Security Specialist (Polygraph Examiner) - Full Performance

National Reconnaissance Office; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 99,800 - 129,742; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking Polygraph Examiners to conduct polygraph examinations and ensure compliance with security protocols. The role demands effective communication and analytical skills, with a requirement for a bachelor's degree and U.S. citizenship. The positions are based in various locations including Denver, and involve working closely with sensitive security matters. Full-time employment with competitive salary packages is offered for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must complete Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) training.
• Two years of investigative experience is recommended.

Responsibilities

• Conduct polygraph examinations on diverse populations.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in polygraph testing.
• Prepare reports and brief leadership on significant cases.

Skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Interviewing skills

Knowledge of security protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

WE ARE THE NRO

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.

Basic Eligibility For A Position With The NRO

• You must be a U.S. Citizen
• 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

Where You Will Work

The NRO Office of Security and Counterintelligence (OS&CI) passionately strives to ensure NRO mission support is maintained through continuous development, management of policy‑driven guidance, and safety of our assets. A key component of OS&CI efforts is maintaining a trusted workforce. In working towards this, the NRO is seeking Polygraph Examiners for NRO’s Polygraph Management Branch (PMB) which serves as an information asset to the Personnel Security Division (PSD) supporting its overarching goal for adjudication of Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access to NRO’s highly sensitive operating environment.

These positions serve as Security Specialists (Polygraph Examiner) performing operational counterintelligence (CI), counterespionage (CE), and personnel security polygraph examinations. These are technical Polygraph Examiner positions. The work involves a wide range of complex assignments and non‑routine situations requiring extensive knowledge and experience in the technical field.

All polygraph examinations require case file analysis, interviewing, elicitation of information, and report writing.

The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities at multiple locations for Full Performance level (GG‑12 to GG‑13), Security Specialist (Polygraph Examiner), occupational series 0080. For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here.

Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.

These are full‑time positions that will be opened until filled.

Who May Apply

• These positions are open to the public.
• Federal government employees MUST currently be at the grade level or higher as indicated in this announcement. This is NOT a promotion opportunity for current Federal government employees. If selected for the position, Federal government employees will transition laterally at their current grade level and step.
• Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.
• The NRO is only accepting external applicants for this job announcement. Current NRO Cadre employees should apply internally.
• These positions may not qualify for the appointment of a reemployed federal annuitant per IAW DoDI 1400.25 Volume 300.

What You Will Be Doing

• Obtains and maintains federal polygraph examiner certification.
• Conducts polygraph examinations on a diverse population requiring access to TS/SCI information, which may involve interviewing high‑profile examinees and eliciting information on highly sensitive security issues.
• Ensures polygraph examinations strictly comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and meet the security and ethical requirements for the NRO.
• Briefs leadership on significant and/or noteworthy cases.
• Coordinates with other polygraph examiners and supervisors for status updates and guidance, as needed.
• Reviews available security and supporting documents to assess best course of action for polygraph testing.
• Participates in special projects and initiatives, and performs special assignments.
• Protects classified materials through use of sound security practices for ensuring the safeguarding of classified information.
• Applies DoD Directive 5210.48; DODI 5210.91, ODNI policy and NRO Directives relating to polygraph and personnel security.

What You Need

• Candidates who are not federally trained and certified must successfully complete the Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) training class at the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA). Admission to the NCCA PDD training program requires:
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • At least 25 years of age (may be waived)
  • A bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education (transcripts must be provided)
  • A person who has at least two years of investigative experience (may be waived)
  • Successful completion of a Counterintelligence Security Polygraph (CSP) examination
  • Once certified by the NRO, the candidate must meet the minimum standards for DoD Certification continuation as a Polygraph Examiner
• Knowledge of computer software, specifically the Microsoft Office suite.
• Skills in applying data‑gathering, analytical and evaluative techniques to identify, consider, and resolve issues concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of program policy and operations; demonstrates the ability to analyze, plan, and adjust individual work to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
• Skill in providing briefings, preparing reports, and training lessons on wide‑range of issues and topics relating to program activities.
• Proven skills to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing.

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, will not be eligible for consideration. For more information regarding resume writing, see “Guidance for Applicants on 2‑Page Resume” and visit the Resume Help Center.

Desired Qualifications

• Highly Desired: Current federally certified Polygraph Examiner.
• Polygraph examiner in the private sector.
• Experience interviewing and eliciting information from a variety of sources.

Other Information

• Overtime Statement: May be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Travel Statement: May be required to travel in military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
• Financial Disclosure: May be required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
• Geographic Mobility Agreement: May be subject to directed reassignment as required to address mission effectiveness, and/or career development.
• Emergency Essential: Certain positions are deemed emergency essential and incumbents must be willing to meet all position requirements.

Locations

Chantilly, VA
Denver, CO
Los Angeles, CA

Telework is not available and you must be able to work at the specified location.

Salary

2026 salary range for the Chantilly, VA area:
GG‑12: $102,415 - $133,142
GG‑13: $121,785 - $158,322

2026 salary range for Denver, CO:
GG‑12: $99,800 - $129,742
GG‑13: $118,675 - $154,280

2026 salary range for Los Angeles, CA:
GG‑12: $104,349 – $135,657
GG‑13: $124,085 - $161,313

Upon successful completion of PDD training at NCCA:

2026 salary range for the Chantilly, VA area:
GG‑12: $107,048 - $139,166
GG‑13: $127,295 - $165,486

2026 salary range for Denver, CO:
GG‑12: $104,754 - $136,183
GG‑13: $124,567 - $161,939

2026 salary range for Los Angeles, CA:
GG‑12: $109,342 - $142,148
GG‑13: $130,023 - $169,032

Hiring Incentives

The NRO may offer hiring incentives and other entitlements at management’s discretion.

Trial Period

All new DCIPS employees will be required to serve a two‑year trial period.

Veterans’ Preference

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, Vol 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 USC, you must submit documents verifying your eligibility upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factor.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:

• An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office‑sponsored events.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Please send your request to [e-mail].

Privacy Act Notice

Privacy Act Notice (PL 93‑579): We use this information to determine qualifications for employment. This is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

Read more about the Privacy Act of 1974.