Quality Control - Polygrapher Job in McLean, VA

Vacancy No. 26-12953461-DNI/NCSC Department Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Salary $143,913.00 to $187,093.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/4/2026 Close Date 5/19/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
McLean, VA


Summary

Lead proactive counterintelligence and security activities across the United States government, integrating the instruments of national power to detect, report, deter, disrupt, investigate, exploit, and defeat foreign intelligence threats.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Clarification from the agency

Internal to an Agency = Open to current permanent ODNI employees Federal Employees = This detail opportunity is for current competitive and excepted service employees only. If you are not a current federal civilian employee you will not be eligible for this position. ODNI Joint Duty Assignments do not apply to members of the Military service or contractors. Applicants from federal agencies may be considered for this position as a reimbursable detailee, if endorsed by the employing agency.

Duties

Monitors and/or conducts polygraph exams at all levels of priority and/or complexity in conjunction with federal and ODNI standards to obtain significant noteworthy information pertaining to Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD} guidelines and federal laws.

Adapts to the needs of the subject by utilizing specialized polygraph components (as needed) in order to collect physiological data required to conduct a valid analysis.

Conducts an objective chart analysis of data collected to derive a polygraph result.

Adheres to all ODNI policies and National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA) standards and guidelines.

May monitor examinations in progress and provide guidance, feedback, and quality control to examiners.

Conveys verbal or written information to internal partners in a timely manner.

Utilizes a variety of complex elicitation techniques to collect and analyze information real-time, tailoring techniques when necessary to identify sensitive security and/or counterintelligence related issues.

Ensures communication of polygraph examination results through supervision and/or mentoring, accurate and comprehensive documentation, and coordination with internal partners. Produces accurate written reports requiring minimal edits.

Approves and/or produces written reports with accurate information with little to no edits.

Reviews and/or documents all corrective actions administered during a polygraph examination (i.e., component adjustments, instructions given, etc.).

Reviews and/or captures all information discussed during the polygraph examination and documents relevant dialogue in the designated system of record.

Reviews and/or conveys SEAD information elicited during the polygraph examination to internal and external partners as needed.

Ensures comprehensive case preparation is completed for self and others.

Reviews complex records from a variety of sources (i.e., internal security databases, personnel security forms, etc.).

Develops a tailored case approach for self and others, informed by a thorough analysis of available data and documentation.

Assists examiners with developing tailored case strategies informed by relevant data and documentation, when needed.

Leads collaboration with internal and external partners regarding case consultation(s), when necessary.

Leads the advancement of mission capabilities through formal supervision and/or guidance, strategic development, quality assurance, and targeted outreach across the ODNI and IC.

Conducts expert-level quality assurance reviews of cases at all levels of complexity and/or oversees test reviews and chart analysis for others, to ensure ethical and valid polygraphs are performed in accordance with division standards.

Develops acumen and tradecraft by providing knowledge transfer, mentorship, tailored experiences, actionable feedback, and/or additional internal learning opportunities. May lead the development and execution of program initiatives and/or engagement across key internal and external mission partners to enhance relationships, facilitate resource sharing, and align capabilities and services to strategic objectives.

Fosters communication with division leadership regarding training and performance gaps, mission strategy, tradecraft consistency, and division initiatives.

Reviews polygraph reports for accuracy and clarity, and may approve the release of reports to mission partners.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Must be a current permanent ODNI employee OR must be a current permanent Federal employee with supervisory approval to apply to the Joint Duty Assignment (JDA). JDA applicants must be currently at the grade level specified in the advertisement. No temporary promotion opportunities will be granted for this position. The program does not apply to members of the Military service or contractors.

Joint Duty applicants may be considered for this position as a reimbursable detailee, if endorsed by the employing agency. Joint Duty applicants must have a current TS/SCI clearance with polygraph or have the ability to obtain one. The ODNI does not conduct polygraphs or provide security clearances for detailees.

FREE RESPONSE ESSAY QUESTIONS

All applicants must answer the following four short, free response essay questions. The responses cannot exceed 200 words per question. By submitting your responses to the following questions, you certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]).

  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.

Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of interview and elicitation techniques.

Extensive knowledge and appropriate use of ODNI and security databases and systems.

Extensive knowledge of NCCA standards and SEAD guidelines.

Extensive knowledge of polygraph instrument, components, and software.

Extensive knowledge of physiology and psychological principals.

Extensive knowledge of ODNI culture, structure, and resources.

Extensive knowledge of ODNI, IC, and USG security regulations, policies, and procedures and state federal, state and local laws.

Extensive knowledge of polygraph policies, standards, and guidelines.

