With ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, a highly skilled, professional workforce of Systems Engineers (SE) is essential to build, integrate, and optimize complex systems and services. These World-class, experienced, technical professionals solve challenging systems engineering problems utilizing incredibly innovative solutions. Systems Engineers perform trade studies to generate and translate conceptual designs into technical specifications, participate in the evaluation of prototype hardware systems and software solutions, and integrate these solutions into the worldwide collection and processing architecture. Backgrounds such as Cybersecurity, SIGINT, electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, computer science, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) all have a place in the spectrum of implementations, ranging from commercial/government off-the-shelf solutions to the development of new and unique technologies. The Systems Engineer combines this background with inherent knowledge, skills, practical experience, and other core SE competencies to meet the emerging requirements to develop the next generation of high performing Enterprise Systems Engineers. JUNIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERS NSA hires recent college graduates and junior systems engineers to support a technical mission office or participate in a Development Program. These systems engineers are involved in various projects designed to nurture and grow their skills. They gain hands-on, practical knowledge of architecture and infrastructure by designing engineering systems over the lifecycle in areas such as networks, servers, hardware, and software. Supported by robust training, junior systems engineers have opportunities to form relationships with mentors and explore possibilities. Under the guidance of senior or mid-career engineers, they work on smaller projects and assist with system design, implementation, and testing. They develop and maintain technical documentation and standards, and are eager to learn and adapt to new technologies and tools. Junior systems engineers are energetic, motivated, driven to continual learning, and ready to grow their careers.
As an Engineering and Physical Science professional, you will leverage your skills to develop and enhance systems and tools that support intelligence operations. Your responsibilities will include advising on, administering, and performing scientific projects such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment. You will ensure adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. The NSA offers a broad range of focus areas for facilities engineers, including computer, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering. Additionally, we are seeking expertise in computer design, microelectronics, radio frequency design, and systems engineering. By applying your science and engineering skills, you will make a significant contribution to protecting the nation.
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in either Engineering or a relevant technical field (for example, computer science, mathematics, or physics). For all of the above degrees, if program is not ABET 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. Relevant experience must be in engineering systems over their lifecycle (for example, conception, design & development, testing, production, distribution/deployment, operation, maintenance & support, decommissioning). ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL With an Engineering degree, entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. OR, with a degree in a relevant technical field (for example, computer science, mathematics, or physics), entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience. FULL PERFORMANCE With an Engineering 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. OR, with a degree in a relevant technical field (for example, computer science, mathematics, or physics), 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.
The ideal candidate demonstrates applicable knowledge or experience in a technical field, with a familiarity of systems engineering practices and concepts in areas such as Cybersecurity, SIGINT, communications, telecommunications, electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, computer science, data management, data processing, network architecture, or software design, development, and implementation. The ideal candidate is passionate about continual learning and possesses excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, ideal candidates exhibit strong leadership and communication skills, are proficient in multiple programming languages and technologies, and have expert-level knowledge of system design, architecture, and integration. They are innovative and willing to share creative and unconventional ideas, motivated to drive projects to completion, and capable of working collaboratively across different functional areas. Knowledge, skills, and experience in one or more of the following areas are highly desired: systems engineering principles such as technology/system readiness assessment, modeling and simulation, security design engineering, and test evaluation and integration; systems architecture, framework, and standards. While not mandatory, Systems Engineering Certifications (i.e., DAWIA Certification, CISCO, and INCOSE) are beneficial and can enhance your qualifications.
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 - $136,848 (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). 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.
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position. A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from [email protected]. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com** U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. 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. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process. The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application) 1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
**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.
