Structural / Civil Engineer - Facilities - Entry to Experienced Level (Maryland) Job in Fort Meade, MD

Vacancy No. 1257697 Department National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Salary $87,362.00 to $192,764.00 Grade 7 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/11/2026 Close Date 5/25/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Meade, MD


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 projects, such as planning, designing, and supporting the construction of specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to engineering standards and principles. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1257697

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees - Excepted service

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

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Duties

Be a part of our mission to protect the national security of the United States, and have a direct impact to enable success in Agency operations. As a Structural Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work directly with mission customers to validate the requirements and unique needs to provide reliable technical solutions.

With the ever-changing industry and increase of technology complexities to accommodate our workforce, the National Security Agency's (NSA) Installation & Logistics organization needs motivated Engineers with expertise to provide facilities design expertise, guidance, and support to the development and implementation of facilities solutions that enable capabilities that align with mission driven priorities.

NSA currently has opportunities for highly motivated Structural Engineers. Our Structural Engineers solve complex mission driven facilities issues and are responsible for engineering services in the planning, design, construction, sustainment, and decommissioning life cycle of NSA facilities worldwide as part of a multi-discipline team. Please note that this role focuses on traditional engineering activities and does not involve direct project or construction management responsibilities. Your primary tasks will be related to structural engineering design and planning, rather than overseeing construction activities.

As a Structural Engineer at NSA, responsibilities may include:

- Developing structural designs, construction plans and specifications, including design analysis, calculations, and cost estimates.
- Conducting field investigations or studies and writing reports.
- Preparing Architecture-Engineer (A-E) or Design-Build statements of works, performance requirements, and cost estimates.
- Performing Design Quality Control of in-house and A-E structural designs.
- Conducting inspections of projects under construction, reviewing construction submittals, answering Contractor's RFIs, and validating as-constructed drawings.
- Performing routine and periodic inspections of facilities and making recommendations.
- Attending and leading project meetings.
- Coordinating among Customer, Architect, other design disciplines, O&M, and other stakeholders.
- Managing and leading A-E contractors hired to perform engineering services.
- Responding to operating facilities emergences, when engineering support is needed.

NOTE: It is highly recommended to upload a copy of your unofficial College/University transcript(s) and resume to your IC Careers profile as attachments prior to applying to this position.

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 Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or Transportation Engineering (for Entry/Development work level). For more experienced work levels, degree must be in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Architectural Engineering or Environmental Engineering.

For all levels, if the 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 working in a civil engineering capacity (for example, storm water management, hydraulics, site development, transportation, geotechnical surveying, and structures). Additionally, must have experience using Civil Engineering Design software and computer aided design and drafting and reading design drawings. Experience may also include project management.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

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.

SENIOR
Entry is with 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.

Education

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

Degree must be in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or Transportation Engineering (for Entry/Development work level). For more experienced work levels, degree must be in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Architectural Engineering or Environmental Engineering.

For all levels, if the 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.

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: $87,362 - $192,764 (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).

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 candidate should demonstrate the following general skills:

- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Interpersonal Skills
- Partnering
- Customer Service
- Accountability
- Continual Learning
- Resilience
- Effective Communication

Structural Engineers with structural expertise ensure NSA facilities comply with building/structural code requirements and best practices. Engineers with structural focus are familiar with new building design, improvements to existing structures, building infrastructure support systems, material selection, construction inspection, loading analysis, and structural integrity of facilities. Knowledge and experience in the following areas are desired:

- Technical software packages (e.g. AutoCAD, SpecsIntact, SAP 2000, ETABS)
- Structural analysis and design
- Anti-Terrorism / Force Protection
- Building renovation and restoration design
- Foundation Analysis and Design
- Material behavior
- Technical Standards (e.g. UFC, IBC, IEBC, ASCE, ACI, AISC, AISI, NDS)

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.

How to Apply

Agency contact information

NSA POC
Phone
1-844-424-4737
Email
intelcareers@nsa.gov
Address
NSA External Hiring
9800 Savage Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755
US

Next steps

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Agency contact information

NSA POC
Phone
1-844-424-4737
Email
intelcareers@nsa.gov
Address
NSA External Hiring
9800 Savage Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755
US

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