Hardware/Software Analysis & Design Engineer - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Responsibilities

With the ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, NSA needs Hardware/Software Engineers to design, develop, construct and evaluate electronic hardware and software processing components. These components are typically subsystems of communication, collection, processing or analysis systems. Hardware/Software Engineers utilize electrical, computer, mechanical, and materials engineering knowledge and skills to design, assemble, test, analyze and reverse engineer electronics hardware in support of the NSA mission. The National Security Agency (NSA) currently has opportunities for two types of Hardware/Software Engineers positions: Hardware/Software Design Engineers and Hardware/Software Analysis Engineers. 1. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEERS are hired into positions supporting a broad range of specialized skills including Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Communications Engineering. Positions will be in an office directly supporting a technical mission. The responsibilities of a Hardware/Software Design Engineer may include: - Designing, developing, testing, and/or evaluating electronic circuitry, computer or computer-related equipment such as embedded processors and/or FPGAs. - Designing, developing, testing, and/or, evaluate microelectronic components (FPGA, ASICs, PCB, Microcontrollers, etc.), technology and equipment. - Designing, developing, testing and evaluation of programmable hardware devices, digital circuits, and/or embedded systems. - Programming, modifying and/or configuring system firmware that manages the reprogrammable hardware and associated interfaces to provide services to the applications. - Applying software engineering principles to design, develop, test, and evaluate/modify software /firmware applications. 2. HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ANALYSIS ENGINEERS are hired into positions supporting a broad range of specialized skills including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Positions will be in an office directly supporting a technical mission. The responsibilities of a Hardware/Software Analysis Engineer may include: - Design, develop, construct, test, or analyze firmware, hardware or software components. - Develop new or utilize existing methods and tools to analyze or protect specific hardware, software or firmware. - Develop/recommend mitigation strategies and techniques. - Develop and implement hardware forensic methodologies and applications. - Test, evaluate and/or reverse engineer microelectronic components (FPGA, ASICs, PCB, Microcontrollers, etc.), technology and equipment. - Program, modify and analyze system software/tools that control microelectronics hardware. - Apply hardware and software engineering principles to design, develop, test, and evaluate/modify applications and systems. Prior to submitting your application, please ensure that you fully populate all sections of the resume tool with all relevant skills, experience, and education, as the resume entered into the tool will be the primary resume used to evaluate your application. Please do NOT populate the resume tool with "see resume." NOTE: An unofficial copy of your transcripts from all schools attended when applying for this position is highly encouraged. Providing a copy of your transcripts is especially critical to ensure the position's minimum qualifications have been met. Please upload your transcripts as an attachment to your profile in IC Careers prior to applying to this position.

Job Summary

Are you an Engineering, Computer Science or Applied Mathematics professional who enjoys working with hardware to understand its basic operation? Would you like to apply these skills in support of the Intelligence Community mission? NSA is seeking entry to experienced professionals to design, develop, construct and evaluate electronic hardware and software processing components to solve emerging challenges. By applying your science and engineering skills, you will make a significant contribution to protecting the nation.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. For both HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEER and HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ANALYSIS ENGINEER: For engineering degrees, if program is not ABET-EAC accredited, it must include 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. ----------- HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEER Degree must be in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics. 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. Relevant experience must be designing, developing, or constructing electronic hardware and software processing components. 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. Relevant experience must be designing, developing, or constructing electronic hardware and software processing components and managing people or projects. ----------- HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ANALYSIS ENGINEER FULL PERFORMANCE With a professional Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics degree, 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. With a degree in either (1) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university or (2) a relevant professional technical field (e.g. chemistry, architecture, hydrology, geology), entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's or Doctoral degree plus 1 year of relevant experience. Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: designing and verifying integrated and digital circuit devices, designing and integrating electrical and communication systems, or reverse engineering. SENIOR With a professional Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics degree, entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 3 years of relevant experience. Degree must be in either (1) professional Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or (3) a relevant professional technical field (e.g. chemistry, architecture, hydrology, geology). Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: designing and verifying integrated and digital circuit devices, designing and integrating electrical and communication systems, or reverse engineering.

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: $105,262 - $192,764 (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


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.
  
  

Skills

Knowledge, skills, and experience in one or more of the following is desired: - Experience with Agile Software Development. - Experience in one or more of the following programming languages: Rust, C, C , Python, Java, Java Script, VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, etc. - Experience reverse engineering firmware or software. - Experience in Information Assurance analysis or implementation. - Experience organizing and managing their own projects or the projects of small teams. - Understanding of the basic concepts of cryptography and cryptographic systems. - Understanding of the basics of computer networking and low level protocols. - Familiarity with basic electronic components such as ASICs, PCBs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc. - Familiarity with tools related to firmware/software design and development. - Familiarity with electronics debugging equipment such as multi-meters and oscilloscopes. - Experience with application of 2D/3D imaging for hardware analysis. - Experience with embedded or operating system level programming. The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning along with excellent problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills, who is: - Innovative - Well-organized - Able to handle and prioritize multiple assignments - Able to communicate effectively both orally and written - Able to work effectively across several different functional areas in a collaborative environment.