EXPLORE NGA

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CAREERS

RESEARCH DESIGNED FOR MISSION

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is a 

U.S. intelligence and combat support agency that provides 

policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals and first 

responders key information and insights. Through advanced 

Research and Development, or R&D, a career with NGA Research 

helps protect our nation and our world. 

SEE YOURSELF IN NGA RESEARCH? APPLY AT intelligencecareers.gov/nga
Our intelligence officers use the scientific method to conduct, lead, and 

manage GEOINT R&D programs that use breakthrough technologies to support 

the national security mission and attack real-world problems with expertise, 

innovation, and creativity.

• R&D Scientist

• Science and Technology Programmatic Officer

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

TO QUALIFY

Relevant degrees may include: artificial intelligence, computational/computer science, 

computer vision, data science, electrical engineering, machine learning, physics, remote 

sensing, spectral science or other related area of study.

Relevant experience may include: 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in science, 

mathematics and/or a related engineering science such as astronomy, cartography, 

chemistry, computer science, dynamics, electrical engineering, geodesy, geography, 

geology, geophysics, geospatial information systems, mathematics, orbital mechanics, 

photogrammetry, physics, remote sensing or surveying.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Key competencies may include, but are not limited to: data analysis, engineering, 

quantitative and qualitative modeling, scientific method, project management, strategic 

planning, technical communication and technology evaluation.

Relevant experience in a closely-related area may be considered in lieu of a relevant 

degree.

Research and Development Occupation

Scientific Focus Areas

SEE YOURSELF IN NGA RESEARCH? APPLY AT intelligencecareers.gov/nga

FOUNDATION – Advances capabilities and disruptive technologies to 

observe, extract, represent, and attribute natural and manmade features,

terrain, and bathymetry to characterize the earth and its populations.

GEOPHYSICS – Employs physics and mathematics to improve knowledge 

of the spatiotemporal representations of physical and geometric 

characteristics of the Earth’s surface, subsurface, and geospace.

GEOINT FORENSICS – Conducts research in advancing science and 

technology to discover evidence of adversarial activity from a variety

of GEOINT sources.

IMAGE AND VIDEO – Researches data science, computer vision and 

information and retrieval techniques for content analysis and heterogeneous

data processing; employs rigorous testing and evaluation for optimal

alignment of data, technology and tradecraft.

PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS – Encompasses techniques from data mining,

predictive modeling, and machine learning to analyze current and historical

facts and make predictions about future or other unknown events.

RADAR – Exploits unique phenomenologies, explores innovative collection

methods, and develops robust automation algorithms to improve

intelligence in denied areas under all-weather, day-night conditions.

SPECTRAL SCIENCE – Enriches GEOINT by developing and transitioning 

capabilities for the extraction of intelligence content from spectral imagery 

sources. Develops and applies emerging technologies to assure persistent

and reliable GEOINT can be delivered by assets in space.

Approved for Public Release # 20-667