Summary
With ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, a highly skilled, professional workforce of Systems Engineers (SE) is essential to build, integrate, and optimize complex systems and services. These World-class, experienced, technical professionals solve challenging systems engineering problems utilizing incredibly innovative solutions.
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.
Military spouses
Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
Students
Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Duties
Systems Engineers perform trade studies to generate and translate conceptual designs into technical specifications, participate in the evaluation of prototype hardware systems and software solutions, and integrate these solutions into the worldwide collection and processing architecture.
Backgrounds such as Cybersecurity, SIGINT, electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, computer science, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) all have a place in the spectrum of implementations, ranging from commercial/government off-the-shelf solutions to the development of new and unique technologies. The Systems Engineer combines this background with inherent knowledge, skills, practical experience, and other core SE competencies to meet the emerging requirements to develop the next generation of high performing Enterprise Systems Engineers.
JUNIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERS
NSA hires recent college graduates and junior systems engineers to support a technical mission office or participate in a Development Program. These systems engineers are involved in various projects designed to nurture and grow their skills. They gain hands-on, practical knowledge of architecture and infrastructure by designing engineering systems over the lifecycle in areas such as networks, servers, hardware, and software. Supported by robust training, junior systems engineers have opportunities to form relationships with mentors and explore possibilities.
Under the guidance of senior or mid-career engineers, they work on smaller projects and assist with system design, implementation, and testing. They develop and maintain technical documentation and standards, and are eager to learn and adapt to new technologies and tools. Junior systems engineers are energetic, motivated, driven to continual learning, and ready to grow their careers.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- 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 either Engineering or a relevant technical field (for example, computer science, mathematics, or physics).
For all of the above degrees, if 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 in engineering systems over their lifecycle (for example, conception, design & development, testing, production, distribution/deployment, operation, maintenance & support, decommissioning).
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
With an Engineering degree, entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. OR, with a degree in a relevant technical field (for example, computer science, mathematics, or physics), entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.
FULL PERFORMANCE
With an Engineering degree, 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. OR, with a degree in a relevant technical field (for example, computer science, mathematics, or physics), 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.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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 - $136,848 (Entry/Developmental, 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.
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.
The ideal candidate demonstrates applicable knowledge or experience in a technical field, with a familiarity of systems engineering practices and concepts in areas such as Cybersecurity, SIGINT, communications, telecommunications, electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, computer science, data management, data processing, network architecture, or software design, development, and implementation. The ideal candidate is passionate about continual learning and possesses excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Additionally, ideal candidates exhibit strong leadership and communication skills, are proficient in multiple programming languages and technologies, and have expert-level knowledge of system design, architecture, and integration. They are innovative and willing to share creative and unconventional ideas, motivated to drive projects to completion, and capable of working collaboratively across different functional areas.
Knowledge, skills, and experience in one or more of the following areas are highly desired: systems engineering principles such as technology/system readiness assessment, modeling and simulation, security design engineering, and test evaluation and integration; systems architecture, framework, and standards. While not mandatory, Systems Engineering Certifications (i.e., DAWIA Certification, CISCO, and INCOSE) are beneficial and can enhance your qualifications.
Required Documents
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4);
OR
- Certification of Service:
A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date;
AND
- Standard Form 15 (SF-15)
Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).
If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability;
AND
- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)
You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).
**Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.