Job Details
Responsibilities NSA's Linguists, known as Multidisciplined Language Analysts (MDLAs), are expected to take an inclusive approach to problem solving and mission accomplishment by frequently engaging with partners, enablers, and customers across the Intelligence Community. MDLAs with extensive experience in Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), are placed directly into positions supporting an analytic mission office. MDLAs are at the forefront of carrying out NSA's SIGINT mission, and they do so in a variety of ways: Offer U.S. policymakers and military leaders a window into the foreign language world of intelligence targets by analyzing, transcribing, and translating key information Research and understand foreign intelligence targets, how they operate, and how they fit in the larger geo-political context Apply new techniques and develop creative solutions to address analytic problems such as synthesizing large volumes of data and disparate sources of information Demonstrate a firm understanding of the communications environment and technology trends of foreign intelligence targets Craft written and oral assessments of foreign intelligence that provide unique insights into target intentions unavailable from other intelligence disciplines Work independently and collaborate effectively (both within NSA and with other analysts in the Intelligence Community) in research, analysis, and reporting Job Summary Are you passionate about using your foreign language skills, working at the forefront of NSA's exciting SIGINT mission? Opportunities include either the Direct Hire, Language Analysis Development Program (LADP), or Cross-training (Language Enhancement and Acquisition). Click below to learn more. Qualifications The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Relevant experience can be either: performing professional work in the language, such as military, teaching, and analysis, OR non-language work in a field such as intelligence analysis, international relations, security studies, intelligence studies, journalism, law, STEM fields (e.g., computer science, chemistry, space or weapons systems, or cyber), and other topics relevant to NSA mission. Applicant must have a minimum language proficiency of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 2/2 in reading and listening in the target language for which the applicant is being considered. ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. A high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience may be considered. A degree in any field is acceptable. FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree and no experience. A high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered. A degree in any field is acceptable. SENIOR Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. A high school diploma or GED plus 10 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered. A degree in any field is acceptable. EXPERT Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience. A high school diploma or GED plus 13 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience may be considered. A degree in any field is acceptable. Competencies The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, has a desire for continual learning, and is: Proficient (reading and listening) in Chinese Mandarin Well organized and able to handle multiple assignments A strong written and oral communicator Able to synthesize information to solve complex problems Able to provide timely and accurate customer service Coursework, knowledge, and experience in one or more of the following is desired: Target development Social network analysis Metadata analysis Research methodology Topical or Regional studies relevant to national security Quantitative/Statistical analysis Data modeling, mining, or science Cyber security Computer science or networking Telecommunications Relevant Internships, extracurricular activities, and/or foreign study are also considered. Prior military without a degree but with language analysis cryptologic experience will be considered. In most cases, Experienced Level Language Analysts at NSA will have substantial experience in one or more of the following areas: Performing language quality control; Serving as an established Subject Matter Expert (SME); Authoring and releasing reports; Mentoring, coaching, and leading other Language Analysts; Ensuring the technical health of the mission; Mastering and coaching others on the use of a variety of internal tools; Testing at Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) 3/3 levels for one or more mission languages; and Displaying a broad knowledge of the Intelligence Community and how various elements work together to prosecute mission. NOTE: If you are selected to process further, you will be required to complete an online interview and take the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) which measures language proficiency and/or the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) which measures potential for learning a foreign language. Invitations and instructions for the online interview and scheduling for the language test will be emailed to you - you must complete these steps before your application can be considered for further processing. Please check your Spam folder just in case these emails landed there instead of your Inbox. You will be required to test within one month of receiving the language test email as this information will be used as part of the selection decision. Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary ranges vary by location and work level. This position is hiring for MD, HI, GA, TX, UT, and CO. Salary Range: $46,696 - $183,500 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior, Expert levels) Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, with basic 8 hr/day work requirements. How to apply U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Due to time sensitive communications regarding your application, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreplyintelligencecareers.gov; and for applications to job vacancies with stated testing requirements, please include uwe.nsa.gov, nsa.gov, and pearson.com. Please review the job posting thoroughly to ensure you meet the described qualifications and are aware of all associated requirements. To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as job postings could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants, or the position is no longer available. You may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the application screening process and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to showcase within your resume those experiences relevant to this position. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet all position qualifications, may be contacted to begin employment processing. Please remain diligent in monitoring email and your SPAM folder. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information. This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to 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 a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility. DCIPS Disclaimer The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority.