Summary

As a System Engineer, you will apply your expertise to develop and improve systems and tools that enable intelligence operations, upholding rigorous engineering and scientific standards. With opportunities spanning cybersecurity, engineering, computer science, and more, you will utilize your skills to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact in protecting the nation.

This job is open to

The public

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

Duties

As a Systems Engineer (SE) with the National Security Agency, you will help shape the future of national security systems by designing, integrating, and optimizing complex technologies that directly affect mission outcomes. In this challenging environment, innovation and critical thinking are essential as you work to safeguard the nation's most sensitive information through cutting edge solutions. Our SEs collaborate with system architects, mission customers, and key stakeholders to guide technical direction, ensuring projects meet operational requirements and align with strategic priorities. Key responsibilities include:

- System Design and Integration: Spearhead the development of system architectures, ensuring seamless integration and functionality across diverse platforms.
- Project Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams through the full project lifecycle, from concept through delivery. You will manage project timelines, budgets, and quality metrics to ensure mission success.
- Technical Oversight: Provide expert guidance on technical issues and oversee the implementation of engineering best practices to enhance system reliability and performance.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate technical risks through thorough analysis and proactive planning. Your insights will be crucial in maintaining the resiliency of our systems.
- Mentoring and Collaboration: Foster a collaborative and continuous improvement environment through mentoring junior engineers and promoting knowledge-sharing within the team.

Valuable expertise in fields like cybersecurity, SIGINT, electrical or computer engineering, physics, computer science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, network architecture, IT infrastructure, and hybrid communications will be leveraged to drive the development of next-generation technologies, tackling the nation's toughest challenges and supporting NSA's global mission.

Risk and mitigation management is also a critical aspect for our system engineers who will have oversight on system security, particularly in a Zero Trust environment, reliability, resiliency, data integrity, compliance, regulations, operational efficiency, and user experience.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.

Qualifications

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.

SENIOR
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.

Education

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).

Additional information

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.

Technical knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Cybersecurity, SIGINT, telecommunications, computer science, data management and processing.
- Knowledge of system network architectures, frameworks, and enterprise standards.

Expert-level knowledge of:
- System design, Architecture, Integration

Familiarity with systems engineering practices and concepts, including:
- Experience with systems engineering principles and methodologies
- Technology/system readiness assessment
- Modeling and simulation
- Security design engineering
- Test evaluation and integration

Certifications - Systems Engineering (e.g. DAWIA, INCOSE) is beneficial - DAWIA certification is required to be obtained within two years

Required Documents

https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1256228

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

It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.

Agency contact information

NSA POC

Phone: 1-844-424-4737
Email: intelcareers@nsa.gov

Next steps