This SkillBridge program is specifically targeted for the R&D Scientist work role, which is one of two work roles contained within the Research and Development Occupation that supports the NGA Research and Development (R&D) Key Component (KC).

R&D Scientists apply the scientific method in one or more disciplines to advance and enhance geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) tradecraft. They conduct and develop novel scientific research projects and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration to further scientific inquiry and application. They provide technical guidance and oversight, report results, and advise management on new and evolving technology. They address a variety of complex data-related analytical problems by applying quantitative and qualitative analytic methods.Expected proficiency for this work role includes a sophisticated understanding and skill in applying broad or in-depth expertise in highly complex and ambiguous situations, and is an acknowledged authority, advisor, or key resource. The R&D Scientist work role expects its members to “conduct and develop novel scientific research projects and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration to further scientific inquiry and application.” The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA), Research and Development (R&D) Key Component (KC) director has implemented an approach to assist with interdisciplinary collaboration within the NGA, called the R&D Hard Problems. These hard problems were discussed, prioritized, and endorsed by all the key components within NGA, allowing R&D to understand which research areas are of most interest to the broader NGA team. Starting in FY25, all R&D Scientists are required to include a performance objective to support the R&D Hard Problems construct. That performance objective includes a focus on “collaboration across R&D, Agency, and Community boundaries that achieves implementation and transition of Hard Problem solutions.” This SkillBridge program opportunity assists a potential incoming R&D Scientist with collaborating across R&D, Agency, and Community boundaries by building an understanding of the tools, techniques, and architecture used within the NGA and our Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) partners. Upon completion of this SkillBridge program, the member will gain an understanding of the tools and architectures that will facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and transition of Hard Problem solutions, which have been a gap within much of the NGA/R&D KC. This SkillBridge opportunity is specifically targeting the development of an R&D Scientist work role for support to the Radar Division, which is a subordinate division under the NGA Research and Development (R&D) Key Component. The SkillBridge participant will need to have a firm understanding and familiarity with Radar phenomenology and system design, program and project management, and research and engineering management fundamentals. A strong understanding of radar, project management, and research and engineering management are expected of interested candidates to excel within this SkillBridge program. The SkillBridge program then builds upon these fundamentals to expose participants to the intelligence tools and architectures that are used within the NGA, IC, and DoD communities that will assist the Radar Division in developing the right products and transitioning them to the right user communities. This is one vein in the Radar Division’s strategy to meet the NGA/R&D KC director’s goals encapsulated within the R&D Hard Problem construct.

Applicants must have an active TS/SCI and resume must clearly address opportunity requirements.