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Physicist - Mid/Experienced Level

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. Our scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge solutions advance science and underpin every aspect of our signals intelligence and cybersecurity missions.

NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) is seeking experienced physicists and quantum information scientists to help shape the future of quantum computing investments in the United States.

LPS is a premier research organization, managed and operated by the U.S. Government, focused on developing new and innovative technologies to improve national security. Across its three - locations the University of Maryland-College Park, the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, and Ft. George G. Meade, Maryland - LPS conducts and supports world-class research from foundational quantum device physics to novel architectures for high-performance computing.

With a strong cadre of physicists and state-of-the-art research facilities, LPS has been at the forefront of basic and applied research in quantum information system, with an emphasis on computing for nearly a quarter century. Our mission also benefits from a strong collaborative relationship with the faculty, students, and staff of the University of Maryland. Leveraging this pool of talent and experience, LPS sponsors premier research groups, across the U.S. and around the world, to advance the state-of-the-art in qubit and supporting technologies. To learn more about LPS and our research activities, visit: https://www.lps.umd.edu

As a Physicist, and member of the LPS Quantum Computing Program Management team, you will push the frontiers of science by leveraging your expertise, ideas, and vision to:

- Manage and evaluate technical problems

- Identify or assist with research challenges to enhance national security

- Bring together and collaborate with world-leading scientists in quantum computing across governments, industry, and academia to understand the latest state-of-the-art research; help identify future research gaps and needs; and contribute to a comprehensive "whole-of-nation" approach to quantum information science

- Develop ideas into actionable research strategies and programs

- Implement strategies by directing U.S. Government investments, if applicable

- Advise, administer and perform scientific projects

- Partner with LPS research staff to publish results

- Attend conferences, workshops, and government meetings to identify future areas of investment

- Advance U.S. leadership in quantum information science for the benefit of the American people

Job Summary

As an Engineering and Physical Science professional, you will use your skills to create the systems and tools that will be used to enhance the operation of intelligence. You will advise, administer and perform scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. The NSA offers multiple areas of focus for facilities engineers, including computer, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and structural. In addition, we are seeking skills that include computer design, microelectronics, radio frequency design, and systems engineering. Apply your science and engineering skills to protect the nation.

Qualifications

Salary Range: $84,529 - $113,362 (Full Performance)

*The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. 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.

With a degree in professional Engineering, 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, computer science, mathematics, 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.

For all of the above 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.

(U) Relevant experience must be performing professional engineering or physical sciences work and/or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (e.g., mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences). Experience on polymath projects (requiring multiple skills), technical publications, patent applications, and teaching are preferred.

Salary Range: $103,690 - $159,286 (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.

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, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology).

For all of the above degrees, if program is not ABET EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework.*

Relevant experience must be performing professional engineering or physical sciences work and/or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (e.g., mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences). Experience on polymath projects (requiring multiple skills), technical publications, patent applications, and teaching are preferred.

Salary Range: $144,128 - $172,500 (Expert)

Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 6 years of relevant experience.

For all of the above degrees, if program is not ABET EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework.*

Competencies

- 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

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 to 1800 hrs (flexible).

How to apply

To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov.

***PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Additionally, the Federal Government requires all personnel to be fully vaccinated at the time of employment, subject to exceptions as required by law.

Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. 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.

This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.

Please note that you may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the screening process of your application and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to elaborate on experiences in your resume. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be contacted to begin employment processing.

Please Note: Job Posting could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants or position no longer available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

DCIPS Disclaimer

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority.