Physical Scientist

The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal: to protect our nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information. The NSA's Cybersecurity Directorate's Mission is to protect critical systems, information, material and infrastructure against physical exploitation by nation-state adversaries and trusted insiders through research, design, and engagement. The NSA is located in the Washington DC Metropolitan area and is home to many commercial collaborators, universities, government laboratories, and sponsors. The D.C. Metropolitan area is not only a great place to live, but an ideal place for a young scientist/researcher to launch a career. NSA currently has opportunities for highly motivated Physical Scientists to provide expertise, guidance and support to the development and implementation of mission capabilities that align with mission challenges. Individuals in these positions are responsible for: - Research, Development, and Implementation - Deter the physical compromise of critical material through the research, development and implementation of technical solutions. - Design Guidance and Training - Deliver training, education, and guidance to users in the identification and application of effective security solutions. - Technical Analysis and Testing - Deliver technical testing services through state-of-the-art laboratory facilities consisting of environmental chambers and materials analysis tools. - Community Outreach - Engage with Government and industry technical communities to share knowledge and leverage multi-source expertise to meet security requirements.

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. Degree must be in Physical Science or a related scientific field (for example, physics, chemistry, materials science, astronomy, engineering). Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: applying technical knowledge and expertise in engineering or physical sciences; development, research, design, or test of materials or products; or field investigations. Program or project management in a scientific field may account for some, but not all, of the experience. ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. An Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience may be considered. 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. An Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered. SENIOR 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 be considered.

Competencies

The ideal candidate should have proven experience in the programming, operation, and management of a variety of chemical and materials test chambers, to include: FT-IR, XRF, VSC-8000, digital microscopes, adhesion tester, pull tester, and various measurement tools. Evidence of corporate behavior and the ability to build and sustain alliances with a myriad of organizations is preferred. The candidate should have a proven record of coordination with internal organizations and external test communities, to include DoD/IC customers. Strong written and verbal communications skills are desired. A background in and familiarization with National, Department of Defense (DoD), and NSA/CSS policies, procedures, and directives governing the mission is highly desired. The selectee must exercise sound judgment in all actions and be able to both provide and seek advice from an experienced workforce. The selectee should be comfortable interacting with all levels of organizational hierarchies and within the Intelligence Community, be proficient at operating in a dynamic and high-tempo environment with minimal supervision and possess strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The selected individual will work in a dynamic environment with duties that can include the following: - Configuring, managing, and sustaining chemical and materials analysis systems. - Theory, design, and implementation of chemical analysis procedures that include specifications, uses, and types of chemical analysis equipment. - The concepts and principles of chemical and materials analysis, and test standards. - Applying concepts, principles, theories, and methods for evaluating and testing physical materials and products. - Applying concepts, principles, theories, and methods for developing appropriate materials analysis protocols. - Leading product development and/or project management efforts - Maintaining currency on new or emerging technology. - Operating within a materials analysis laboratory.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Pay: 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 Range: $87,362 - $192,764 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience. Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible). DCIPS Trial Period: If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

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. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application) 1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

DCIPS Disclaimer

**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS** Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority. Veterans' Preference In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application. Acceptable documentation includes: - DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR - Certification of Service: A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND - Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND - VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating) You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/). **Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.