Job Information
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Systems Engineer - Full Performance in Chantilly, Virginia
WE ARE THE NRO
For sixty years, the NRO has developed, acquired, launched and operated the satellites that are the foundation for America’s advantage and strength in space. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, NRO collects and delivers the best space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content on the planet.
Learn more at NRO.gov .
Basic Eligibility For A Position With The NRO
U.S. Citizenship is required
You must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing
You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations
Where You Will Work
We are seeking highly skilled and experienced technical professionals to lead engineering efforts within the Cyber Security and Software Engineering Division within XSPO. As a key member of our team, you will provide critical engineering support across a diverse range of programs, from small and innovative to large and complex, with varying levels of technical maturity. The candidate will provide engineering expertise and leadership in the development of data architecture, technical integration, and agile software engineering solutions. The successful candidate will lead high profile R&D development activities in cutting-edge domains such as autonomy, software engineering, space cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and novel sensing.
XSPO is the leader in AS&T on prototype and demonstration capabilities for critical technologies addressing NRO’s hard problems across the space and ground segments. We are seeking an officer who can bring an aggressive approach to directing technically challenging research and prototype programs, with an understanding of the tradeoffs and smart risk taking to accelerate transformative technology to bolster national security.
The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for Full Performance Level (GG-12 to GG-13), General/Systems Engineer, and occupational series 0801. For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/classifying-general-schedule-positions/occupationalhandbook.pdf) .
Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.
This is a full-time position that is open from September 16th, 2024 to September 30th, 2024. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on September 30th, 2024
Who May Apply
This position is open to the public.
Federal government employees MUST currently be at the grade level or higher as indicated in this announcement. This is NOT a promotion opportunity for current Federal government employees. If selected for the position, Federal government employees will transition laterally at their current grade level and step.
Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.
The NRO is only accepting external applicants for this job announcement. Current NRO Cadre employees should apply internally.
This position may not qualify for the appointment of a Reemployed Federal Annuitant IAW DoDI 1400.25 Volume 300.
What You Will Be Doing
Drive Strategic and technical development in domains such as cyber, autonomy, and novel sensing techniques
Develop advanced concepts to develop revolutionary approaches to spacecraft ground systems, including next-generation space cyber security approaches, autonomous responses, and applied artificial intelligence techniques
Reviews and evaluates studies, projects, proposals, or reports.
- Collaborate with cross functional teams to develop and implement innovative space technology solutions
Engage key stake holders to develop transition plans for technology under development, ensuring seamless integration into operational systems.
Prepare, provide, and evaluate conventional plans, designs, design specifications, and related documentation determining and/or executing actions for a wide range of assignments involving a combination of complex features.
Evaluates the value and applicability of new or improved technology, strategies, trends, or applications
Makes decisions and executes and/or directs actions exploring, reconciling, and resolving major uncertainties, unique situations, obscure problems, or conflicting objectives typically resulting from the abstract nature of the concepts or the existence of serious conflicts among scientific requirements, technological developments, standards, program direction, and administrative requirements.
Develops or reviews criteria, procedures, or instructions for a particular functional or specialized area.
Provides recommendations on problems, conditions, programs, and functions to a broad customer base.
Provides expertise and advice on program planning and policy-making functions covering a broad range of engineering, architecture, or scientific programs.
Plans, develops, advises on, and implements crucial projects and/or segments of NRO programs, projects, or activities.
What You Need
This position requires a Bachelor’s in Science degree, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) which falls in the 0801 OPM occupational series. Degree areas are outlined below:
For the 0801 Series:
Degree: Professional Engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
Desired Qualifications
Computer and Data Science with emphasis on Autonomy, Machine Learning, and Data Networks
Skill in applying expert knowledge to complex projects to effect changes to exisiting systems applying state-of-the-art technology.
Knowledge of Program Management, systems engineering principles and practices to successfully execute programs.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement and critical thinking, effective decision making, and problem solving leading to successful outcomes with minimal supervision in a quick paced, multi-tasking environment.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to forge enduring relationships acorss the NRO and the community.
Other Information
Overtime Statement: May be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
Travel Statement: May be required to travel in military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
Financial Disclosure: May be required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) coded positions: If selected for a DAWIA coded position, the incumbent must meet appropriate certification requirements IAW the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) no later than 24 months after accepting this position. Individual shall maintain, at a minimum 80 continuous Learning Points every 24 months via the services acquisition management system. DAWIA requirements may be located at the Defense Acquisition University website (https://www.dau.edu/training/career-development/logistics/blog/DAWIA-Certification-Requirements) .
Location
Chantilly, VA
Salary
This position meets the qualifications for Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Targeted Local Market Supplement (TLMS) STEM pay for NRO Cadre employees and candidates as authorized by the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security’s (OUSD(I&S)). Cadre employees and candidates are eligible to receive STEM pay if they are currently serving in a STEM designated position. Should a Cadre employee or candidate earning STEM pay change positions within the organization, they must be assigned to another STEM qualifying position in order to continue to remain eligible for STEM pay. Otherwise, Cadre employees and Candidates Generally would be transitioned to the DCIPS GG Pay Scale. For more information on STEM pay, visit https://dcips.defense.gov/Human-Resources/Compensation/
2024 STEM Salary ranges:
GG-12: $114,639 - $149,026
GG-13: $129,239 - $168,015
**This position is a Full Performance level DCIPS position. The NRO is accepting applications from U.S. Citizens and current federal government employees for this position. To qualify for the position, federal government employees MUST currently be at the GG-12 or GG-13 grade level and may ONLY apply for a lateral reassignment at their current grade level and step. Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.
Hiring Incentives
The NRO may offer hiring incentives and other entitlements at management’s discretion.
Trial Period
All new DCIPS employees (https://dcips.defense.gov/) will be required to serve a 2-year trial period.
Veterans’ Preference
DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans’ Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Vol 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 USC, you must submit documents verifying your eligibility upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal/fed_employees/index.cfm)
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please send your request to Hiring@nro.mil .
Privacy Act Notice
Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): We use this information to determine qualifications for employment. This is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Read more about the Privacy Act of 1974 (https://www.justice.gov/opcl/privacy-act-1974)
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