Missle Defense Agency

U.S Department of Defense

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People

FAQ

Students

Application

 
What types of jobs do you have at the MDA?

No matter where you are in your career, MDA could have exactly the right opportunity for you. We are looking for recent graduates and experienced professionals in the following areas:

Engineering

From aerospace and information technology, to electrical, chemical and mechanical engineering, your skills and background can become a vital element in the development of our integrated defense system.

Contracts Management

MDA relies on our relationships with industry partners. You can lead the team that contracts for the goods and services the Agency needs to fulfill its mission. You will deal with different levels within the Agency, as well as with external customers and clients.

Accounting, Budgeting, Business Management

You will control the acquisition process and the management of contracted vendors. Never before has such a diverse system and partnership between government and business come together in this way.

Physical Sciences

Be at the nucleus of research and discovery, and work within a broad variety of disciplines ranging from aerospace studies to chemical science.

Information Management & Technology

Drive the support of all missile defense elements within the integrated system. You will be at the heart of Command, Control & Communications that ties all system elements together, enabling them to transmit to one another.

Program Management

Keep the promise of missile defense by setting goals and establishing milestones at significant points of progress along the way.

Logistics Management

You will drive the “when and how” of fielding continuously developing systems, and schedule tests and trials.

Management Analysis

Take control of how all missile defense business units are managed individually and together.

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How do I decide if I am qualified for a specific MDA job?

You can identify the OPM Series Number as listed in the announcment, i.e. 0801 for General Engineer, or 0201 for Human resource Specialist, and use your browser to search "Minimum qualifications OPM Series 0801" (or 0201). You can determine if you are qualified to apply to a position based on the results of your search.

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How do I apply for an MDA job?

Applying for a position with MDA is different than other government or private sector application processes. For starters, make sure you have all the proper materials at hand when you begin the application and complete all the required steps fully.

When applying online from the MDA website, you will be forwarded to USAJobs, the official job site of the United States Federal Government. After registering and completing your application on USAJobs, you will be directed to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the acting human resource center for MDA. This is where you finalize and submit your application.

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How do I follow up on an application that I have already submitted?

Please log into USA Staffing.

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What does MDA do?

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is a DoD research, development and test agency with one of the most complex and challenging missions in our country’s history—protecting the United States from ballistic missile attack.

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Does MDA offer summer employment to college students?

Yes, we offer the following:

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

STEP offers opportunities ranging from summer jobs to positions that can last for as long as you are a student. This employment need not be related to your academic field of study. Taking on this opportunity now gives you an advantage over other job seekers later.

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

Through SCEP, current college students are given opportunities to work part-time at MDA while taking classes, or full-time during semester and summer breaks. The program provides you with practical work experience that is directly related to your academic program.

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Why is MDA moving to Huntsville, AL?

As part of the Base Relocation and Consolidation plan, MDA is relocating to the new Von Braun Complex in Huntsville.

To make the most of your scientific or engineering career, there’s no better place to be than Huntsville, Alabama. Beginning with the advent of the U.S. Space Program in the mid-1950s, the Huntsville community has been rooted in research and technology development. Huntsville/Madison County is known as Rocket City, USA, home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal.

Nearly every major domestic and international aerospace corporation is represented, with over 90 companies employing more than 11,000 people in the local aerospace industry. Many more businesses support the growing biotech and high-technology arenas.

We also have opportunities in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Los Angeles, California, Fort Greely, Alaska and other locations.

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Where is MDA’s headquarters?

MDA’s headquarters is located in Arlington, VA

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How many people work for MDA?

MDA staff consists of civilian, military and contract professionals totaling approximately 8,800 highly-trained team members.

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What pay scale does MDA follow?

Civilians are covered by the Department of Defense Acquisition Demonstration Project (AcqDemo); the General Schedule, and the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System.

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What kind of work environment does MDA have?

MDA has planned its workplace to facilitate specialized as well as inter-disciplinary collaboration for each team member, who simultaneously has all experts in his or her field co-located in immediate proximity (e.g., a floor of the Von Braun II complex). Similarly, specialists in other areas have a comparable arrangement nearby. This kind of collegial environment stimulates information sharing on projects and within a field of expertise. This set-up encourages a more efficient collaboration in a learning organization that continues to build an individual and collective knowledge base. For example, our Knowledge Centers can ensure that team members have the requisite information when they need it.

