Technology Acceleration Lead / Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher - Mid to Expert Level (MD Location)
- National Security Agency
- Fort Meade, MD, USA
Job Description
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 individuals that have a desire to turn ideas into capabilities as our organization's Technology Acceleration Lead. This is a chance to direct research, analyzing research and development plans to identify opportunities to increase the pace of the work and ensure that the many challenges in advancing new ideas are appropriately addressed. As a Technology Acceleration Lead, you will: - Create detailed objectives for research and development activities while collaborating with our multi-disciplinary team of scientists; - Develop new strategies to achieve those objectives, ensuring the technical goals will be well supported by the overall mission; - Optimize plans and evolve the strategies with which those plans are aligned; - Expedite the pace of technical progress through optimization while proactively managing the uncertainties inherent to research; - Ensure goals, strategies and implemented plans enable a path to full realization of the technologies; - Experience working on complex programs, especially aerospace, High Performance Computing (HPC), or defense programs is a plus.
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 Technology Acceleration Lead at 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 either (1) Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university, or (3) a relevant professional technical field (for example, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology). For Engineering 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 one or more of the following: performing engineering or physical sciences work, or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (for example, mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences). 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 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. EXPERT Entry is with 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.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, and possess a range of knowledge and experience in at least two of the following areas: - Lead the successful planning of a high-risk technology or product development effort; - Account for contingency plans and risk mitigation activities in schedules.
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. This position is hiring for Maryland. Salary Range: $97,876 - $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. The typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 to 1800 hrs (flexible).
How to apply
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. 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. A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com** U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/diversity-and-inclusion.
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.