Telecommunications Engineer - Entry to Experienced Level (Fort Meade & Georgia) at National Security Agency (Fort Meade, MD)

Telecommunications Engineer - Entry to Experienced Level (Fort Meade and Georgia Locations)

Fort Meade, MD
Pay Plan: GG, Grade: 07/1 to 14/10
Open: 2022-01-07, Close: 2022-02-06

Job Posting: 1175886

Responsibilities

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 offensive mission component collects, processes and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defensive mission component prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive or classified national security information. The need to maintain our core Telecommunications Engineering competency is vital to providing the technical capabilities necessary to successfully execute NSA's mission. With the rapid evolution of communications systems, NSA requires a highly talented, diverse and technically focused workforce responsible for research and development of technologies and systems involving one or more of the following areas: traditional circuit switched networks; data networks; access technologies; wireless systems for the previous purposes; the media to carry such services; the protocols required for the completion of transport and services; operations of networks; management of network resources; provisioning of resources; traffic and/or performance modeling of such networks. Telecommunications Engineers will be expected to provide hands-on support for all aspects of site systems. Given the pace of advances in our telecommunications environment and myriad of state and non-state adversaries, Telecommunications Engineers at the NSA develop, support and maintain the technologies and capabilities to maintain our advantage in both information gathering and national defense. We are looking for Telecommunications Engineers with strong knowledge of satellite communications networks and systems. As a Telecommunications Engineer, your responsibilities can include: - Assist in site surveys, system installations, configuration management, maintenance, modernization, and sustainment of a Global Enterprise SATCOM Network. - Coordinate with the system engineering and dataflow efforts to ensure proper mission operations with minimal down time. - Troubleshoot Basic IP Networks, and assist with the provisioning and installation of telecommunications equipment. - Assist with setup, testing, and integration of VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) SATCOM systems. Install and set-up interconnectivity between systems and subsystems. - Coordinate requirements with users and suppliers. - Provide Tier 2 on-site and remote support to telecommunications equipment. - Analyze problems to determine technical solutions. - Decide what architectures will be required to solve technical problems. - Develop conceptual designs or models to address requirements. - Identify and assess organizational, business, or user needs, constraints, and requirements as they relate to the system, process, or structure being designed. - Identify new and existing products, technologies, and/or architectures to solve design, development, and operational problems. - Perform high-level design, specifying system and component performance and interface requirements. - Understand WANS/CANS/LANS, telecommunication systems, their components and associated protocols and standards. - Configure, manage, and sustain network infrastructure. - Identify the types and functions of computer and telecommunications network elements, document their intercommunications, and map physical and logical target networks by graphing their communications. - Troubleshoot networks, computers, and peripheral devices in order to isolate the causes of failures or problems. - Validate testing and quality assurance of Information Technology (IT) systems. - Conduct RF site surveys and include results in the design and performance assessments of RF systems. - Work with and/or lead project teams to satisfy operational requirements for RF systems.

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

Salary Range - $73,076 - $91,057 (Entry/Developmental) NSA Headquarters (Ft Meade) and NSA Georgia *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. Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience Degree must be in Engineering or Computer Science. If program is not ABET-EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework.* A degree in Information Technology, Engineering Technology, or related will also be considered if it includes 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. Experience in developing, designing, or integrating technical systems or subsystems and/or applying international telecommunication standards and protocols (e.g., ISDN, SONET, and TCP/IP) is desired. Microsoft Certified Software Engineer (MCSE), Engineering in Training (EIT) certification, or CISCO certification is preferred. Salary Range - $84,529 - $113,362 (Full Performance) NSA Headquarters (Ft Meade) Salary Range - $84,529 - $112,583 (Full Performance) NSA Georgia *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. 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. Degree must be in Engineering or Computer Science. If program is not ABET-EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework.* A degree in Information Technology, Engineering Technology, or related will also be considered if it includes 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 developing, designing, or integrating technical systems or subsystems and/or applying international telecommunication standards and protocols (e.g., ISDN, SONET, and TCP/IP). Experience managing projects and collaborating across organizations or agencies is preferred. Microsoft Certified Software Engineer (MCSE), Engineering in Training (EIT) certification, or CISCO certification is preferred. Salary Range: $103,690 - $159,286 (Senior) NSA Headquarters (Ft Meade) Salary Range: $94,760 - $141,548 (Senior) NSA Georgia *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. 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. Degree must be in Engineering or Computer Science. If program is not ABET-EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework.* A degree in Information Technology, Engineering Technology, or related will also be considered if it includes 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 developing, designing, or integrating technical systems or subsystems and/or applying international telecommunication standards and protocols (e.g., ISDN, SONET, and TCP/IP). Experience managing projects and collaborating across organizations or agencies is preferred. Microsoft Certified Software Engineer (MCSE), Engineering in Training (EIT) certification, or CISCO certification is preferred.

Competencies

The ideal candidate is someone with excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills who is able to: - Apply telecommunications techniques (e.g., related to transmissions, broadcasting, switching, control, operation). - Apply the concepts, principles and theories of telecommunications, including their components and associated protocols and standards and how they integrate with one another (e.g., transmissions, switching, routing management). - Apply concepts, principles, theories, and methods for evaluating and testing telecommunications and computer networks. - Apply the concepts, principles, theories, and methods for network connectivity (e.g., routing, switching and IP addressing). - Apply knowledge of communications theory to RF engineering problems. - Optimize system performance through repeated adjustment, testing, and re-adjustment. - Create and maintain documentation of system, subsystem, or equipment life cycle. - Apply principles, methods, and applications of communication theory such as signal processing, decision theory, estimation theory and modulation-demodulation. - Apply principles of electrical and communications systems; including aspects of energy conversion, electrical power generation, and energy transmission, control, distribution, or use. - Apply principles of math, physics, electronics theory, electrical network theory, and control systems to the design, fabrication, and testing of devices that are designed to operate in the radio frequency spectrum. - Apply principles and methods used for test planning, evaluation, verification, and validation of systems or system elements. Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following is desired: - Experience in satellite communications, line-of-sight microwave, installations and repair telecommunication network systems components in direct support of the government's mission. - Experience with SATCOM network support to ensure proper operation, maintenance and engineering on relative satellite communications equipment and systems.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

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

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 [email protected]. ***PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Additionally, the Federal Government requires all personnel to be fully vaccinated at the time of employment, subject to exceptions as required by law. 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.