With the ever-increasing technological complexities in the world of Microelectronics, we need talented Microelectronics Engineers to be part of our team designing, assembling, testing, and qualifying the next generation of electronics hardware in support of our mission. Our goal is to provide microelectronics services of the highest quality to ensure the success of the Agency's mission. Microelectronics Engineers utilize electrical, computer, mechanical, and materials engineering knowledge and skills to design, assemble, test, analyze and qualify the next generation of electronics hardware in support of the NSA mission. The National Security Agency (NSA) currently has opportunities for three types of Microelectronics positions: Microelectronics Package Engineer, Microelectronics Process Engineer, and Microelectronics Technology Engineer. 1. A Microelectronics Package Engineer is focused on developing advanced microelectronics systems though the design of custom multichip modules (MCM), printed circuit board (PCB), high density redistribution layers, 3D multi-layer integrated technologies and/or system enclosures. Areas of responsibility can also include: - Knowledge of Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) design - Knowledge of Register Transfer Level (RTL) design including Verilog and VHDL - Knowledge of Digital/Analog Logic design/simulation, functional verification, Design For Test (DFT), testability analysis - Understanding and development of assembly specifications in accordance with industry standards - Understanding and application of Signal Integrity (SI)/Power Integrity (PI)/Electro-Magnetic Integrity (EMI) Analysis methodologies for design - Conduct research including studies, experiments, and investigations on new or alternate methodologies - Enhance process design and development to support advanced assembly techniques such as Three Dimensional Interconnect (3DI) and Printed Electronics 2. A Microelectronics Process Engineer is focused on assembly and fabrication of advanced microelectronics systems such as custom multichip modules (MCM), printed circuit board (PCB), high density redistribution layers, 3D multi-layer integrated technologies and/or system enclosures. Areas of responsibility can also include: - Participate in assembly and fabrication process improvement efforts - Conduct research including studies, experiments, and investigations on new or alternate methodologies - Conduct research including studies, experiments, and investigations on new or alternate fabrication and assembly equipment - Enhance process and mature development of advanced assembly techniques such as Three Dimensional Interconnect (3DI) and Printed Electronics 3. A Microelectronics Technology Engineer is focused on the test and failure analysis of advanced microelectronics systems such as custom multichip modules (MCM), printed circuit board (PCB), high density redistribution layers, 3D multi-layer integrated technologies and/or system enclosures. Areas of responsibility can also include: - Conduct environmental and reliability tests - High-pin-count Integrated Circuit (IC) design and operation validation - Parametric testing - Accelerated testing / qualification / screening - Develop test plans according to industry and military specifications - Support quality assurance efforts for developed and fielded systems Technical competencies for all three positions may include: - Create and maintain documentation on technical information - Operate specialized scientific and technical equipment - Attend conferences and communicate with people in a particular technical field to keep abreast of new technologies and information - Serve as a subject matter expert to support research and development efforts - Collaborate extensively with customers and develop requirements, project milestones, deliverables and reports - Research emerging technologies for application(s) within the Agency - Concepts, theories, and methods related to the composition, structure, and properties of materials, and the identification/processing of optimal materials for various uses - Solving technical problems - Translate conceptual designs into technical specifications - Evaluate information in technical documents to understand its importance and significance - Work with customers to clarify their needs and to determine how their needs can be met - Semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance - Operate specialized scientific and technical equipment
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 scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. The NSA offers multiple areas of focus for facilities engineers, including computer, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and structural. In addition, we are seeking skills that include computer design, microelectronics, radio frequency design, and systems engineering. Apply your science and engineering skills to protect the nation.
