NSA's Linguists, known as Multidisciplined Language Analysts (MDLAs), are expected to take an inclusive approach to problem solving and mission accomplishment by frequently engaging with partners, enablers, and customers across the Intelligence Community.
Based on skill level and experience, NSA MDLAs are considered for either the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP) or direct hire into positions supporting an analytic mission office. LADP:
The LADP, which lasts up to three years, is designed to provide an intensive, accelerated opportunity to acquire the unique technical skills and experience needed to successfully apply knowledge and analytic ability to the SIGINT mission and help MDLAs achieve core analytic competencies in accordance with the Cryptologic Training System Training Standard and the MDLA competencies framework. The program includes 4-5 operational tours in a variety of offices, interspersed with formal classroom and computer-based training. These on-the-job operational tours are primarily focused on analyzing foreign language materials within the framework of the two main SIGINT disciplines of intelligence analysis - SIGINT reporting and SIGINT development.
**Please note that LADP does not teach a foreign language. As part of your application, you are asked what language(s) you have proficiency in. Please only note those you are PROFICIENT in.**
MDLAs are at the forefront of carrying out NSA's SIGINT mission, and they do so in a variety of ways: - Offer U.S. policymakers and military leaders a window into the foreign language world by analyzing, transcribing, and translating key information
- Research and understand other cultures, how they operate, and how they fit in the larger geo-political context
- Apply new techniques and develop creative solutions to address analytic problems such as synthesizing large volumes of data and disparate sources of information
- Demonstrate a firm understanding of communications and technology trends
- Craft written and oral assessments that provide unique insights unavailable from other intelligence disciplines
- Work independently and collaborate effectively (both within NSA and with other analysts in the Intelligence Community) in research, analysis, and reporting
- All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with no experience.
FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or 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 a high school diploma or GED plus 10 years of relevant experience, or 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.
At least three years of relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing professional work in the language (for example, translation, transcription, foreign language instruction, or analysis); OR non-language work in a field such as intelligence analysis, international relations, security studies, intelligence studies, journalism, law, STEM fields (for example, computer science, chemistry, space or weapons systems, or cyber), or other topics directly relevant to NSA SIGINT or Cybersecurity mission. Experience may also include formal or informal leadership experience.
**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 ensure that your resume reflects your experience in/with a foreign language.
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
A degree in any field is acceptable.
Applicant must have a minimum language proficiency of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 2/2 in reading and listening in the target language for which the applicant is being considered.
At least one year of relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing professional work in the language (for example, translation, transcription, foreign language instruction, or analysis); OR non-language work in a field such as intelligence analysis, international relations, security studies, intelligence studies, journalism, law, STEM fields (for example, computer science, chemistry, space or weapons systems, or cyber), or other topics directly relevant to NSA SIGINT or Cybersecurity mission. Experience may also include formal or informal leadership experience.
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: $50,460 - $187,093 (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).
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, has a desire for continual learning, and is:
- PROFICIENT (reading and listening) in a foreign language.
- Well organized and able to handle multiple assignments
- A strong written and oral communicator
- Able to synthesize information to solve complex problems
- Able to provide timely and accurate customer service Coursework, knowledge, and experience in one or more of the following is desired:
- Target development
- Social network analysis
- Metadata analysis
- Research methodology
- Topical or Regional studies relevant to national security
- Quantitative/Statistical analysis
- Data modeling, mining, or science
- Cyber security
- Computer science or networking
- Telecommunications Relevant Internships, extracurricular activities, and/or foreign study are also considered. Prior military without a degree but with language analysis cryptologic experience will be considered.
In most cases, Experienced Level Language Analysts at NSA will have substantial experience in one or more of the following areas: - Performing language quality control; - Serving as an established Subject Matter Expert (SME); - Authoring and releasing reports; - Mentoring, coaching, and leading other Language Analysts; - Ensuring the technical health of the mission; - Mastering and coaching others on the use of a variety of internal tools; - Testing at Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) 3/3 levels for one or more mission languages; and - Displaying a broad knowledge of the Intelligence Community and how various elements work together to prosecute mission.
**NOTE: For full consideration, you will be required to schedule and complete the in-person (proctored) Language Proficiency and/or Language Aptitude testing within four (4) weeks of receiving link. Paid travel may be necessary due to the availability of testing sites. **
Testing instructions will be provided through your email. Be diligent with monitoring your email and SPAM to ensure you do not miss time sensitive information.
**Applicants must have a minimum language proficiency of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 2/2 in reading and listening in the target language for which the applicant is being considered.
**Level 2 - Able to adequately understand straightforward Spoken language and Written material on everyday topics, including routine work-related matters. **Level 3 ' Able to understand formal and informal Spoken language and Written material with accuracy on general social and professional topics and tasks.
**Following testing, those applicants selected for interview will receive an invitation via email with further instructions. Be diligent with monitoring your email and SPAM to ensure you do not miss time sensitive information.
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.
