Geodetic Orbit Scientist (Team Lead)

Company: National Geospatial Intelligence Agency
Location: Potomac
Posted on: April 9, 2021

Job Description:

Job Summary

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION: Geodetic Orbit Scientists monitor Global Navigation Satellite Systems, acquire and analyze satellite data, and produce accurate products for the National System for Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG). They develop, evaluate, and use algorithms and tools to provide integrity monitoring and determine precise ephemerides and other information. They analyze satellite ranging and timing information in order to identify anomalies in both real time and post-fit scenarios. These analysts handle technical and logistical details pertinent to remote command and control of a worldwide network of satellite tracking stations. They provide in-depth technical expertise on satellite issues to customers, and represent NGA in community forums establishing doctrine and policy.

Additional Job Information

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Geodetic Orbit Scientists apply orbital mechanics and network systems analysis to acquire, process and analyze Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellite data. They develop, evaluate and use algorithms and tools to provide integrity monitoring and determine precise ephemerides and other information. They analyze satellite ranging and timing information in order to identify anomalies in both real-time and post-fit scenarios. These analysts handle technical and logistical details pertinent to remote command and control of a worldwide network of satellite tracking stations. They provided in-depth technical expertise on GPS satellite issues to internal and external customers, and represent NGA in external community forums establishing DoD and Intelligence Community doctrine and policy. Additionally, the GNSS division updates and maintains the WGS 84 Reference Frame.

This position entails leading a team of geodetic orbit scientists and analysts to ensure modernization and recapitalization of the GNSS systems and products, sustainment and innovation of tradecraft, development of skills essential to the division mission, and coordination with mission partners. Competitive applicants shall possess a strong STEM background and/or extensive experience in GNSS and/or have leadership attributes. Leadership experience is highly desired along with the ability to anticipate future needs and guide/mentor teams in transformational initiatives. For this position, strong communication skills are needed as well as the ability to effectively work across NGA organizational lines and with external mission partners.

The GNSS division's Monitor Station Network Control Center (MSNCC) has responsibility for operating a worldwide GPS monitor station network, which is controlled via the MSNCC in St. Louis, MO and Springfield, VA and is staffed by four branches comprising of two shifts, Days and Evenings. Data from the monitor stations is provided near real-time to the USSF for GPS satellite integrity monitoring and used in updating time and position information broadcast by GPS satellites. Daily GPS data in Receiver Independent Exchange format is also supplied to the International GNSS Service. The Division also generates a daily GPS precise ephemeris in batch production mode using Estimation and Prediction of Orbits and Clocks to High Accuracy (EPOCHA) software and is currently testing and evaluating a version of EPOCHA designed to provide near real-time five minute GPS precise ephemeris on a 24x7 basis. TDY may be required when applicable for training, meetings and other events.

This position is eligible for an INCENTIVE: The selected candidates may be offered an incentive as part of the offer of employment, based on budget availability. To receive the incentive, the selected candidate must sign a service agreement depending on the approved amount or duration of the incentive. If the employee leaves before the end of the service agreement, the employee may be required to repay a pro rata share amount of the incentive to the government.

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(U) , 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.

Mandatory 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 applications must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement:

1. Proven ability to communicate ongoing work to peers and leadership through written, visual, and spoken reports or briefings.

2. Understanding of Geomatics data and/or products required to meet National System for Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG) objectives.

3. Demonstrated ability of working in a team environment.

4. Demonstrated experience in process modeling of scientific systems (Physics, Geophysics, Geology, Geosciences).

5. Demonstrated experience in the Applied Sciences tradecraft.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Geodesy, Mathematics, Physical Science, or a related discipline that includes at least 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any combination of Astronomy, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Geodesy, Geology, Geomatics, Geophysics, Mathematics, Orbital Mechanics, Physical Science, Physics, Remote Sensing, or Surveying. Coursework must include differential and integral calculus. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework in any area listed in option A, plus experience in conducting work related to satellite operations, GPS surveying, Geodesy, Geophysics, Wide Area Network analysis, or a related field 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 4 years.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Distinguish principal colors and shades/hues of principal colors; Near visual acuity of 20/20 or better with or without corrective lenses; Far visual acuity of 20/60 or better binocular with or without corrective lenses

Highly Desired Qualifications

QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired:

1. Experience performing program oversight; anchor team activities in well-defined and traceable requirements; develop plans, schedules, risk and performance; track actions, identify milestones, construct and maintain roadmaps, and report progress; previous lead integration activities and matrix teams; experience and willingness to brief groups.

2. Demonstrated experience working in multidisciplinary teams to develop solutions to problems and deliver those solutions.

3. Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technology or software.

4. Demonstrated experience with problem identification, analysis, resolution and adaptation to changing requirements and timelines.

Additional Job 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.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY: Promotion opportunities allow applicants at all band levels to be considered. Qualifications for NGA positions do not include specific time-in-band requirements. NGA will emphasize quality of experience, rather than duration, and assess how the quality of the experience demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance in the NGA occupational structure.

Band 04 $103,690 - $159,286

PERMANENT CHANGE IN STATION: PCS expenses are not authorized.

Pay is only part of the compensation you will earn working for the Federal Government. We offer a broad array of benefits programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family.

For more information on the array of benefits programs, please visit https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/nga/ngabenefits.html

Cover Letter

Applicants are not required to submit a cover letter. The entire cover letter cannot exceed the specified limits provided in the Cover Letter field (3,000 characters). Pages exceeding this limit will not be considered. The cover letter is recommended but is not required for employment consideration with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Applicants should place their narrative information in the Cover Letter / Other Professional Details field.

Who may apply

External Applicants Only

How to apply

Application submission involves applying using the Intelligence Community's Applicant Gateway on-line application process.

ONLY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

How will I be evaluated?

APPLICANT EVALUATION PROCESS: Applicants will be evaluated for this job opportunity in three stages:

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 information referenced in the announcement. 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.

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 redetermined 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, at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.)

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 recruitment@nga.mil. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Conditions of Employment

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

DCIPS Disclaimer

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 in your application.

Keywords: National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, Potomac , Geodetic Orbit Scientist (Team Lead), Other , Potomac, Maryland