Systems Engineer - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Responsibilities:
As a Systems Engineer (SE) with the National Security Agency, you will help shape the future of national security systems by designing, integrating, and optimizing complex technologies that directly affect mission outcomes. In this challenging environment, innovation and critical thinking are essential as you work to safeguard the nation's most sensitive information through cutting'edge solutions. Our SEs collaborate with system architects, mission customers, and key stakeholders to guide technical direction, ensuring projects meet operational requirements and align with strategic priorities. Key responsibilities include:

- System Design and Integration: Spearhead the development of system architectures, ensuring seamless integration and functionality across diverse platforms.
- Project Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams through the full project lifecycle, from concept through delivery. You will manage project timelines, budgets, and quality metrics to ensure mission success.
- Technical Oversight: Provide expert guidance on technical issues and oversee the implementation of engineering best practices to enhance system reliability and performance.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate technical risks through thorough analysis and proactive planning. Your insights will be crucial in maintaining the resiliency of our systems.
- Mentoring and Collaboration: Foster a collaborative and continuous improvement environment through mentoring junior engineers and promoting knowledge-sharing within the team.

Valuable expertise in fields like cybersecurity, SIGINT, electrical or computer engineering, physics, computer science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, network architecture, IT infrastructure, and hybrid communications will be leveraged to drive the development of next-generation technologies, tackling the nation's toughest challenges and supporting NSA's global mission.

MID-CAREER SYSTEMS ENGINEERS
Mid-career systems engineers have experience leading systems engineering efforts and are ready to apply or expand that knowledge within the Intelligence Community.

These engineers have experience in specific lifecycle phases, as well as an understanding of the full lifecycle. They develop their expertise, grow their breadth of knowledge, and mentor the next generation of systems engineers. Mid-career systems engineers come from a wide variety of experiences such as Cybersecurity, SIGINT, telecommunications, and systems of systems or networking infrastructure.

These professionals are adept at communicating with technical teams and making recommendations to senior leadership that drive mission initiatives. They collaborate with senior engineers on system integration and testing, and develop and maintain technical documentation.

SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERS
Seasoned professionals drive the Agency's largest and most challenging technical projects to ensure success. These engineers participate in technical decision-making or function in an advisory role. Working in collaborative teams, they lead technical teams and define and manage technical requirements throughout the product lifecycle. They identify and manage technical program risk; evaluate architectural design for efficiency improvements; and capture, analyze, and recommend updates to the enterprise and mission architectures to ensure resiliency. Senior Systems Engineers design and implement large-scale systems and architectures, and oversee system integration and testing. They develop and maintain technical roadmaps and strategies, while understanding the technical implications of different design choices and architectural decisions.

Staying up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, Senior Systems Engineers provide technical guidance and oversight to ensure that systems are designed and built to meet business and operational requirements. They identify potential technical risks and opportunities, and mentor other systems engineers in their tradecraft, laying the foundation for future successes.

Skills:
Technical knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Cybersecurity, SIGINT, telecommunications, computer science, data management and processing.
- Knowledge of system network architectures, frameworks, and enterprise standards.

Expert-level knowledge of:
- System design, Architecture, Integration

Familiarity with systems engineering practices and concepts, including:
- Experience with systems engineering principles and methodologies
- Technology/system readiness assessment
- Modeling and simulation
- Security design engineering
- Test evaluation and integration

Certifications
- Systems Engineering (e.g. DAWIA, INCOSE) is beneficial
- DAWIA certification is required to be obtained within two years

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: $104,219 - $190,848 (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 - External:
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.



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.

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, \