Target Systems Analyst

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 or classified national security information.Depending on education and experience, the following opportunities will apply:Target Systems Analysts (TSAs) are hired into positions directly supporting a technical mission office. The work done by our Analysts is of the utmost importance to National Security and the defense of our Nation. Only the most skilled and dedicated are able to join our team. If you have what it takes please apply and be part of the agency that is on the front line of Modern Warfare.TSAs focus on telemetry signals used in the defense industry that includes spacecraft monitoring, aircraft development, and weapons system testing. Telemetry is used by manned and unmanned spacecraft for various data transmissions including monitoring the health of astronauts as well as the health and status of the actual spacecraft. Telemetry for weapons testing includes monitoring temperatures, vibrations, accelerations, positions and status of various subsystems. Telemetry is also used for range safety related to flight testing to determine flight termination criteria.The role of a TSA is to reverse engineer the telemetry data transmitted by various systems to determine the performance characteristics and capabilities of these systems.

Job Summary

Signals Analysis is a cutting-edge technical discipline that seeks to identify the purpose, content and user(s) of signals. Given today's rapidly evolving global communications, the NSA must maintain and develop a highly talented and diverse workforce of Signals Analysts who are a vital part in maintaining our technical capabilities to use the most sophisticated means to recover, understand, and derive intelligence from all manner of foreign signals.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.Degree must be in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, a Physical Science, or a related technical field. A broader range of degrees will be considered for those who have completed a relevant military training program, for example, 9141 (Navy Intermediate Technical ELINT Analyst), 1N2A (Air Force Intermediate Technical ELINT Analyst), 451/461 (Intermediate Signals Analysis), 452 (Advanced Signals Analysis), or Military Signals Analysis Program (MSAP).Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: signals analysis (COMINT, ELINT, FISINT or PROFORMA) in the Intelligence Community related to weapons systems, satellite, or electronic signals, or design and engineering of aerospace systems, one or more year of which must be outside of a development/training program.ENTRYEntry is with a degree Bachelors and no experience. The following may be considered for individuals with experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience; OR completion of relevant military training, for example, 9141 (Navy Intermediate Technical ELINT Analyst), 1N2A (Air Force Intermediate Technical ELINT Analyst), 451/461 (Intermediate Signals Analysis) 452 (Advanced Signals Analysis), or Military Signals Analysis Program (MSAP), plus 2 years of relevant experience.FULL PERFORMANCEEntry is with a degree (Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate) plus 3 years of relevant experience. The following may be considered for individuals with experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience; OR completion of relevant military training, plus 5 years of relevant experience.SENIOREntry is with a degree (Bachelor's, Masters or Doctorate) plus 6 years of relevant experience. The following may be considered for individuals with experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience; OR completion of relevant military training, plus 8 years of relevant experience.

Competencies

The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic and interpersonal skills who is/can:- accountable- flexible- resilient- communicate effectively- collaborate with othersSpecialized skills and experience in one or more of the following is desired:- aero engineering or mechanical engineering degrees with some aero/space/telemetry/weapons experience- applying specialized tools and computer-based programs to process data for analytic problems- assessing applicability of available tools to various situations- combining analytics, tools, and visualization to support analysis- interpreting output of specialized tools and computer-based programs- programming / script development- weapon system design or testing- telemetry system design or implementation
NOTE: A copy of your unofficial transcript is highly encouraged to be submitted with your application to expedite processing.

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: Salary Range: $81,233 - $179,232 (Entry/Developmental to Senior)Salary range varies by work level, and relevant experience to the position.On the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.Benefits: NSA offers excellent benefits to include relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, paid personal fitness time, training and continuing education classes, health and life insurance, Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Federal retirement plan.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).

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.

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. 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.