Cryogenic Engineer / Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher - Entry to Experienced Level

17 May 2024

Vacancy expired!

Position SummaryAs an Engineering and Physical Science professional, you will use your skills to create the systems and tools that will be used to enhance the operation of intelligence. You will advise, administer and perform scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. The NSA offers multiple areas of focus for facilities engineers, including computer, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and structural. In addition, we are seeking skills that include computer design, microelectronics, radio frequency design, and systems engineering. Apply your science and engineering skills to protect the nation.DCIPS DisclaimerThe 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.How To Apply - ExternalTo 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. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from

PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. 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.

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 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.

Please note that you may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the screening process of your application and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to elaborate on experiences in your resume. 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 the qualifications for the position will be contacted to begin employment processing.

Please Note: Job Posting could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants or position no longer available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.Pay, Benefits, & Work ScheduleOn-the job training, Internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.

Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 to 1800 hrs (flexible).SkillsThe ideal candidate should have excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, and be able to:

- Lead research in developing cryogenic solutions- Implement new thermal management technologies- Develop analytical models to predict thermal performance of cryogenic systems- Develop interface specifications between payloads and cryogenic systems- Design, develop, and perform testing on payloads operating in cryogenic environments- Understand experimental design to gather desired data

Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following is desired:

- Specialization in thermodynamics- Cryogenic control systems, cryogenic system implementation, commissioning, and operation- Safe cryogenic engineering practices including pressure, cryogen, and oxygen deficiency hazards- Wet and/or dry cryogenic systems- Liquid helium and sub-Kelvin systems- Knowledge of thermal analysis software (COMSOL, IcePak, Sinda/Fluint) or similar platforms- Mechanical design/modeling/simulation using industry standard tools- LabVIEW or similar acquisition softwareResponsibilitiesNSA is home to the largest, most established in-house research organization in the U.S. Intelligence Community, employing scientists with world-class skills in fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity. We collaborate with leading companies, universities, and national laboratories to leverage work in overlapping disciplines, advance core capabilities, and seek out and develop revolutionary ideas that will provide our nation with an overwhelming advantage.

At the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS), our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary projects that will shape the future of computing. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join our team to invent that future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work. We have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees make history.

LPS is researching high performance computing systems to meet mission demands for a decade and beyond. The qualified individual will join our team to advance development of large-scale high performance computing systems with a focus on computer architectures, processing/memory subsystems, and transform computing beyond Moore's Law. You will work in a fast-paced team environment alongside physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and systems architects to make advanced processing solutions a reality.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to work with an integrated product team of multidisciplinary scientists and engineers to improve and develop cryogenic engineering processes; the desire and experience to direct the design, fabrication, implementation, and commissioning of vacuum cryostats, magnets, and other experimental cryogenic systems; and the knowledge to develop innovative solutions to improve and extend cryogenic engineering activities.

As a Cryogenic Engineer and member of the LPS Program Management team, you will push the frontiers of science and engineering by leveraging your expertise, ideas, and vision to:

- Direct and organize cryogenic system design, fabrication, assembly, and implementation- Direct and organize integration of cryostat subsystems including cooling, interconnects, ultra-high-vacuum (UHV), magnets, shielding, vibration and other support elements- Direct and organize the performance of safety evaluations involving pressure, cryogenic, and other fluid systems- Manage and support test development activities for cryogenic systems- Identify research challenges