Cryogenic Engineer / Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher - Mid to Experienced Level (MD Location)

The National Security Agency is home to the most esteemed, reputable, and established in-house research organization in the U.S. Intelligence Community, employing visionary scientists with backgrounds in fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering. Our scientists push the boundaries of science and develop revolutionary ideas that provide our Nation with an overwhelming advantage over our adversaries, and we want you to be a part of our team. The NSA collaborates with leading companies, universities, and national laboratories to leverage work in overlapping disciplines and identify areas for investment that are critical to the success of our mission. Working together, we develop new ideas that have significant impacts, and we have fun doing it. We're looking for talented Cryogenic Engineers to improve and develop cryogenic engineering processes. This includes design, fabrication, implementation, and commissioning of vacuum cryostats, magnets, and other experimental cryogenic systems. This is your opportunity to develop innovative solutions to improve and extend cryogenic engineering activities and advanced processing solutions. As a Cryogenic Engineer, you will: - Direct and oversee cryogenic system design, fabrication, assembly, and implementation; - Plan the integration of cryostat subsystems including cooling, interconnects, ultra-high-vacuum (UHV), magnets, shielding, vibration and other support elements; - Guide and support testing and development activities for cryogenic systems; - Manage and establish the performance of safety evaluations involving pressure, cryogenic, and other fluid systems; - Research and identify new challenges.

Want to be a part of an elite team where your work has a global impact by developing revolutionary ideas that will provide our nation with an overwhelming advantage? We have an opportunity for you! As a Cryogenic Engineer NSA, the creativity of you and your team is essential to investigate and implement effective solutions for internal and Agency-supported customers around the world. Your efforts will drive global impacts that may include: saving lives of U.S. and ally soldiers; providing U.S. policy and decision makers with critical, timely intelligence; ensuring the continued safety of U.S. citizens and residents by thwarting foreign adversaries; and defending vital networks.

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in professional 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. Relevant experience must be performing professional engineering or physical sciences work and/or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (e.g., mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences). Experience on polymath projects (requiring multiple skills), technical publications, patent applications, and teaching are preferred. FULL PERFORMANCE With a degree in professional 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 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. 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. Degree must be in professional Engineering, Physics or Astronomy, or a relevant professional technical field. EXPERT Entry is a Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 6 years of relevant experience. Degree must be in professional Engineering, Physics or Astronomy, or a relevant professional technical field.

Required Skills Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, and possess a range of knowledge and experience in at least two of the following areas: - Lead research in developing cryogenic solutions; - Implement new thermal management technologies; - Develop analytical models to predict thermal performance of cryogenic systems; - Create interface specifications between payloads and cryogenic systems; - Design, develop, and perform testing on payloads operating in cryogenic environments; - Understand experimental design to gather desired data. Desired Skills - Specialization in thermodynamics; - Cryogenic control systems, cryogenic system implementation, commissioning, and operation; - Safe cryogenic engineering practices including pressure, cryogen, and oxygen deficiency hazards; - Wet and/or dry cryogenic systems; - Liquid helium and sub-Kelvin systems; - Knowledge of thermal analysis software (COMSOL, IcePak, Sinda/Fluint) or similar platforms; - Mechanical design/modeling/simulation using industry standard tools; - LabVIEW or similar acquisition software

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: $89,931 - $183,500 (Full Performance, Senior, Expert) ADVANCEMENT: Cross-organizational mentoring is highly encouraged and readily available for all employees. Training is available through: continuing education classes provided by our internal school, vendor training, and a variety of tuition assistance programs. You can also take advantage of work assignment or travel opportunities, both stateside and abroad, or direct engagements with other Intelligence Community agencies. WORK/LIFE BALANCE: As Federal employees our employees enjoy job security, relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, free onsite fitness centers at many locations, available paid personal fitness time within your normal work schedule, flexible health and life insurance, Federal retirement pension, matching employee retirement contributions to the Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for up to 5% of salary, and competitive pay. Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 to 1800 hrs (flexible).