Summary R&D Scientists apply the scientific method in one or more disciplines (e.g., Photogrammetry, Geodesy, Computer Science, Mathematics, Image Science, Human Terrain Analysis) to advance Geospatial Science and enhance Agency tradecraft. They conduct and develop novel scientific research projects and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration to further scientific inquiry and application. They provid Responsibilities ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: * ACTUAL DUTY LOCATION IS SAN ANTONIO, TX* This Pay Band 5 position is for subject matter expert in Space Intelligence at Joint Base Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, to provide technical expertise to USARNORTH to benefit its Homeland Defense Futures Project and US Army Futures Command. The role will leverage the candidate's experience in imaging Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and communication systems to include system design for airborne and space-based radar sensors, resiliency, and knowledge of threats and countering threats in the Radio Frequency (RF) domain and SAR standards. The candidate will act as a technology liaison between NGA Research & Development (NGA/R) and USARNORTH to help NGA/R provide new technologies that enhance the warfighter. As a Pay Band 5 R&D Scientist within NGA/R&D, the candidate will be responsible for leading the Radar Division's Radar GEOINT Assurance portfolio, which includes assisting division leadership to develop RF technology roadmaps to inform future investments; developing, pitching, executing, and transitioning new R&D projects in the area of Radar GEOINT Assurance; managing R&D projects including but not limited to the development of acquisition strategy and program execution; providing technical input to NGA's mission partners; organizing and leading international or DOD/IC committees, panels, events, etc. that focus on technical areas including radar processing, data exploitation, collection methodologies, data standards, etc. Additional Application Requirement: You may be asked to complete one or more assessments in addition to the application you submit on this website as part of your application to NGA. These assessments may include but are not limited to: 1) Online questionnaires or assessments that require you to describe your job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, or other characteristics that are aligned with the mandatory and desirable qualifications of this job posting. The information you provide in the application you submit must support the response you provide to this questionnaire. You will receive an email to describe any additional assessments required. Please monitor your emails and complete any required assessments as soon as possible. This position may be eligible for a RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE: selected candidates may be offered an incentive as part of the offer of employment. To receive the incentive, selected candidates must be eligible under 5 CFR Part 575, Subpart A, upon issuance of the Final Offer Letter. Changes in federal employment status prior to issuance of the Final Offer Letter may affect eligibility. To receive the incentive, selected candidates will be required to sign a service agreement to stay within the position at NGA for the agreed upon time. If the service agreement is terminated before its completion, the employee may be required to repay a pro rata share amount of the incentive to the government. Additional information regarding recruitment incentives for current federal employees can be found in DoDI 1400.25, Volume 2006. Requirements Conditions of Employment Security Investigation SPECIAL INFO: As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards. - U.S. Citizenship Required - Security Clearance (Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information) - Polygraph Test Required - Position Subject to Drug Testing - Two Year Probationary Period - Direct Deposit Required SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information. In addition, you are subject to a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination in order to maintain access to Top Secret information. All employees are subject to a periodic examination on a random basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Refusal to take the examination may result in denial of access to Top Secret information, SAP, and/or unescorted access to SCIFs. Employees with SCI access and who are under NGA cognizance are required to submit a Security Financial Disclosure Report, SF-714, on an annual basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Failure to comply may negatively impact continued access to Top Secret information, Information Systems, SAP, and/or unescorted access to SCIFs. NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process. Employees on term or temporary appointments are not eligible to apply for internal assignment opportunity notices. This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference 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 an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility. Qualifications MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement: 1. Experience developing algorithms for two or more of the following data sources: National Technical Means Radar, Airborne Radar, and/or Space-Based Commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) 2. Experience defining and/or coding products following SAR phase history data standards such as: Compensated Phase History Data (CPHD); Sensor Independent Complex Data (SICD), and/or Sensor Independent Derived Data (SIDD) 3. Experience in the development and/or technical evaluation of methods intended to exploit radar waveforms having a low probability of detection in operational environments. 4. Experience building collaborative relationships across external organizations 5. Experience leading technical R&D teams 6. Experience creating and executing R&D technologies from concept to technology transition EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline that includes 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in Mathematics, Science and/or a related Engineering Science such as Dynamics, Electronics, Mechanics, and Properties of Materials. Such coursework includes, but is not limited to, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Programming, Data Mining, Cybersecurity, Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, or Statistics. Although not mandatory, coursework in differential and integral calculus is preferred. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of coursework as listed in option A, plus experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals to 4 years. * No Licensure/Certification Requirements DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired: 1. Experience in research and development organization within or in partnership with the Federal Government, Dept. of Defense, or Intelligence Community. 2. Experience in RF signal schemes in support of coherent tagging, tracking, location. 3. Experience in defining and/or coding Compensated Received Signal Data (CRSD). Education Additional Information