EO/IR Modeling Scientist

Summary

R&D Scientists conduct research and apply expertise in one or more academic disciplines to advance GEOINT. They manage R&D programs and advance science partnerships, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration to further scientific inquiry and integrate technology. R&D Scientists provide technical guidance and oversight, communicate results, and advise management on new and evolving technology. T

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This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

External Applicants Only

Duties

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (U) The GEOINT Persistence and Space Division enhances GEOINT by developing and transitioning capabilities that extract intelligence from EO/IR sources. The division applies non-literal exploitation techniques, automation, and community collaboration to maximize the analytic value of rapidly expanding electro-optical collection capabilities. This position is responsible for conducting scientific research into novel capabilities while also providing programmatic oversight of significant R&D efforts.


(U) Duties include supporting and managing complex research programs focused on rapid phenomenology characterization, automated multi-fidelity analysis, and software integration. The selected candidate will evaluate and validate research outcomes derived from the automated coupling of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) tools. The role also emphasizes collaborative research with partner agencies to advance emerging technologies and includes responsibility for transitioning relevant capabilities from development into operational use.


(U) The selected applicant will conduct innovative scientific research to advance GEOINT for critical aerospace, missile, and space applications, with a particular emphasis on automating analytic capabilities for national defense. Responsibilities include leading high-visibility R&D programs across multiple technical disciplines, including the implementation of M&S generation tools on DoD High Performance Computing (DoD-HPC) systems, capability development, and integration of advanced analytic utilities. The position requires extensive planning and coordination with site elements and the broader DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) to ensure the successful development, deployment, and operational adoption of tools that enhance the analytic value of EO/IR capabilities in support of the GEOINT Persistence and Space Division's R&D mission.


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

• US Citizenship is required.
• Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
• 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

- Security Clearance - Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)

• Polygraph & Drug Test

• Direct Deposit

• Trial Period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: performance conduct; needs and interests of the agency; and whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government and the efficiency of the Federal service

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to SCI. 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, 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, 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.


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 coordinating and maintaining working relationships across multiple stakeholders such as: program offices, systems engineers, subject matter experts, researchers, technical experts, 2. and/or acquisitions personnel.
3. Experience as an independent scientist in R&D programs, leveraging one or more of the following domains: geodetics, imagery, image and video processing, spectral, radar, photogrammetry, data science, and/or remote sensing.
3. Experience leading advanced R&D programs involving engineers, technical experts, and/or multi-disciplinary teams.


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. -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 with Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) processes, capabilities, technologies, and/or operations.
2. Experience in evaluating proposals for relevance, merit and cost of solicitation, monitoring program financial performance, and managing cost/schedule risks.
3. Experience drafting requirements, cost estimates, statements of work, and developing deliverables for R&D programs.

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants are not required to submit a cover letter for employment consideration with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. However, a cover letter is recommended. Applicants will have the option to attach a cover letter in the Qualifications - Attachments step of the online application.

APPLICANT EVALUATION PROCESS:


1) All applicants will be evaluated using the Mandatory Qualification Criteria,


2) Qualified applicants will then be evaluated by an expert or panel of experts using a combination of qualification criteria to determine the best-qualified candidates,


3) Best-qualified applicants may then be further evaluated through an interview process.


Military retiree applicants, if selected, may be impacted by the 180-day appointment restrictions of DODI 1402.01. HD personnel will provide additional information if applicable.


Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Assignment Description, Additional Information Provided By the Selecting Official, and the Qualification Requirements; and then construct their resumes to highlight their most relevant and significant experience and education for this job opportunity. This description should include examples that detail the level and complexity of the performed work. Applicants are encouraged to provide any education or degree information referenced in the announcement that is relevant. If education is listed as a mandatory requirement, only degrees obtained from an institution accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Secretary, US Department of Education will be accepted. You must use the NGA resume builder and limit your resume to 2 pages.


In accordance with section 9902(h) of title 5, United States Code, annuitants reemployed in the Department of Defense shall receive full annuity and salary upon appointment. They shall not be eligible for retirement contributions, participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, or a supplemental or re-determined annuity for the reemployment period. Discontinued service retirement annuitants (i.e., retired under section 8336(d)(1) or 8414(b)(1)(A) of title 5, United States Code) appointed to the Department of Defense may elect to be subject to retirement provisions of the new appointment as appropriate. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300). Reemployed annuitants must meet additional selection criteria as outlined in the DODI 1400.25, v300.


All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation.


NGA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applications will only be accepted online. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us at [email protected]. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Required Documents

None

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Application submission involves applying using NGA's online application process at NGA Careers Portal. Additional information concerning NGA's hiring process can be found by visiting NGA Hiring Process.


All announcements close at 11:59PM EDT on the closing date listed. Be sure to complete and submit your application by that time in order to be considered.


ONLY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.


Both applicants for employment and current employees of NGA are entitled to request religious accommodations from generally applicable employment-related rules and requirements, so long as the accommodation requested would not result in an undue hardship to the conduct of NGA's business.


You can apply for the job opening at

Agency contact information

Recruitment

Phone

571-557-1999

Email

[email protected]

Address

NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL-INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Mailstop: S44-HDR
7500 GEOINT Drive
Springfield, VA 22150
US

Next steps

After visiting the NGA Careers Portal and applying via NGA's online application process, applicants can follow their status via that same NGA online application functionality. Several other topics relating to what is involved in the hiring process and how long it takes can be found by visiting the NGA Hiring Process.

Overview

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

05/18/2026 to 05/30/2026

Salary

$109,308 - $169,604 per year

Pay scale & grade

IA 04

Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations:

Dayton, OH

1 vacancy

Springfield, VA

1 vacancy

Telework eligible

No

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Occasional Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Permanent - This is a permanent position.

Work schedule

Full-time - Full Time

Service

Excepted

Promotion potential

04

Job family (Series)

• 1301 General Physical Science

Supervisory status

No

Security clearance

Sensitive Compartmented Information

Drug test

Yes

Announcement number

20260189

Control number

869827400