Extensive ability to apply sound judgement, navigate complex and/or sensitive discussions and remain calm in high-stress and emotional situations.

Extensive knowledge of and experience in the ODNI, Intelligence Community, and CIS mission and responsibilities.

Demonstrated oral and written communication skills and ability to produce clear and logical reports.

Demonstrated ability to utilize critical thinking, analytic, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

Demonstrated ability to operate, and troubleshoot polygraph instruments.

Demonstrated ability to work independently or in a team environment and manage competing priorities.

Demonstrated ability to compartmentalize and manage troubling and/or disturbing subject matter.

Demonstrated ability to write accurate, thorough and objective reports.

Demonstrated ability to remain objective and adhere to ethical standards.

Demonstrated leadership, risk analysis, customer service and problem-solving skills.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Additional information

JOB INTERVIEW TRAVEL

Candidates from outside the Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) may be selected for a telephone, teleconference, or in-person interview.

SALARY DETERMINATION

A current Federal Government employee, selected for this position, will be assigned to the position at their current grade and salary.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The ODNI provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Reasonable Accommodations Officer by classified email at dni_reasonable_accommodation_wma@cia.ic.gov, by unclassified email at DNI_COO_HRM_RA_ALL@odni.gov, by telephone at (703)275-3900 or by FAX at (703)275-1277. Your request for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO THE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS EMAIL ADDRESS. THIS EMAIL IS FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS ONLY.

The ODNI is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations.

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.

Review our 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.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you are among the best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.



Required Documents

A complete application package must include:

a. RESUME: Resumes must be no longer than two (2) pages in length. Resumes longer than two (2) pages will be removed from consideration. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the vacancy announcement, particularly the MDRs, and construct their resume to highlight their most significant experience and qualifications relevant to this job opportunity. You must ensure the resume contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position: job title; name of employer; beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format), and hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. Additionally, include a detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills and responsibilities, to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable), and series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).

b. ESSAY QUESTION RESPONSES: The responses cannot exceed 200 words per question (please see questions in the Requirements section above). By submitting your responses to these questions, you certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]).

c. COVER LETTER: Applicants must submit a professional narrative as a supplement to the resume to elaborate on their qualifications and previous work performed.

d. POSITION NUMBER: Reference the announcement number in the subject line on each document submitted.

e. CURRENT SF-50: Federal Government employees must provide your official most recent SF-50 (i.e., dated within the last 52 weeks from the closing date of this vacancy announcement.) SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" is used to verify to verify current federal status, position, title, grade, and organization of record. If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed to make a final determination for qualification, you will be found ineligible for the position.

f. WRITTEN ENDORSEMENT: Applicants from federal agencies must provide written endorsement from the employing agency concurring with the detail.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

How to Apply

We encourage you to read the entire announcement prior to submitting your application. This post is for viewing purposes only.

Internal ODNI Cadre Candidates must submit an application through the classified JobsDNI website.

For current employees who do not currently have access to internal systems (due to extenuating circumstances) applications should be sent to ODNI_HRM_HOST_Team@odni.gov

Joint Duty Candidates from within the IC must submit an application through the classified IC Joint Duty Program website.

ONLY applicants from federal agencies outside the IC should send their complete application package to ODNI_HRM_HOST_Team@odni.gov. Applicants experiencing technical issues may submit their application via email to the email system. All attachments should be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

Applications submitted through the classified email system should NOT contain classified information above the TS//SI/TK//NOFORN level.

APPLICATION PACKAGES MUST CONTAIN ALL ITEMS LISTED ABOVE. AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE WILL BE INELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.

Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume:

  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Photos of yourself
  • Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
  • Encrypted and digitally signed documents

Your application MUST be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applications received after the closing date will NOT be eligible for consideration.

Agency contact information

ODNI HRM HOST
Email
ODNI_HRM_HOST_Team@odni.gov
Address
NATIONAL COUNTERINTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY CENTER
Director Of National Intelligence
Washington, DC 20511
US

Next steps

The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. Due to the large number of applications received, applicants will be contacted ONLY if they have been selected for an interview.






Office of the Director of National Intelligence

You can help protect the nation at ODNI by working in an environment that provides our nation's leaders with intelligence they require to make decisions and protect the nation. We are integral to forging partnerships and building trust between all 18 intelligence agencies from the Central Intelligence Agency to the Office of Naval Intelligence. Come be a part of the team that ensures our nation's leaders have the intelligence information they require to make the decisions necessary to keep the nation safe.

Agency contact information

ODNI HRM HOST
Email
ODNI_HRM_HOST_Team@odni.gov
Address
NATIONAL COUNTERINTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY CENTER
Director Of National Intelligence
Washington, DC 20511
US

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