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Engineering, Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university, or a relevant professional technical field (e.g. chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology). For all of the above degrees, if program is not ABET EAC 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. MICROELECTRONICS PACKAGE ENGINEER: ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and no experience. With a degree in either Physics or Astronomy, or a relevant professional technical field, entry is a Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience. Experience in microelectronics design engineering, semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance, or semiconductor packaging is desired. Experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools may be required for specific positions. FULL PERFORMANCE With a degree in Engineering, 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. With a degree in either Physics or Astronomy, or a relevant professional technical field, 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. Relevant experience must be in microelectronics design engineering, semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance, and semiconductor packaging. Experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools may be required for specific positions. 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. Relevant experience must be in microelectronics design engineering, semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance, and semiconductor packaging. Experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools may be required for specific positions. MICROELECTRONICS PROCESS ENGINEER: ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and no experience. With a degree in either Physics or Astronomy, or a relevant professional technical field, entry is a Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience. Experience in microelectronics design engineering and/or analog or digital logic design is desired. Semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance and materials science/fabrication experience is preferred. Experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools may be required for specific positions. FULL PERFORMANCE With a degree in Engineering, 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. With a degree in either Physics or Astronomy, or a relevant professional technical field, 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. Relevant experience must be in microelectronics design engineering, analog or digital logic design, semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance, and materials science/fabrication. Experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools may be required for specific positions. 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. Relevant experience must be in microelectronics design engineering, analog or digital logic design, semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance, and materials science/fabrication. Experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools may be required for specific positions. MICROELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY ENGINEER: ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and no experience. With a degree in either Physics or Astronomy, or a relevant professional technical field, entry is a Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience. Relevant experience must be in microelectronics design engineering and/or analog or digital logic design. Semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance experience is preferred. Experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools may be required for specific positions. FULL PERFORMANCE With a degree in Engineering, 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. With a degree in either Physics or Astronomy, or a relevant professional technical field, 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. Relevant experience must be in microelectronics design engineering, analog or digital logic design, and semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance. Experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools may be required for specific positions. 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. Relevant experience must be in microelectronics design engineering, analog or digital logic design, and semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance. Experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools may be required for specific positions.
Microelectronics Package Engineer Specialized Skills: - Concepts, theories, and methods for designing, analyzing, testing, and integrating electrical and communications systems - Designing analog and digital circuits (e.g., FPGAs, ASICs, PCBs) - Use modeling/simulation to evaluate designs - Experience using Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools for ASIC and/or PCB design is required - Applying engineering principles to perform printed circuit board layout - Applying engineering principles to perform redistribution layer design and layout - Applying engineering principles to perform 3D integration design and layout - Application of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct research studies (e.g., study design, data collection and analysis, and reporting results) Microelectronics Process Engineer Specialized Skills: - Concepts, theories, and methods for designing, analyzing, testing, and integrating electrical and communications systems is desired - Understanding of circuit design is desired (e.g., FPGAs, ASICs, PCBs) - Understanding of modeling/simulation to evaluate designs is desired - Experience using Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools is desired - Applying engineering principles to perform printed circuit board layout is desired - Application of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct research studies (e.g., study design, data collection and analysis, and reporting results) - Semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance and materials science/fabrication experience is preferred Microelectronics Technology Engineer Specialized Skills: - Concepts, theories, and methods for designing, analyzing, testing, and integrating electrical and communications systems - Understanding of digital circuits designs and schematics (e.g., FPGAs, ASICs) - Understanding of packaging and/or assembling processes for custom microelectronics (ASICs, FPGAs, PCBs) test and evaluation - Use modeling/simulation to evaluate microelectronics designs for test - Testing of integrated circuit devices, FPGAs and complex microelectronics systems - Microelectronics design engineering including analog or digital logic design is desired. - Experience using Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools is desired - Application of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct research studies (e.g., study design, data collection and analysis, and reporting results) - Semiconductor or integrated circuit quality assurance and materials science/fabrication experience is desired - Develop test plans for environmental and reliability evaluations - Understanding of industry and military test and reliability standards is desired The ideal candidate is someone with excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills who is: - Motivated - Creative - Able to work effectively across several different functional areas in a collaborative environment - Well-organized and able to handle multiple assignments - Customer service and requirements focused - Detail oriented
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 ranges vary by location and work level. This position is hiring for Maryland. Salary Range: $77,745 - $172,075 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior) On-the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee. Work Schedule: Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, with basic 8 hr/day work requirements between 0600 and 1800 (flexible).
NSA is on a Mission to Hire 3,000 People!
The National Security Agency (NSA) has kicked off a massive talent search with a goal of hiring 3,000 new employees in 2023. Our work in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cybersecurity is essential to protecting our families, friends, communities, service members, and ultimately, the nation.
There is a Place for You at NSA
NSA’s SIGINT mission collects intelligence about our foreign adversaries. Our cybersecurity mission safeguards critical U.S. information. Both of these duties demand a team of technical experts as well as business and HR professionals, linguists, intelligence analysts, communications specialists and more. We have career opportunities in 17 different fields, so there is truly something for everyone.
When You Take Care of the Nation, The Nation Takes Care of You
NSA supports its diverse workforce through benefits and opportunities that foster both work-life balance and career development. Along with a fantastic federal benefits package and a generous amount of paid time off, we also offer flexible schedules, relocation assistance, robust well-being services and countless opportunities to advance your career through training and mentorship.
There is Job Security in Protecting National Security
NSA’s work isn’t subject to market volatility or economic downturns. The threats to our nation never stop – and neither do we.
Visit IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA to learn about our mission and how you can have a rewarding career that safeguards the country’s future – and your own.