Computer Science & Engineering Professionals - Mid to Expert Level; Maryland

Responsibilities

The National Security Agency employs a talented workforce of world‑class engineers, researchers, programmers, and developers that play a critical role in protecting our nation's security every day.

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG
Grade: 11/1 to 15/10
Open:
Close:

• Capabilities Development Specialist – Develop custom, high‑priority, offensive and defensive hardware and software capabilities targeting the hardest‑to‑reach adversarial networks.
• Computer Systems Architect – Design, implement, and administer information technology projects and architectures using commercial and government-developed hardware, software, networking, and security products.
• Digital Network Exploitation Analyst – Perform discovery and target technology analysis of digital network and mobile communications.
• Software Engineer – Contribute in virtually any Computer Science focus area, including Cybersecurity, HPC, Quantum Computing Research, Data Analytics, ML/AI, and Cryptology/Cryptography.
• Systems Engineer – Design, integrate, and optimize complex national security technologies.

NSA is seeking experienced Computer Science and Engineering professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches, and research new solutions. Join the world’s most advanced computer science and engineering team to develop technologies and tools that protect national security interests.

The minimum qualifications are tied to the selected Work Role. Applicants must provide unofficial copies of educational transcripts from all schools attended, relevant military training/coursework transcripts, DD214, and certifications. These documents are essential for determining eligibility based on required degree or course concentration.

• Programming in languages such as C, C++, Python, Java, Assembly.
• Advanced malware analysis.
• Hardware design (e.g., FPGA, VHDL, Verilog, PCB).
• Hardware & Software Reverse Engineering.
• RF system design (e.g., DSP, SDR).
• Embedded systems development.
• Software vulnerability analysis and exploitation.
• Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography.
• Network protocols and hardware.
• Database design/development (e.g., NiFi, MongoDB).
• Cloud architecture.
• Security architectures, appliances, assessment tools, and standards.
• Systems engineering practices and concepts.

Pay:
Salary offers are based on education level, relevant experience, and work level. Salary range: $105,262 – $197,200 (Full Performance, Senior, and Expert). This varies by location, work level, and experience.

Training is provided based on the selectee’s needs and experience. NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work schedule:

Full‑time, Monday – Friday, with an 8‑hour/day requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

DCIPS Trial Period:
Selected employees must serve a two‑year DCIPS trial period (one year for veterans’ preference). During this period, performance, conduct, agency needs, and public‑interest considerations determine continued employment. Upon trial completion, employment is terminated unless certification of continued employment is issued.