Systems Engineer - Entry to Experienced Level (NSAW, NSAC, NSAG, NSAH, NSAT)

Company: National Security Agency
Location: Downers Grove
Posted on: January 15, 2022

Job Description:

Responsibilities
The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal: to protect our nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information.

With the ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, NSA needs System Engineers to integrate complex systems and reduce the cost to operate and maintain systems. To meet these demands, the NSA hires and trains talented and highly motivated junior and senior systems engineers, electrical engineers, computer scientists, computer engineers, and other related professionals.

We need our System Engineers to provide program oversight and implement Systems Engineering best practices across the organization in the NSA enterprise. The need to maintain our core System Engineers group is vital to provide the technical capabilities necessary to successfully execute NSA's mission. The ever increasing complexity of supporting NSA's mission requires world class System Engineers to solve challenging systems engineering problems to enable NSA to successfully execute its mission.

Recent college graduates and junior System Engineers are hired into positions directly supporting a technical mission office or one of two Development Programs (The System Engineer Development Program (SEDP) or the Information Technology Development Program (ITDP)).

The SEDP prepares recent college graduates and junior level technical staff for a career in Systems Engineering at NSA. During the three-year program, participants will rotate assignments, attend training that covers the full breadth of systems engineering disciplines, and earn Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) and other important credentials.

The ITDP is a three-year full-time development program designed to provide entry-level information technology specialists (that is, individuals with degrees in computer science, information systems, information technology, and related degrees and experience) the opportunity to learn the various facets of the NSA mission, including:

- Systems Engineering/Security Engineering
- Software Engineering
- SW Project Management
- System Architecture
- Database Design

As a System Engineer at the NSA responsibilities may include:

- requirements definition, requirements analysis and requirements management
- system architecture and design
- integration and testing
- configuration management
- risk management
- decision analysis
- security engineering
- provide system engineering expertise, guidance and support to the development and implementation of mission capabilities that align with mission driven priorities
- lead and implement system engineering effort, mentor junior personnel
- capture high-level concepts and translate into engineering documents and other artifacts
- act as advocates for and implement Systems Engineering and Enterprise Architecture best practices and principles
- craft high-level system design, specify system/component performance and interface requirements and develop installation, integration and acceptance test plans

Job Summary
As an Engineering and Physical Science professional, you will use your skills to create the systems and tools that will be used to enhance the operation of intelligence. You will advise, administer and perform scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. The NSA offers multiple areas of focus for facilities engineers, including computer, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and structural. In addition, we are seeking skills that include computer design, microelectronics, radio frequency design, and systems engineering. Apply your science and engineering skills to protect the nation.

Qualifications
Salary Range: $73,076 - $91,057 (Entry/Developmental) - NSA Headquarters (Ft Meade, MD)/NSA Texas/NSA Colorado/NSA Georgia/NSA Hawaii

*The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. 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.

With a professional Engineering 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, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology), entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.

For all of the above 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.

Experience in designing engineering systems over their lifecycle (e.g., concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal) is desired. Experience in optimization and modeling is preferred.

Salary Range: $84,529 - $113,362 (Full Performance) - NSA Headquarters (Ft Meade, MD)
Salary Range: $84,529 - $112,583 (Full Performance) - NSA Texas/NSA Colorado/NSA Georgia/NSA Hawaii

*The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. 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.

With a degree in professional Engineering, 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, computer science, mathematics, 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.

For all of the above 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.

Relevant experience must be in designing engineering systems over their lifecycle (e.g., concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal). Experience in optimization and modeling is preferred.

Salary Range: $103,690 - $159,286 (Senior) - NSA Headquarters (Ft Meade, MD)
Salary Range: $94,760 - $142,549 (Senior) - NSA Texas
Salary Range: $101,028 - $155,196 (Senior) - NSA Colorado
Salary Range: $94,760 - $141,548 (Senior) - NSA Georgia
Salary Range: $95,012 - $145,955 (Senior) - NSA Hawaii

*The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. 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.

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, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology).

For all of the above 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.

Relevant experience must be in designing engineering systems over their lifecycle (e.g., concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal). Experience in optimization and modeling is preferred.

Salary Range: $144,128 - $172,500 (Expert) - NSA Headquarters (Ft Meade, MD)
Salary Range: $128,984 - $167,679 (Expert) - NSA Texas
Salary Range: $140,428 - $172,500 (Expert) - NSA Colorado
Salary Range: $128,078 - $166,502 (Expert) - NSA Georgia
Salary Range: $132,066 - $171,686 (Expert) - NSA Hawaii

*The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. 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.

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, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology).

For all of the above 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.

Relevant experience must be in designing engineering systems over their lifecycle (e.g., concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal). Experience in optimization and modeling is preferred.

Competencies
The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning with excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills who is:

- motivated
- 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

Knowledge, skills, and experience in one or more of the following is desired:

- Systems Engineering principles
- Systems architecture, framework, and standards
- System Engineering Certifications (DoD DAWIA Certification, INCOSE)
- Technology/System Readiness Assessment
- Modeling and Simulation
- Security Design Engineering
- Developmental Test & Evaluation

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
On-the job training, Internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.

Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 to 1800 (flexible)

How to apply
To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov.

***PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Additionally, the Federal Government requires all personnel to be fully vaccinated at the time of employment, subject to exceptions as required by law.

Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. 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.

This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. 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.

Please note that you may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the screening process of your application and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to elaborate on experiences in your resume. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be contacted to begin employment processing.

Please Note: Job Posting could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants or position no longer available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

DCIPS Disclaimer
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.

Keywords: National Security Agency, Downers Grove , Systems Engineer - Entry to Experienced Level (NSAW, NSAC, NSAG, NSAH, NSAT), Other , Downers Grove, Illinois