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 entry to experienced professionals to design, develop, construct and evaluate electronic hardware and software processing components to solve emerging challenges.
Summary
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 entry to experienced professionals to design, develop, construct and evaluate electronic hardware and software processing components to solve emerging challenges.
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 opportunities for two types of Hardware/Software Engineers positions: Hardware/Software Design Engineers and Hardware/Software Analysis Engineers. Applicants may also be considered for an NSA Development Program.
1. 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.
2. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ANALYSIS ENGINEERS are hired into positions supporting a broad range of specialized skills including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Positions will be in an office directly supporting a technical mission.
The responsibilities of a Hardware/Software Analysis Engineer may include:
- Design, develop, construct, test, or analyze firmware, hardware or software components.
- Develop new or utilize existing methods and tools to analyze or protect specific hardware, software or firmware.
- Develop/recommend mitigation strategies and techniques.
- Develop and implement hardware forensic methodologies and applications.
- Test, evaluate and/or reverse engineer microelectronic components (FPGA, ASICs, PCB, Microcontrollers, etc.), technology and equipment.
- Program, modify and analyze system software/tools that control microelectronics hardware.
- Apply hardware and software engineering principles to design, develop, test, and evaluate/modify applications and systems.
3. NSA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Applicants may be considered for the Applied Computing Development Program (ACDP). In the ACDP, participants are hired into a Hardware/Software Design Engineer position. The ACDP is a three-year full-time development program designed to provide entry-level applied computing professionals (that is, individuals with degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and related degrees and experience) the opportunity to acquire the leadership skills and technical capabilities necessary to successfully execute NSA's mission. In this program, participants gain a depth of knowledge in a breadth of applied computing disciplines, including system/security, software engineering, software project management, and system architecture. ACDP participants work in teams and with NSA technical leaders to solve current and future challenging problems.
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".
NOTE: An unofficial copy of your transcripts from all schools attended when applying for this position is highly encouraged. Providing a copy of your transcripts is especially critical to ensure the position's minimum qualifications coursework has been met.
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.
For both HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEER and HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ANALYSIS ENGINEER:
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.
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HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEER
Degree must be in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.
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. Relevant experience must be designing, developing, or constructing electronic hardware and software processing components.
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. Relevant experience must be designing, developing, or constructing electronic hardware and software processing components and managing people or projects.
EXPERT
Entry is with 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. Relevant experience must be designing, developing, or constructing electronic hardware and software processing components, planning systems and interfaces, and managing people or projects.
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HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ANALYSIS ENGINEER
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
With a professional Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics degree, entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. With a degree in either (1) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university, or (2) a relevant professional technical field (e.g. chemistry, architecture, hydrology, geology), entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.
For degrees in relevant technical fields, experience must be in one or more of the following: designing and verifying integrated and digital circuit devices, designing and integrating electrical and communication systems, or reverse engineering.
FULL PERFORMANCE
With a professional Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics 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. With a degree in either (1) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university or (2) a relevant professional technical field (e.g. chemistry, architecture, hydrology, geology), 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.
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: designing and verifying integrated and digital circuit devices, designing and integrating electrical and communication systems, or reverse engineering.
SENIOR
With a professional Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics degree, entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 3 years of relevant experience. Degree must be in either (1) professional Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or (3) a relevant professional technical field (e.g. chemistry, architecture, hydrology, geology).
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: designing and verifying integrated and digital circuit devices, designing and integrating electrical and communication systems, or reverse engineering.
EXPERT
With a professional Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics degree, entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 6 years of relevant experience. Degree must be in either (1) professional Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or (3) a relevant professional technical field (e.g. chemistry, architecture, hydrology, geology).
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: designing and verifying integrated and digital circuit devices, designing and integrating electrical and communication systems, or reverse engineering.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
For both HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEER and HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ANALYSIS ENGINEER:
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.
---------
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEER
Degree must be in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
-----------
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ANALYSIS ENGINEER:
With a professional Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics degree, entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. With a degree in either (1) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university, or (2) a relevant professional technical field (e.g. chemistry, architecture, hydrology, geology), entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.
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: $86,498 - $195,200 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior, Expert)
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.
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.
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".
NOTE: An unofficial copy of your transcripts from all schools attended when applying for this position is highly encouraged. Providing a copy of your transcripts is especially critical to ensure the position's coursework obligations have been met.
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.
