Computer Systems Architect - Entry Level; Maryland

Responsibilities

• Drive information technology projects
• Produce compliance results for established project requirements and IT architecture
• Modernize IT architecture through research analysis and introduce changes based on evolving project requirements
• Integrate industry trends, emerging technologies, standards, and new vendor features
• Collaborate with technical and application experts to identify, evaluate, and recommend technical solutions that support project requirements
• Define and analyze data requirements, mapping legacy data stores and formats to logical and physical data models
• Propose standard ways for information transport between IT systems and storage within corporate knowledge databases
• Perform architectural alignment of the enterprise logical data model and physical data models

NSA seeks Computer Science professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches, and research new solutions for storing, manipulating, and presenting information. You will apply your expertise to projects that aim to set new standards in the transformation of information and protect national security interests as part of the world’s most advanced team of computer science experts.

• Degree in Computer Science or related field with concentrations in foundational CS areas such as algorithms, computer architecture, programming methodologies, data structures, logic, computation, and advanced mathematics.
• Relevant experience in the design and development of computer or information systems across their lifecycle—including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment, and maintenance—as well as programming, systems research, reverse engineering, and/or cybersecurity.
• Completion of military training such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis Course) is considered toward the relevant experience requirement (e.g., a 24‑week course counts as 6 months).
• Entry‑level candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and no experience are qualified. Associate’s degree holders with at least two years of relevant experience may also be considered for individuals with deep, directly related experience.
• Provide transcripts from all schools attended; transcripts are required to be regarded for consideration.

Salary ranges from $87,362 to $123,388 for entry/developmental positions, varying by location, work level, and experience. Training is provided as needed. NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. The position is full‑time (Monday – Friday) with an 8‑hour day between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible). Employees may be required to serve a two‑year DCIPS trial period, or one‑year for veterans’ preference‑eligible employees.

• NSA is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) and follows provisions for Veterans’ Preference under Title 5, U.S.C. Section 2108.
• Documentation required for preference includes DD‑214, certification of service, or Standard Form 15. Service‑connected disability documentation may also be required for 30 % or higher disability.
• Failure to provide sufficient documentation may preclude consideration as a preference‑eligible candidate.

• Self‑starter with strong problem‑solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Teamwork, adaptability, innovative solution delivery, effective communication, and the ability to multi‑task across multiple projects.
• Specialized experience in one or more areas such as system administration (Windows, UNIX, Linux), programming and scripting (C, C++, Java, Assembly, Python, Perl, etc.), database design/development (NiFi, MongoDB), network protocols and hardware, virtualization fundamentals, cloud architecture, security architectures, firewalls, high‑performance computing, or data center operations.