Senior Technical Leader, STEM

Responsibilities

STEM Technical Leaders at NSA have vision and passion for solving unique problems to protect our Nation. These leaders have experience with advanced technologies, teams’ collaboration, and moving ideas from requirements to implementation. They drive technical decisions, architectural design discussions, and systems integration within the context of their technical specialties coming from a full spectrum of backgrounds such as software development, systems engineering, architecture, electrical engineering, networking, and many more. They use their deep experience leading advancements in technology, which may be at a project or organizational level, to influence technical direction. While technical, these leaders possess skills to mediate alternative Course of Action discussions, and negotiate strategic direction across a variety of levels. These leaders know how to interpret senior leadership guidance and direction, and translate it into actionable plans, requirements, and strategies. They have proven experience delegating resources and tasks, and transforming ideas into operational capabilities.

STEM Technical Leaders may or may not serve in a supervisory role, but they all have the opportunity to mentor junior technical colleagues. They lead by example. In vertical or horizontal teams, STEM Technical Leaders push frontiers to advance NSA mission to gather signals intelligence and protect our Nation’s Defense Industrial Base and critical infrastructure. These leaders are adept at working across organizations with competing priorities to build consensus to achieve mission outcomes.

Job Summary

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.

Qualifications

*The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. 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.

Degree must be in Computer Science, Engineering, Physical Science, Mathematics, or a related STEM technical field (e.g., Computer Security, Networking, Information Technology, or Computer Information Systems).

For engineering degrees, if program is not ABET EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework in at least 5 of 18 subject areas in Engineering & Physical Science.

Relevant experience must be in leading technical projects, research or workgroups; technical analysis. Must have demonstrated experience as a subject matter expert (SME) within the technical discipline related to the position in which the candidate is applying.

Senior

For Engineering & Physical Science, Mathematics, and Cryptanalysis disciplines, entry is with a Bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. For Computer Science, Cyber, and Networking & Telecommunications, entry is with a Bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. An Associate’s degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.

Expert

For Engineering & Physical Science, Mathematics, and Cryptanalysis disciplines, entry is with a Bachelor’s degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience. For Computer Science, Cyber, and Networking & Telecommunications, entry is with a Bachelor’s degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience. An Associate’s degree plus 11 years of relevant experience may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.

Competencies

The ideal candidate has excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, and possesses the following knowledge and experience:

– Uses innovative approaches to solve complex problems

– Is detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to prioritize across multiple assignments

– Motivates others to reach team goals

– Establishes trust at multiple levels by communicating via technical jargon with their teams, and translating those solutions for Senior Leadership understanding

– Communicates effectively both orally and written, and employs negotiation strategies to achieve consensus

– Collaborates effectively vertically, horizontally, and across a variety of functional areas

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary Range: $96,845 – $176,300 (Senior, Expert)

On-the job training, Internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.

Monday – Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 to 1800 (flexible)

How to apply

To apply for this position, please click the ‘Apply’ button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the ‘Submit’ button, you will receive a confirmation email. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov.

***PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. 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.

This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans’ Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.

Please note that you may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the screening process of your application and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to elaborate on experiences in your resume. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be contacted to begin employment processing.

Please Note: Job Posting could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants or position no longer available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

DCIPS Disclaimer

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority.