Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher (Hardware/ASIC/Chip/Microelectronics Designer) - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Responsibilities NSA is home to one of the largest and most established in-house research organizations within the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), employing scientists with world-class skills in fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity. We collaborate with leading industries, universities, and national laboratories to advance core competencies, leverage work in overlapping disciplines, and solve some of the most challenging national security problems thought to be intractable by adversaries and commercial industry. NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) attracts top technical talent who not only solve the nation's urgent intelligence problems, but also invent what hasn't been invented and concentrate on what will be needed five, ten, fifteen years down the road. Through its partnership with the University of Maryland (UMD), LPS offers a unique environment where university, industry, and federal government scientists collaborate on research in advanced communication, sensing, and computer technologies. To learn more about LPS, visit: https://www.lps.umd.edu LPS is currently seeking experienced Engineering and Physical Sciences Researchers to lead advanced research efforts in the areas of: Electromagnetics engineering that enable high-performance wireless communications; integrated photonics for High Performance Computing (HPC); and novel computing devices for High Performance Computing (HPC) applications. LPS Researchers are expected to contribute to their technical fields by publishing in high-impact, peer reviewed journals; collaborating and contributing broadly with academia, industry, and the national laboratories; and supervising students and postdoctoral fellows. In addition, researchers must demonstrate an ability to work well in a team environment toward mission-oriented research goals, to provide unique and sometimes extraordinary subject matter expertise to the Intelligence Community (IC) and wider U.S. Government (USG) and bring their inventions to prototype or practical implementation. Lead Researcher: Active Devices for Beyond Moore's law/Cryologic. LPS is seeking a motivated experimentalist to lead a new research effort to discover, understand, and optimize novel devices for HPC. In the 'Beyond Moore's Law' era, the exploration of computing devices operating at very high speed, low-power, or offering greater functionality for memory and logic are critical to the development of future information technologies. LPS seeks to add to its growing number of research labs in novel classical computing devices and paradigms, which include laboratories for 2D and topological materials, superconducting reversible logic, and cryogenic interconnect for novel HPC, in addition to an entire office focused on novel architectures and system-level considerations for Advanced Computing Systems (ACS). This search is not predetermined towards a specific technology; rather, LPS seeks a researcher with skillsets and a fundamental research strategy that complements and enhances existing efforts. This new research area is expected to provide opportunities for internal Agency and external community collaboration, especially for future computing systems of relevance to the NSA. Although LPS researchers are encouraged to collaborate and pursue research funding opportunities internal to the Agency and across the USG, many LPS research projects are self-funded. This new research effort is expected to be provided with start-up funds, lab space, and materials, as well as being able to take advantage of existing beyond Moore's and cryologic labs, fabrication and measurement infrastructure. Lead Researcher: Novel Computing Devices for High Performance Computing (HPC) Applications The Advanced Computing Systems (ACS) Research Program has an immediate opening for a high energy top performing individual with outstanding technical skills to work on the development of next generation of computing systems. Responsibilities will include: Helping to perform analysis of alternative physical devices, computational machines and architectures, including from "sketch" paper analysis to detailed modeling and simulation to designing microelectronics through system level hardware where necessary. Based upon the above work, where feasible, functional demonstration software, hardware and systems may be fabricated demonstrating and characterizing the new capabilities and suitability for critical mission needs. Collaborate with ACS research colleagues, and customers to identify opportunities and approaches to apply custom logic to NSA's mission needs. Work with agency, academic, industry and national lab researchers to identify techniques, develop models, and other means to demonstrate the suitability of the custom logic identified. Working across ACS teams and with state-of-the-art microelectronics industry partners to develop, codify logic algorithms, validate designs, and collaborate with contractors to fabricate novel Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) devices. Work with both internal agency and external contractor resources to design/develop electronic test apparatus and the software to demonstrate custom ASIC devices for the effectiveness of serving mission needs. Make recommendations to the agency for technologies that offer significant benefits for production systems for specific missions. Use knowledge of mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences to investigate and if needed propose systematic investigations of phenomena using experimental methods to be performed by collaborators and vendors. Based on any experimental methods performed, develop theories and laws consistent with the results of any experimental methods performed. Help guide technical development of new technologies, products, and architectures to solve mission-related problems. Job Summary The NSA invites you to be part of an elite team that's making a global impact by researching and developing revolutionary ideas. As an Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher at NSA, your creativity and that of your team is essential to investigating and implementing effective technical solutions for our Nation. Your efforts will drive global impacts that may include saving the lives of U.S. and allied soldiers, providing U.S. policy and decision makers with critical, timely intelligence, ensuring the continued safety of U.S. citizens and residents by thwarting foreign adversaries, and defending vital networks. You can learn more about LPS and its mission by visiting https://lps.umd.edu. Qualifications The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in either (1) Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university, or (3) a relevant professional technical field (for example, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology). For Engineering degrees, if program is not ABET 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. Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing engineering or physical sciences work, or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (for example, mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences). 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. SENIOR 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. 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 Lead Researcher: Active Devices for Beyond Moore's law / Cryologic: The ideal candidate is someone whose research interests complement current NSA investments in fabrication, measurement, and materials development for HPC, and who has a proven track record of innovative research in technical areas of direct relevance to active devices for beyond Moore's law computing and cryogenic logic. Preferably, the expertise demonstrated should be in several of the following technical areas, and complementary to LPS investments in fabrication, measurement, and materials development for HPC hardware, including laboratory work in quantum materials and cryogenic logic: - Novel transistor development (e.g., ultra-low power, neuromorphic, superconducting, spintronic, optical) and impact on traditional and unconventional computer architectures. - Fast measurement and circuit design (including GHz rate logic) - Design, fabrication, and evaluation of logic and memory devices operating at cryogenic temperatures; and/or logic and memory devices utilizing novel material systems - Active electronic device research complimentary to quantum materials or cryogenic logic. - Industry/foundry capabilities in transistor-level device development and associated materials Position Specific Skills - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Desire to guide and influence a broad research community - Apply knowledge of mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences, and physical sciences to analyze problems and determine technical solutions - Work effectively across several different functional areas in a fast-paced, collaborative environment - Handle and prioritize multiple assignments - Synthesize information to solve complex problems Lead Researcher: Novel Computing Devices for High Performance Computing (HPC) Applications: A combination of some physics, engineering, and computer science with some depth in at least one aspect of each discipline. An ability to move between and combine aspects of physics, engineering, and computer science and a willingness and desire to add to the skills in each of the above disciplines as needed. A willingness to consider and analyze the economics and marketplaces surrounding compute devices and incorporate such analysis into the work would be useful. Key skills for this role include an understanding of hardware/software architecture, algorithms, digital logic design, Verilog and RTL coding, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), testing, and software development. In addition, to the above skills, experience in the use of EDA tools such as Cadence and Synopsys, verification and validation techniques and microelectronics fabrication technologies are highly desirable. ASIC device development is a substantial undertaking in terms of resources, planning and time. Successful candidates should be able to seamlessly function both independently and as part of a larger team, organized and serve as an effective communicator verbally and in writing.