Geodetic Orbit Scientist

About the role

Geodetic Orbit Scientists monitor Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), acquire and analyze satellite data, produce and maintain the WGS 84 reference frame, and contribute geodetic products (e.g., GNSS orbits) to the DoW, IC, and civilian partners.

They plan, develop, evaluate, and use algorithms and tools to provide integrity monitoring and determine ephemerides and other information. They

What you will do

• The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) serves as the world leader in providing timely, relevant, accurate, and actionable geospatial intelligence (GEOINT).
• NGA's civilian, military, and contract personnel evaluate imagery, maps, charts, multiple layers of foundation data - such as terrain, elevation, and gravity - and the full spectrum of visible and invisible light in order to help users visualize what is happening at a particular place and time.
• Our intelligence officers go beyond describing 'what, where, and when' to revealing 'how and why.' Our work enables decision advantage for our policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals, and first responders.
• NGA uses a flexible, high mobility career model.
• Individuals are hired for their overall skills within a specialty such as Geodetic Orbit Scientist and then placed in various positions throughout the agency once they complete the clearance process.
• Applicants who have completed the clearance process receive final documentation about the nature of the specific position before they make the final commitment to join NGA.
• Highly competitive candidates will have an educational background or experience in scientific modeling and statistical analysis, particularly with geodetic or geophysical data.
• Top applicants will possess direct experience with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), including the calculation of Precise Ephemerides, or WGS 84.
• Proficiency in software and programming languages such as UNIX, MATLAB, C++, or Python is valuable, as well as a history of leading projects and/or managing program resources.
• There are many different types of positions that require a Geodetic Orbit Science specialty.
• Work could include data analysis, resource administration, software development, data flow management, writing and reviewing agreements, and/or logistics.
• Please Note: This position has a requirement for participation in shift work.
• Periodic evening and weekend work is required.
• Overnight shifts are rare, but possible.
• Employees are expected to be flexible to changing requirements and supportive when crisis responses require schedule changes.
• Identify and analyze geophysical and geodetic orbit data to determine interrelationships and submit recommendations to maintain program requirements.
• Support continuous data monitoring for GNSS systems.
• Will require evening and weekend support.
• Guide research, analysis, and identification of issues by evaluating complex geophysical data sets, identifying deviations in the data, and recommending courses of action 4.
• Manage program integration, execution and resourcing in support of a worldwide network of satellite tracking stations.
• This position may offer a recruitment incentive, subject to eligibility, and candidates must sign a service agreement requiring prorated repayment if the agreement is terminated before completion.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

How you will be evaluated

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 ***. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

What to expect next

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.

Additional information

CAREER ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM: All Professional Work Category positions advertised at a Pay Band 2 are part of NGA's Career Advancement Program (CAP). Employees in the Career Advancement Program will be evaluated semi-annually to determine if they meet the established program requirements. If requirements are met, employees will be eligible for a salary increase.

Upon meeting all program requirements, the employee is eligible to be promoted non-competitively to a Pay Band 3. This promotion completes Career Advancement Program participation meaning the employee will no longer receive salary increases through the Career Advancement Program, and will now be evaluated in accordance to the Agency's standard evaluation processes.