Systems Engineer Development Program - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

About the Role

As a Systems Engineer at NSA, you will leverage your technical expertise to solve challenging systems engineering problems using innovative solutions. You will perform trade studies, translate conceptual designs into technical specifications, evaluate prototype hardware and software, and integrate solutions into global architectures. Backgrounds in Cybersecurity, SIGINT, electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, computer science, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) are valuable, as the role spans commercial/government off-the-shelf solutions to the development of new technologies.

For junior Systems Engineers, NSA offers opportunities to support technical missions or participate in Development Programs. You will gain hands-on experience in architecture, infrastructure, and lifecycle engineering for networks, servers, hardware, and software. Under mentorship, you will assist with system design, implementation, testing, and documentation while developing adaptable skills in emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Perform trade studies to generate and translate conceptual designs into technical specifications.
• Evaluate prototype hardware systems and software solutions, integrating them into global collection and processing architectures.
• Apply expertise in areas such as Cybersecurity, SIGINT, electrical/computer engineering, physics, computer science, ML, or AI to solve complex systems engineering challenges.
• Advise on, administer, and perform scientific projects, including planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment while adhering to engineering and scientific standards.
• Support lifecycle engineering (conception, design, testing, production, deployment, maintenance, decommissioning) for systems and tools that enhance intelligence operations.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and standards.
• Collaborate with senior engineers on smaller projects, contributing to system design, implementation, and testing.
• Explore focus areas such as computer, architectural, electrical, mechanical, or structural engineering, as well as computer design, microelectronics, radio frequency design, and systems engineering.

Qualifications

The minimum qualifications to be considered for the position are:

• Degree in Engineering or a relevant technical field (e.g., computer science, mathematics, physics).
• For non-ABET-accredited programs, coursework must include differential/integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas:
  • Statics or dynamics
  • Strength of materials/stress-strain relationships
  • Fluid mechanics, hydraulics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Electromagnetic fields
  • Nature/properties of materials
  • Solid state electronics
  • Microprocessor applications
  • Computer systems
  • Signal processing
  • Digital design
  • Systems and control theory
  • Circuits or generalized circuits
  • Communication systems
  • Power systems
  • Computer networks
  • Software development
  • Comparable areas (e.g., optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics)
• Relevant experience must involve engineering systems over their lifecycle (conception, design, testing, production, deployment, maintenance, decommissioning).

Entry/Developmental Level

• With an Engineering degree: Bachelor’s degree and no experience.
• With a relevant technical degree (e.g., computer science, mathematics, physics): Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.

Full Performance Level

• With an Engineering degree:
  • Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or
  • Master’s degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or
  • Doctoral degree and no experience.
• With a relevant technical degree:
  • Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or
  • Master’s or Doctoral degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.

Pay

Salary offers are based on education level, years of relevant experience, and hiring manager input. Salary ranges vary by location, work level, and experience.

• Salary Range: $87,362 – $136,848 (Entry/Developmental to Full Performance).

Benefits

NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Schedule

• Full-time position, Monday – Friday.
• Basic 8-hour workday requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).