NSA is in need of skilled/experienced Industrial Control System (ICS) Specialists/Engineers to ensure the proper operation and cybersecurity of NSA's and Department of Defense (DoD) ICS, from concept to operation.
Summary
NSA is in need of skilled/experienced Industrial Control System (ICS) Specialists/Engineers to ensure the proper operation and cybersecurity of NSA's and Department of Defense (DoD) ICS, from concept to operation.
Support for Industrial Control Systems requires a variety of skills. The successful candidate shall have knowledge/skills in at least one of the following areas and the drive and passion to master many of these functions:
- ICS Power Control and Operational Technology (OT) devices
- Provide support in the area of electrical power control and monitoring systems also known as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. The candidate should be knowledgeable about or interested in learning about electrical power systems, configuring Schweitzer protective relays, oversight of ICS commissioning, integrating power devices into Real-Time Automation Controllers (RTAC) as well as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) programming. Knowledge of the protocols used by these devices, including mirrored bits, Modbus, DNP3, and SNMP, is desired.
- ICS Building Automation - Provide support to a variety of technical areas that include HVAC and chilled water distribution systems, coordination of utility outages that impact the ICS and to minimize disruptions to mission systems and support of the ICS installation and oversight of ICS commissioning. Knowledge or interest in learning about the field of building automation and the variety of components used by such systems is preferred. This includes devices such as Direct Digital Controls (DDC), DDC Logic, seniors, and end devices such as, but not limited to Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), dampers, actuators, and valves.
- Networking Technologies - The candidate should be knowledgeable about or interested in learning about configuring and troubleshooting Cisco switches and routers. Knowledge of and experience in routing protocols, Port Security, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Domain Authentication, and VLANs is desired. Additionally, knowledge of best security practices is desired.
- Firewalls - The candidate should be knowledgeable about or interested in learning about Cisco firewalls, including Firewall Management Center (FMC) for deployment and management of firewalls.
- Information Technology (IT) Management - The candidate should be knowledgeable about or interested in learning about Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), Microsoft Active Directory (AD), and similar tools used for managing access controls, patch deployments, configuring policies, troubleshooting application issues, and developing/deploying software images.
- Network Security - The candidate should be knowledgeable about or interested in learning about multiple topics including, but not limited to, System Information and Event Management (SIEM), including creating anomalies alert dashboards; management of Antivirus (AV) and malware protection; access controls to include Identification, Authentication, Authorization, and Accountability (IAAA), as well as Multifactor Authentication (MFA); cybersecurity framework and policies; Network Discovery and asset management; Network Intrusion Prevention and Detection Systems (IPS/IDS); ICS/SCADA network protocol and vulnerability analysis; ICS/SCADA recovery & mitigation and signature development and implementation; and network penetration testing. A working knowledge of assessment and analytic tools and techniques is a plus.
In addition, the candidate shall adapt work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, emergencies or unexpected challenges. Have the ability to articulate viewpoints and answers to customers, peers, and supervisors in an effective manner, both written and orally. Identify and analyze technical issues, report, document, and attend project status briefings. Knowledgeable with calendar scheduling, MS Outlook, MS Word/Excel and office equipment such as copiers, printers and scanners.
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 Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related STEM field (for example, Building Automation Systems, Control Systems, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Computer Security).
Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: industrial or commercial control systems; information technology or information systems; or in the operation, maintenance, design, or modification of facilities-related control systems.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor'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 10 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years 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 - $190,848 (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 demonstrates the following:
- Problem Solving
- Interpersonal Skills
- Partnering
- Customer Service
- Accountability
- Continual Learning
- Resilience
- Effective Communication
Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following is desired:
- Reliable power distribution design (high voltage, medium voltage, low voltage)
- Substation and generators plant relay protection and control systems
- Codes and standards (NFPA, IEEE, etc.)
- Technical modeling and simulation software packages (AutoCAD, ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, PowerWorld, etc.)
- Cost estimating
- Commissioning: Factory witness testing, functional performance testing, integrated system testing, and ANSI Level 4 and 5 commissioning requirements
- Building Automation System programming control logic
- Creating and modifying Building Automation System graphics
- Third party integration via BACnet/Modbus protocols
- Managing and securing network infrastructure (e.g. port security, certificate management, etc.)
- Applying concepts, principles, and methods for network connectivity (e.g. routing, switching, tunneling, and IP addressing)
- Configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting firewalls and access control lists.
- Implementing, configuring, and sustaining computer security (e.g. Active Directory, Domain Policies, Patch Deployment, Antivirus, and Allowlisting)
- Employing Secure Technical Implementation Guidance (STIG) and government security standards.
- Configuring and supporting Schweitzer Real Time Automation Controllers (RTAC)
- Evaluating and documenting PLC programs for electrical power control
- Creating and modifying SCADA system graphics and points
- Equipment: Transformers, switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS), and Static Transfer Switches (STS)
- Controls and metering: SCADA, power metering, and electrical control systems
- Assisting project teams throughout the project life-cycle
- Configuring firewall rulesets and troubleshooting issues
- Computer network defense and forensic capability awareness and use
- Industrial Control Systems network defense experience a plus
- Red and Blue team activities
- Computer network monitoring and forensic experience
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
