Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG, Grade: 07/1 to 14/10
Open: 2023-09-07, Close: 2023-10-05
Responsibilities
The NSA must maintain and develop a highly talented and diverse workforce. The NSA/CSS Cryptanalysis Development Program (CADP) is designed to produce professional cryptanalysts through an intensive, structured program of formal training courses and diverse 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 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
**This position includes an Unproctored Internet Testing (UIT) requirement measuring cognitive ability, motivation, and English proficiency.**
Upon application submission, you should immediately see an automated response in your provided email (Inbox or SPAM folder) with testing instruction and your test link. Your opportunity to test for consideration into this position will expire 7 days following application submission. Please be sure to complete the assessment as soon as you can, as this information will be used as part of the selection decision, with processing hindered until test results are recorded. You may also access your test link through your Dashboard on the Applicant Portal. If you do not receive a test link within a few business days after applying to this position, please contact 1-844-IC-HIRES (1-844-424-4737) for a review of your submission.
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.
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. Relevant experience 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.
SENIOR
Entry is with a Bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience 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.
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
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 ranges vary by location and work level. This position is hiring for Maryland.
Salary Range: $81,233 – $179,232 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior)
Work Schedule is typically Monday – Friday, with basic 8 hour/day work requirements between 0600 to 1800 (flexible).
How to apply
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.
Due to time sensitive communications regarding your application, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from no*****@in*****************.gov; and for applications to job vacancies with stated testing requirements, please include @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com.
Please review the job posting thoroughly to ensure you meet the described qualifications and are aware of all associated requirements. To apply for this position, please click the ‘Apply’ button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the ‘Submit’ button, you will receive a confirmation email. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as job postings could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants, or the position is no longer available. You may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the application screening process and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to showcase within your resume those experiences relevant to this position. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet all position qualifications, may be contacted to begin employment processing. Please remain diligent in monitoring email and your SPAM folder. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information.
This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans’ Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.
DCIPS Disclaimer
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority.
