Duties
Software/Hardware Project Managers leverage their knowledge and experience in Agile software development and/or hardware systems architecture to deliver software and/or hardware products and services. To successfully deliver technical systems within our environment, applicants must have a thorough understanding of the following: Agile software development lifecycle, requirement elicitation/assessment/tracking, system/software design, software development, system acquisition/assembly, testing, implementation, and deployment. They are responsible for identifying and tracking milestones, planning, allocating resources, and projecting and tracking costs and schedules throughout each lifecycle phase. They articulate vital project statuses to senior leadership, decision makers, and stakeholders in the form of briefings and written reports. Dependent on the project, responsibilities may include Hardware/Software equipment purchasing and acquisition.
Software/Hardware Project Managers play a vital role in guiding a team or multiple teams to complete the technical aspect of a scoped project by:
1. Engaging with customers to identify technical needs and develop requirements
2. Engaging with equipment vendors when necessary to get quotes, and validate costs and specs as part of purchasing and acquisition.
3. Assessing and tracking software/hardware system requirements and project status
4. Leading projects through full life cycle development in an Agile software environment
5. Identifying and tracking project milestones
6. Planning and allocating resources
7. Projecting and tracking costs and schedules
8. Articulating project status to decision makers and stakeholders
Please attach a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended, when applying for this position. Providing a copy of your transcripts is especially critical since the minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of Computer Science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- 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.
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or related field (e.g., Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Security, Computer Forensics, Network Engineering). Degrees in Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking (Systems Administration), and Information Assurance may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and upper-level mathematics (for example: calculus, discrete mathematics).
Relevant experience must be in engineering hardware or software over their lifecycle (i.e., requirements analysis, software design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance) and managing IT development projects (e.g., network, software, hardware, computer security). Experience may also include programming.
FULL PERFORMANCE
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. An Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or related field (e.g., Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Security, Computer Forensics, Network Engineering). Degrees in Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking (Systems Administration), and Information Assurance may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and upper-level mathematics (for example: calculus, discrete mathematics).
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: $105,262 - $153,082 (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.
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 is someone with a desire for continual learning, Agile knowledge/experience, SDLC knowledge/experience and who possesses strong communication (oral and written) skills for an audience of varied technical background and seniority, problem-solving, analytic, interpersonal skills, and is:
- Motivated
- Accountable
- Adaptable
- Detail-oriented
- Customer service & requirements oriented
- Able to work effectively (independently and/or within teams) across functional areas in a collaborative environment
- Able to manage multiple tasks with competing timelines and deliverables
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of tools (i.e., Word, Excel)
Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is desired:
- Computer Science
- Computer Security
- Computer Forensics
- Network Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or DAWIA certifications are preferred.
Required Documents
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.
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.