Space Reconnaissance Engineer/Technical Analyst - Entry Level

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)•Chantilly, VA

1d•$81,901 - $129,717

About The Position

For over 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. Do you enjoy designing, creating, and exploring possibilities? Are you a STEM major looking for an exciting challenge? Does designing complex and innovative overhead reconnaissance systems interest you? Does a career with an “out of this world” mission sound intriguing? If so, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is looking for you! The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for entry level (GG 7-9) General Engineers and Technical Analyst, occupational series 801/1501/1301. For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here. The current hiring focus is for individuals with the following degrees and 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) The work involves planning, evaluating, and executing programs, which impact national security; and/or extending the existing parameters of technical and scientific knowledge and its application and practice. This is a full-time position. Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.

Requirements

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
The General Engineer/Technical Analyst position requires minimum education of a Bachelor’s degree. STEM degrees (e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics,) are preferred, however a Bachelor's degree, with a combination of technical coursework, licenses, training, and applicable work experience may be considered.
Technical Analyst/Interdisciplinary Technical positions require a combination of education (certifications included) and experience. If qualifying on experience, applicants must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position.
Applicants submitting a resume that exceeds the two-page limit per OPM Memorandum, “Merit Hiring Plan,” dated May 29, 2025, https://www.opm.gov/chcoc/latest-memos/merit-hiring-plan.pdf will not be eligible for consideration.

Responsibilities

Prepare, provide, and evaluate conventional plans, designs, design specifications, and related documentation determining and/or executing actions for a wide range of assignments involving a combination of complex features.
Provide advice to senior colleagues and/or management officials responsible for broad program operations.
Research trends and patterns; develop new methods and criteria; propose new policies and practices; conduct technical analysis and field laboratory work to achieve products or services.
Evaluate the value and applicability of new or improved technology, strategies, trends, or applications.
Assess project and program effectiveness interacting with NRO-user community with respect to system and/or operational requirements.
Provide expertise and advice on program planning and policy-making functions covering a broad range of engineering and scientific program and plans. Develop and advise on and implement critical projects and/or segments of NRO programs, projects, or activities.
Initiate and conduct thorough and comprehensive analytical studies or other complex studies involving varied subject matters. Studies vary in complexity based on scenario and the number of analytical models employed. Define the problem, formulate scope, establish objectives, formulate methodologies, coordinate research contributions of others and identify significant findings.
Produce insightful findings, alternative courses of action, solutions to critical problems, etc., which have significant impact in changing or improving practical and/or theoretical concept development to future special operations.
Conduct systemic exploration of problems and analysis of alternatives. Present trend analysis data ascertaining potential problem areas. Define the problems involved, formulate concepts in addressing these problems, and review and evaluate the final outcomes of the study. Identify and clarify major factors and issues of the study. Establish the objectives and approach; formulate methodologies; and plans, advise on and coordinate study activities.
Plan, execute and report on original studies or ongoing studies requiring a fresh approach to resolve new problems, modifying and adapting standard procedures, methods and techniques to address problems.
Plan, coordinate, implement, test, and conduct projects, serving as an advisor to other scientists or engineers.
Perform scientific and technical evaluation, correlation, synthesis and presentation or important data in a complex field making significant technical and scientific recommendations and decisions.