Space Reconnaissance Engineer/Technical Analyst - Entry Level

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 81,901 - 129,717; Full time

Job summary

A federal agency specializing in intelligence is seeking entry-level General Engineers and Technical Analysts. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in STEM fields and the ability to obtain security clearance. Responsibilities include guiding complex assignments, advising on program operations, and developing projects. The role offers a competitive salary ranging from $81,901 to $129,717 based on experience. Overtime and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field.
• Applicants need to demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience must be validated through a concise resume.

Responsibilities

• Handle increasingly complex technical assignments under guidance.
• Advise management on program operations and technical analyses.
• Develop, implement, and assess critical projects.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical thinking

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Job description

Company Overview

For over sixty years, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has developed, acquired, launched, and operated the satellites that form the foundation of America’s space‑based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

Basic Eligibility

• 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.

Where You Will Work

Do you enjoy designing, creating, and exploring possibilities? Are you a STEM major looking for an exciting challenge? The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for entry‑level (GG 7‑9) General Engineers and Technical Analysts in occupational series 801/1501/1301. Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas or have equivalent experience:

• Aerospace or Astronautical Engineering
• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Physics
• Data or Computer Science (including AI/ML)
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial or Systems Engineering (including operations research)
• Mechanical Engineering
• Software Engineering (including AGILE development)

Responsibilities

Developmental Employees (GG 7‑9)

• Receive instructional guidance and a formal development plan to progressively handle increasingly technically complex assignments.
• Receive on‑the‑job training on technical and professional issues affecting the NRO.
• Participate in formal training on originating new applications and improving existing strategies for technical concepts that influence major scientific and engineering projects.
• Receive guidance on decision‑making under incomplete or conflicting information.
• Gain training in developing, delivering, and sustaining overhead reconnaissance systems, including hardware, ground, communication, and mission software components.
• Explore diverse mission areas such as program management, procurement, development, and support of technical initiatives.
• Pursue full performance target level of GG‑12 duties.

Full Performance Level (GG 12)

• Prepare, provide, and evaluate conventional plans, designs, and specifications for complex assignments.
• Advise senior colleagues and management officials on program operations.
• Research trends, develop new methods, propose policies, and conduct technical analysis to deliver products or services.
• Evaluate new or improved technology and its applicability to system and operational requirements.
• Assess program effectiveness with NRO‑user community stakeholders.
• Develop, advise, and implement critical projects or program segments.
• Initiate comprehensive analytical studies, define problems, formulate scope, and coordinate research contributions.
• Produce insights, alternative actions, and solutions that advance practical and theoretical development for special operations.
• Conduct systematic exploration of problems and analyze alternatives, presenting trend data and reviewing outcomes.
• Plan, execute, and report on original studies, adapting standard procedures as needed.
• Plan, coordinate, implement, test, and conduct projects while advising scientists and engineers.
• Perform scientific and technical evaluations, correlate data, and present recommendations.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree (STEM preferred). A bachelor’s degree combined with technical coursework, licenses, training, and applicable work experience may also be considered.
• Technical Analyst or Interdisciplinary Technical positions require a combination of education and experience. Applicants must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for immediate success.
• Applicants must provide resume evidence of qualifying experience. Resumes exceeding a two‑page limit will not be considered.

Other Information

• Overtime: May be required.
• Travel: May be required.
• Financial Disclosure: May be required.
• Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) coded positions may require certification within 36‑60 months.
• Geographic Mobility Agreement: May be required.
• Information Assurance: Must achieve IA certification within six months.
• Emergency Essential: Certain positions may be deemed emergency essential.

Location

Various NRO Locations.

Salary

This position meets the qualifications for Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Targeted Local Market Supplement (TLMS) STEM pay. Salary ranges (2026 STEM Salary Ranges) are:

• GG‑7: $81,901 – $111,935.
• GG‑9: $94,909 – $129,717.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in any employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other non‑merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants applies.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Requests should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For the remaining hiring process, contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations are made on a case‑by‑case basis. Requests are considered at any stage. Please send requests to [email protected].

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.