Technical Analyst with STEM PhD Degree (ETIC) - Full Performance

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)•Chantilly, VA

3d•$105,262 - $172,578•Onsite

About The Position

For sixty years, the NRO has developed, acquired, launched and operated the satellites that are the foundation for America’s advantage and strength in space. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, NRO collects and delivers the best space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content on the planet. Learn more at NRO.gov. The NRO seeks recently graduated or early career STEM Doctorate degree professionals to serve as Technical Analysts. NRO will select multiple motivated, team-focused, highly qualified individuals to engage in the NRO mission by applying creative solutions to complex technical and operational problems. Selectees will join the Advanced Systems & Technology Directorate (AS&T) as a member of the Enterprise Technical Innovation Corps (ETIC). During their assignment in AS&T, ETIC activities focus on developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become a technical leader within the Government with direction aimed at learning the NRO, understanding emerging technology, and applying this knowledge to help advance NRO programs. The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for officers up to Full Performance Level (GG-11-13), Technical Analysts, occupational series 0801, 1301, or 1501. We strongly encourage candidates with degrees in science and engineering to apply for this position, in addition to those with backgrounds in applied mathematical concepts and data analytics. Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match. This is a full-time position that is open until filled.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship is required
You must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing
You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations
This position requires Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Doctorate degree which falls in the 0801, 1301, or 1501 OPM occupational series. Degree areas are outlined below:
For the 0801 Series: Degree: Professional Engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
For the 1301 Series: Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
For the 1501 Series: Degree: Mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.
Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform and is typically in or directly related to the duties of the position as described above. Experience must be reflected in your resume.
Applicants submitting a resume that exceeds the two-page limit per OPM Memorandum, “Merit Hiring Plan,” dated May 29, 2025, https://www.opm.gov/chcoc/latest-memos/merit-hiring-plan.pdf will not be eligible for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Computer and Data Science with emphasis on Autonomy, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, and Data Networks
Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on Controls, Communications, Signals Processing, Computer Engineering, Edge/Embedded Compute
Systems Engineering or physics with emphasis on Remote Sensing
Applied or Theoretical Mathematics

Responsibilities

Collaborating with a team of subject matter experts with diverse technical backgrounds and unique perspectives to discover, develop, and deliver innovative concepts to address NRO technical challenges.
Identifying, assessing, researching and demonstrating revolutionary technologies and concepts to maintain and grow the US Space Advantage.
Facilitate technology transfer and transitions to/from the tech enterprise into acquisition programs.
Prepare, provide, and evaluate conventional plans, designs, design specifications, and related documentation determining and/or executing actions for a wide range of assignments involving a combination of complex features.
Provide advice to senior colleagues and/or management officials responsible for broad program operations.
Research trends and patterns; develop new methods and criteria; propose new policies and practices; conduct technical analysis and field laboratory work to achieve products or services.
Evaluate the value and applicability of new or improved technology, strategies, trends, or applications.
Assess project and program effectiveness interacting with NRO-user community with respect to system and/or operational requirements.
Provide expertise and advice on program planning and policy-making functions covering a broad range of engineering and scientific program and plans. Develop and advise on and implement critical projects and/or segments of NRO programs, projects, or activities.
Initiate and conduct thorough and comprehensive analytical studies or other complex studies involving varied subject matters. Studies vary in complexity based on scenario and the number of analytical models employed. Define the problem, formulate scope, establish objectives, formulate methodologies, coordinate research contributions of others and identify significant findings. Produce insightful findings, alternative courses of action, solutions to critical problems, etc., which have significant impact in changing or improving practical and/or theoretical concept development to future special operations.
Conduct systemic exploration of problems and analysis of alternatives. Present trend analysis data ascertaining potential problem areas. Define the problems involved, formulate concepts in addressing these problems, and review and evaluate the final outcomes of the study. Identify and clarify major factors and issues of the study. Establish the objectives and approach; formulate methodologies; and plans, advise on and coordinate study activities.
Plan, execute and report on original studies or ongoing studies requiring a fresh approach to resolve new problems, modifying and adapting standard procedures, methods and techniques to address problems.
Plan, coordinate, implement, test, and conduct projects, serving as an advisor to other scientists or engineers.
Perform scientific and technical evaluation, correlation, synthesis and presentation or important data in a complex field making significant technical and scientific recommendations and decisions.