Signals Analysis Development Program (SADP) - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

About the Role

The Signals Analysis Development Program (SADP) is a three-year development program that trains new hires to become certified professional Signals Analysts. The program is designed to include intensive, structured, formal training courses and a wide range of work assignments focused on various aspects of signals analysis. Over the period of three years, selected candidates will gain experience through a rotational structure that includes exposure to different areas of specialization within signals analysis.

The selected candidate will apply their knowledge in STEM to exploit advanced signals data and deliver analytic results that yield the highest impact intelligence and security outcomes for the NSA and the Nation.

The path to becoming a certified professional Signals Analyst is divided into four parts:

• Rotation: Tour each area of specialization offered at NSAW for a period of 6-12 months. Up to five rotational tours will be completed over the three-year period. Opportunities to travel outside of NSAW may become available throughout the duration of the program.
• Learning: Complete a comprehensive suite of core and advanced technical courses taught by NSA subject matter experts.
• Writing: Dive deep into a signal-related topic by authoring a professional technical paper.
• Presentation: Brief a recap of tour experience and discuss the technical paper in front of a board of subject matter experts.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be given the opportunity to specialize in an area of their choosing and will gain valuable experience by spending up to three additional years honing their craft as a Signals Analyst.

NOTE: A copy of your unofficial transcript is required to be submitted with your application and may expedite processing.

Are you a STEM graduate who has a passion for solving complex puzzles? Launch your career with the Signals Analysis Development Program (SADP). Signals Analysis is a cutting-edge technical discipline that seeks to identify the purpose, content and user(s) of signals. With the rapid evolution of signals technology, the NSA must maintain and develop a highly talented workforce of Signals Analysts who are a vital part in maintaining our technical capabilities to produce signals intelligence. Signals Analysts analyze signals from various sources, including foreign communications, radar, and other electronic systems seeking to recover, understand and derive intelligence.

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 may be considered for those who have completed a relevant military training program.
• Relevant military education in a relevant military degree, relevant military training, or military development program (for example, Intermediate Tech ELINT Analyst, 451/461 (Intermediate Signals Analysis), 452 (Advanced Signals Analysis), Military Signals Analysis Program (MSAP), Military ELINT Signals Analysis Program (MESAP), or Military Operational Signals Analysis Program (MOSAP).
• Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: signals analysis (COMINT, ELINT, FISINT or PROFORMA); protocol analysis; network troubleshooting; network traffic characterization; network security analysis; or design and engineering of aerospace, communications, electronic or industrial systems.
• If not credited toward education requirement, completion of relevant military training will be considered towards the experience requirement.
• ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL: Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience plus relevant military education; or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, plus relevant military education; or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.
• FULL PERFORMANCE: Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience plus relevant military education; or an Associate's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, plus relevant military education; or 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.

Skills

The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical aptitude and a commitment to continuous learning. We are seeking a professional who is:

• Analytically Driven
• An Effective Communicator (writing and briefing/presentation/public speaking)
• Collaborative
• Adaptable in Fast-Paced Environments
• Proactive & Accountable

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: $87,362 - $153,082 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance). 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.

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).

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.