The NSA must maintain and develop a highly skilled workforce. The NSA/CSS Cryptanalysis Development Program (CADP) is designed to produce professional cryptanalysts through an intensive, structured program of formal training courses and varied work assignments. The CADP is a three-year development program where participants complete five (5) tours of duty in cryptanalytic offices, attend seven (7) required courses, and choose at least three (3) elective courses. After completion, they are then placed in a technical mission office to use their cryptanalytic skills. Cryptanalysts at the NSA monitor and detect problems in data flow or collection to ensure collection quality. They analyze garbled intercepts by using processing skills and techniques, conduct analysis of signals and/or cryptographic data, and use that knowledge to diagnose and exploit encrypted material. They also debug and test software programs. The selected individual will work in a dynamic environment with duties that can include the following: - Analyzing data of various types - Formulating questions and hypotheses about the data - Testing hypotheses, usually via computer programs - Drawing conclusions from test results PLEASE NOTE: A copy of unofficial transcripts for all college courses must be submitted with the application in order for the application to be fully considered.
Job Summary
NSA is in search of analysts with a computer science background to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions. We are looking for you to apply your computer science expertise to develop cryptanalytic capabilities and techniques to exploit cryptographic systems. Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of computer science and cryptanalytic professionals!
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree in Mathematics, Engineering, or Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or related degree is required. Relevant experience (as applicable to the Full Performance level) must include one or more of the following: cryptanalysis; programming (analytic or scientific); engineering (electrical or computer); research; mathematics; statistics; communications technologies; or analysis of data or patterns. Experience may also include providing formal instruction (college level or above) in any of the above. ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.
Competencies
The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills who is: - Flexible - Curious - Persistent - Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing - Able to collaborate with others - Likes challenging puzzles Specialized skills and experience in any of the following is beneficial: - Programming (low level, high level, parallel) - Software engineering - Hardware engineering - Computational science - Algorithm analysis and design - Reverse engineering
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary Range: $86,498 - $151,570 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance) Salary range varies by location, work level and relevant experience to the position. This position is hiring for Maryland. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience. Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
How to apply
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position. A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com** U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate.
DCIPS Disclaimer
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS** Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority. Veterans' Preference In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application. Acceptable documentation includes: - DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions; - Certification of Service: A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; OR - Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability. You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/). Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.