Systems Engineer - Entry to Experienced Level (Maryland)

With ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, a highly skilled, professional workforce of Systems Engineers (SE) is essential to build, integrate, and optimize complex systems and services. These World-class, experienced, technical professionals solve challenging systems engineering problems utilizing incredibly innovative solutions. Systems Engineers perform trade studies to generate and translate conceptual designs into technical specifications, participate in the evaluation of prototype hardware systems and software solutions, and integrate these solutions into the worldwide collection and processing architecture.

Backgrounds such as Cybersecurity, SIGINT, electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, computer science, machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), integrated network architecture, information technology infrastructure, and hybrid-communications all have a place in the spectrum of implementations, ranging from commercial/government off-the-shelf solutions to the development of new and unique technologies. The Systems Engineer combines this background with inherent knowledge, skills, practical experience, and other core SE competencies to meet the emerging requirements to develop the next generation of high performing Enterprise Systems Engineers.

JUNIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERS NSA hires recent college graduates and junior systems engineers to support a technical mission office or participate in a Development Program. These systems engineers are involved in various projects designed to nurture and grow their skills. They gain hands-on, practical knowledge of architecture and infrastructure by designing engineering systems over the lifecycle in areas such as networks, servers, hardware, and software. Supported by robust training, junior systems engineers have opportunities to form relationships with mentors and explore possibilities. 

Under the guidance of senior or mid-career engineers, they work on smaller projects and assist with system design, implementation, and testing. They develop and maintain technical documentation and standards, and are eager to learn and adapt to new technologies and tools. Junior systems engineers are energetic, motivated, driven to continual learning, and ready to grow their careers. 

MID-CAREER SYSTEMS ENGINEERS Mid-career systems engineers have experience leading systems engineering efforts and are ready to apply or expand that knowledge within the Intelligence Community. These engineers have experience in specific lifecycle phases, as well as an understanding of the full lifecycle. They develop their expertise, grow their breadth of knowledge, and mentor the next generation of systems engineers. Mid-career systems engineers come from a wide variety of experiences such as Cybersecurity, SIGINT, communications, and systems of systems or networking infrastructure. 

These professionals are adept at communicating with technical teams and making recommendations to senior leadership that drive mission initiatives. They collaborate with senior engineers on system integration and testing, and develop and maintain technical documentation.

 SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERS Seasoned professionals drive the Agency's largest and most challenging technical projects to ensure success. These engineers participate in technical decision-making or function in an advisory role. Working in collaborative teams, they lead technical teams and define and manage technical requirements throughout the product lifecycle. They identify and manage technical program risk; evaluate architectural design for efficiency improvements; and capture, analyze, and recommend updates to the enterprise and mission architectures to ensure resiliency. Senior Systems Engineers design and implement large-scale systems and architectures, and oversee system integration and testing. They develop and maintain technical roadmaps and strategies, while understanding the technical implications of different design choices and architectural decisions. 

Staying up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, Senior Systems Engineers provide technical guidance and oversight to ensure that systems are designed and built to meet business and operational requirements. They identify potential technical risks and opportunities, and mentor other systems engineers in their tradecraft, laying the foundation for future successes.