of 2D/3D imaging for hardware analysis.
- Experience with embedded or operating system level programming.
The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning along with excellent problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills, who is:
- Innovative
- Well-organized
- Able to handle and prioritize multiple assignments
- Able to communicate effectively both orally and written
- Able to work effectively across several different functional areas in a collaborative environment.
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.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1245467
To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1245467
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/832027500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.