NATIONAL  PHOTOGRAPHIC  INTERPRETATION  CENTER 
MISSION 
The  mission  of  the  National  Photographic  Interpretation  Center  (NPIC)  is  to 
analyze  imagery  acquired  by  overhead  collection  systems  and  to  report  the 
findings  to  the  intelligence  production  and  foreign  policy  community.  Imagery  is 
one  of  the  nation's  key  sources  of  information  on  subjects  ranging  from  arms 
control  to  international  crisis  management.  NPIC  is  the  provider  of  much  of  the 
basic  intelligence  data  on  military  forces  and  key  international  policy  issues  used 
to  produce  finished  intelligence. 
WORKING  ENVIRONMENT 
NPIC  is  a  self-contained  operation  that  offers  a  wide  range  of  career 
opportunities.  The  largest  contingent  of  people  are  imagery  analysts.  However, 
the  Center  also  employs  imagery  scientists,  data  processing  and  systems 
specialists,  engineers,  photogrammetrists  and  operations  research  methodo'ogists 
who  plan  for  and  develop  the  support  structure  for  imagery  exploitation.  This 
includes  a  large-scale,  state-of-the-art  data  processing  system  and  other 
specialized  systems  and  equipment.  Highly  skilled  professionals  in  the  fields  of 
information  science,  graphic  arts,  and  publication  and  photographic  production 
are  also  an  integral  part  of  the  Center's  population. 
NPIC  is  now  embarked  on  a  recruitment  program  to  increase  the  staff  by 
several  hundred  people  by  the  end  of  the  decade.  While  qualified  people  in  the 
scientific  and  technical  disciplines  are  also  needed,  the  major  emphasis  is  on 
imagery  analysis.  We  are  seeking  people  with  a  strong  record  of  achievement  who 
have  acquired  the  basic  skills  and  discipline  to  do  research  and  analysis.  Newly 
hired  imagery  analysts  are  afforded  a  four-month,  comprehensive  training 
program  to  provide  them  with  specific  imagery  interpretation  techniques  and 
substantive  skills.  Domestic  and  foreign  TDY's  are  also  provided  for  area  and 
subject  familiarization. 
NPIC  offers  competitive  salaries,  determined  by  education  and  experience, 
for  all  of  its  occupations.  Career  growth  and  accomplishments  are  readily 
acknowledged  based  on  merit.  Further  academic  study  of  advanced,  job-related 
subjects  may  also  be  sponsored  on  a  competitive  basis 
CHALLENGE 
NPIC  is  the  only  national  center  in  the  CIA.  This  presents  the  unique 
challenge  of  supporting  not  only  the  CIA  but  other  intelligence  organizations  on  a 
day-to-day  basis.  It  provides  the  opportunity  to  work  on  highly  sensitive  and 
timely  information  which  impacts  on  decisions  made  by  U.S.  policymakers.  The 
programs  and  systems  being  developed  are  on  the  leading  edge  of  technology, 
thereby  offering  a  professionally  stimulating  work  environment. 
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GENERIC  LISTING  OF  CAREER  OPPORTUNITIES 
Imagery  Analyst:  Degree  Requirements:  A  Bachelor's  degree  in  political 
science,  international  affairs,  history  or  other  liberal  arts  area  is  required. 
Generic  Description:  Incumbent  performs  analysis  and  interprets  imagery 
from  various  sensors  and  researchers  collateral  information.  Also  will  conduct 
briefings  and  produce  detailed  reports  for  use  by  intelligence  consumers.  Imagery 
Analysts  are  needed  to  work  in  the  Washington,  D.C.  area.  Openings  from  entry 
to  persons  with  prior  military  experience  in  imagery  analysis.  Grade  range:  GS-07 
to  GS-14. 
Imagery  Scientist:  Degree  Requirements:  A  Bachelor's  degree  in  photo- 
grammetry,  photographic  science,  remote  sensing,  mathematics,  physics, 
computer  science  with  physics  or  mathematics  minor  or  electrical  engineering  is 
required. 
Generic  Description:  Incumbent  will  perform  photogrammetric  analysis  of 
complex  imaging  systems  and  develop  mathematical  equations  to  perform 
mensuration.  Will  also  perform  digital  image  enhancement  and  develop 
techniques  and  algorithms  to  maximize  information  extracted  from  imagery.  Acts 
as  COTR  for  developing  digital  image  processing  algorithms.  Work  will  be 
performed  in  the  Washington,  D.C.  area.  Openings  from  entry  leve!  to  individuals 
with  prior  experience.  Grade  range:  GS-07  to  GS-14. 
Computer  Scientist:  Degree  Requirements:  A  Bachelor's  degree  in  a 
related  field,  e.g.,  engineering,  mathematics,  photo  science,  optical  physical 
science  or  computer  science  is  required. 
Generic  Description:  Positions  are  available  in  all  areas  from  analysis,  design, 
programming  and  maintenance  programming  to  working  in  a  test  and  evaluation 
facility  involving  DEC,  persona!  computers,  soft  copy  displays,  local  area 
networks  and  experimental  optical  equipment.  AH  positions  are  in  Washington, 
D.C.  Openings  from  entry  level  to  persons  with  extensive  experience.  Grade 
range:  GS-07  to  GS-14. 
Project  Management  Engineer:  Degree  Requirements:  A  Bachelor  of 
Science  degree  in  engineering,  mathematics,  computer  science,  applied  physics 
plus  three  to  five  years  experience  with  hardware  and  software  design  and 
development  is  required. 
Generic  Description:  Incumbent  will  be  responsible  for  the  engineering 
developments  associated  with  defining  system  concepts  and  developing 
requirements,  specifications  and  designs  for  a  technical  system  consisting  of  a 
data  processing  system,  digital  communications  system  and  a  micro  processor- 
based  special  imagery  exploitation  support  system.  Will  provide  day-to-day 
technical  and  programmatic  direction  for  contractor  teams  and  participate  in 
periodic  contractor  program  reviews.  All  positions  are  in  Washington,  D.C.  but 
require  extensive  domestic  TDY's.  Grade  range:  GS-12  to  GS-15  depending  on 
background  and  experience. 
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