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Technical Researcher

Technical Researchers will apply technical expertise, innovative mindset, and adaptive imagination to enable CIA to excel in a rapidly changing world of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs).
  • Full time
  • Starting salary: $64,957 - $172,075*
  • *Higher starting salary possible depending on experience level
  • Aerospace engineering, electrical, mathematics, physical sciences
  • Foreign language bonus eligible
  • Opportunities for domestic travel are possible
Express Interest

Agency-wide Requirements

All applicants must be:

  • U.S. citizens (dual U.S. citizens also eligible)
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Willing to move to the Washington, DC area
  • Able to complete security and medical evaluations
  • Registered for the Selective Service

About the Job

As a Researcher within CIA’s Directorate of Science and Technology (DS&T), you will apply your deep technical expertise, innovative mindset, and adaptive imagination to enable CIA to excel in creating decision advantage for policymakers in a rapidly changing world of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs).

DS&T Researchers identify opportunities to address intelligence gaps through highly innovative, next generation technology development and application. DS&T Researchers develop technical performance requirements, plan research work, and serve as principle research leads for revolutionary solutions developed by leading technology groups throughout the United States (e.g., U.S. industrial contractors, National and Federal Laboratories, and academic institutions, including University Affiliated Research Centers). Successful Researchers work across the spectrum of technical readiness levels (technology maturity) to apply cutting-edge research to today’s mission, while also keeping the Agency well positioned for the future. DS&T Researchers will identify and mitigate risks and threats from adversarial use of EDTs, while also developing ways to use EDTs to shape the future of technical collection of foreign intelligence.

Who You’ll Work With

At the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), we recognize our Nation’s strength comes from the diversity of its people. People from a broad range of backgrounds and viewpoints work at CIA, and our diverse teams are the reason we can keep our country safe.

Read more about diversity and inclusion

What You’ll Get

Our benefits support every aspect of a working professional’s life, including health and wellness, time off, family, finances, and continuing education. Our programs include highly sought-after government health benefits, flexible schedules, sick leave, and childcare. In some cases, we also offer sign-on incentives and cover moving expenses if you relocate.

As a CIA employee, you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing your work is part of something bigger than yourself. Our work is driven by one mission: to keep our Nation safe. Every day is an opportunity to enhance U.S. national security.

Learn more about working at CIA

Minimum Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields or related studies (or comparable work experience)
    • Aerospace engineering
    • Computer engineering
    • Computer science
    • Electrical engineering
    • Mathematics
    • Mechanical engineering
    • Nuclear engineering
    • Physical sciences
    • Physics
    • Space systems operations
    • Telecommunications
  • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications

  • Advanced degree or comparable work experience desired
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Additive manufacturing/rapid prototyping
    • AC power
    • Advanced digital data recovery
    • Analog design and circuits
    • Antenna
    • Analysis techniques
    • Artificial intelligence
    • CAD/CADD drafting and design technology
    • Circuit manufacturing
    • Computer networks knowledge
    • Data engineering
    • Data science
    • Digital signal processing design and programming
    • Embedded systems
    • Energy storage technologies
    • Engineering tools (soldering, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)
    • Failure analysis concepts knowledge
    • Field Programmable Gate Analysis (FPGA)
    • Fiber optics and cable communications
    • High performance computing
    • Independent research and development experience
    • Linux
    • Machine learning
    • Network engineering
    • Network security
    • Programming
    • Project/program management
    • PMP certification
    • Quantum sensors
    • RF communications
    • RF engineering knowledge
    • RF waveform design
    • Satellite communications
    • Signal processing and analysis
    • Software reverse engineering
    • Software development
    • Systems engineering
    • Voice/data communications (satellite, RF, wireless and telecommunications networks)
    • Demonstrated ability to interpret technical data and solve complex problems
    • Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise text
    • Interest in applying techniques to solve challenging problems
    • Insight into existing and emerging technology to deliver solutions to intelligence problems