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Students

I am a student considering a future career at MDA. What courses should I take, or what major should I choose?

Courses: Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Chemistry, Physics, Business Administration, Accounting and Finance.

Majors: Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Chemistry, Physics, Business Administration

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What student programs does MDA offer?
  • CDP – Career Development Program
  • SCEP – Student Career Experience Program
  • STEP – Student Temporary Employment Program

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What do CDP, SCEP, STEP stand for?
Career Development Program (CDP)

CDP is an entry-level program for recent college graduates. It’s a fully paid, two-year developmental program that allows you to experience the variety of challenges taking place within MDA, and may lead to an offer of a permanent position. In addition to full pay and training, you will receive all the benefits that federal employees enjoy. Plus, you will acquire valuable technical and work-related skills through seminars, formal classroom and on-the-job training.

Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

STEP offers opportunities ranging from summer jobs to positions that can last for as long as you are a student. This employment need not be related to your academic field of study. Taking on this opportunity now gives you an advantage over other job seekers later.

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

Through SCEP, current college students are given opportunities to work part-time at MDA while taking classes, or full-time during semester and summer breaks. The program provides you with practical work experience that is directly related to your academic program.

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I am in the military. Can I transfer to MDA to fulfill my obligation?

No, you will need to fulfill your career path within your branch. If you are interested in a position with MDA, please visit our Military Transition page.

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Do I need to be a US citizen to work for the Missile Defense Agency?

Yes. All MDA jobs require that you be a U.S. citizen.

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Do I need to have a security clearance to work at MDA?

Yes, all employees must have a security clearance to work at MDA. If you do not currently hold a clearance, you can still apply and MDA can award an interim security clearance while your background investigation is underway.

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If I don't have a degree, will experience count?

Yes, experience does count in the qualifications. However, professional positions i.e., engineers and scientists, require a degree, so if you do not have a 4-year degree, you would not qualify.

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What if I used drugs or still use drugs; will this disqualify me from employment?

To be considered suitable for employment with MDA, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last 12 months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to 12 months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing. All positions require a drug test before hire.

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Application

What is involved in the application process? How long does it take?

Please visit our How To Apply page for details on the application process.

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I submitted my resume online. Should I follow up with a paper copy?

No, the online resume is sufficient.

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My education and/or work experience has changed (significantly) since I applied, should I apply again?

Be sure your resume housed on USAJobs and/or the USA Staffing Application Manager is always up to date. If you need to update your information, log into your account on the appropriate system and click Resumes on the navigation bar near the top of the page. Then click Edit below your Resume Headline. Click Candidate Info on the list of Resume Sections. On this page, you can update information that you previously entered. Then click Save. For the USA Staffing Application Manager you upload a resume when you apply, but you should keep your profile up-to-date.

The vacancy announcement that you originally responded to is most likely closed. Once your information is up-to-date, you can certainly visit our search jobs page and apply to an open position suitable for your qualifications.

Please note that only one resume is on file, so when you update your resume you replace the original version.

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I am a US citizen but I currently work/live overseas. How can I apply?

Applications for most MDA positions are accepted through our website. U.S. citizenship is required.

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What are some of the benefits MDA offers employees?

Everything you’ve heard about federal employment benefits is true. They are among the best in the world, and as competitive as, or better than, what is offered by the private sector. Equally important, the National Security Personnel System based on “pay for performance” assures that you will receive appropriate monetary compensation related to your level of contribution, not just years of service. Besides the chance to earn an outstanding salary, your benefits may include the following:

  • Annual and Sick Leave
  • Ten paid Federal holidays
  • Flexible Work Environment/Schedules
  • Paid Employment-Related Training & Education
  • Possible Student Loan Repayment
  • Payment of Licenses, Certification and Academic Degrees as applicable
  • Bonuses, Incentives and Awards as appropriate for the job
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Care and Dependent Care
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Generous Retirement Programs
  • Long Term Care
  • Paid Relocation/Permanent Change of Station