NSA Overview The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal: to protect our nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information. The need to maintain our core Computer Science group is vital to provide the technical capabilities necessary to successfully execute NSA's mission. Description of Position Testing & Evaluation Specialists at the NSA develop unit and system tests to evaluate compliance with customer requirements. They also conduct testing and evaluate cyberspace operations capabilities and the effects of developed capabilities. Make recommendations based on results. Testing & Evaluation Specialists apply principles, methods, and tools for testing & evaluating computer or computer-related equipment/computing systems. They are responsible for installing, configuring, modifying, troubleshooting, repairing and/or replacing computer hardware, peripherals, and other equipment.
NSA is in search of Computer Science professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to storing, manipulating, and presenting information. We are looking for you to apply your computer science expertise to projects that seek to create new standards for the transformation of information. If you want to develop technologies and tools and be a part of cutting edge innovations; join our team of experts! Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of computer science professionals!
Salary Range: $72,351 - $90,157 (Entry/Developmental) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. 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. Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. An Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or related field (e.g., Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Security, Computer Forensics, Network Engineering). Degrees in Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking (Systems Administration), and Information Assurance may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and upper-level mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics). Relevant experience must be in engineering of computer or information systems over their lifecycle (i.e., requirements analysis, design, development, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance), programming, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, and/or systems engineering. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course) will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 24-week JCAC course will count as 6 months of experience). Salary Range: $83,692 - $112,240 (Full Performance) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. 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. 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. An Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or related field (e.g., Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Security, Computer Forensics, Network Engineering). Degrees in Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking (Systems Administration), and Information Assurance may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and upper-level mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics). Relevant experience must be in engineering of computer or information systems over their lifecycle (i.e., requirements analysis, design, development, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance), programming, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, and/or systems engineering. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course) will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 24-week JCAC course will count as 6 months of experience). Salary Range: $102,663 - $157,709 (Senior) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. 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. 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 and 2 years of relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or related field (e.g., Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Security, Computer Forensics, Network Engineering). Degrees in Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking (Systems Administration), and Information Assurance may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and upper-level mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics). Relevant experience must be in engineering of computer or information systems over their lifecycle (i.e., requirements analysis, design, development, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance), programming, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, and/or systems engineering. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course) will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 24-week JCAC course will count as 6 months of experience).
The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for experiential learning and strong problem-solving, analytic and interpersonal skills who is: - willing to take the initiative - innovative - able to work effectively across several different functional areas in a collaborative environment - able to communicate effectively (both orally and written) - well-organized and able to handle multiple assignments
On-the job training, Internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee. Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 and 1800 (flexible).
Use your skills to make a difference! Visit NSA’s Virtual Recruiting hub today and learn how your education can help defend our nation’s security. This fall, NSA recruitment activities will be entirely conducted online, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!
Thank you for your interest in employment with the National Security Agency (NSA).
We are especially humbled given all that we, as part of a global community, are facing as we join with each other in the battle against COVID-19, the Coronavirus.
We will continue to accept and review applications, but processing times will take longer than usual during this time as we too are practicing vital social distancing and minimizing risk to the health of our team (which includes you).
So, apply, be patient, stay healthy and safe, and get ready for a journey like no other as we prepare for beyond COVID-19 and our Nation’s future.
It’s Not Only What You Do, It’s Why You Do It
What's your expertise?
Is it a STEM field or business? Foreign language or intelligence analysis? Security or counterintelligence? Whatever your field, NSA has a position that combines your expertise with our mission: The safety and security of our families, our communities and our country.
NSA applies advanced technical concepts to create groundbreaking solutions for safeguarding U.S. information and collecting foreign signals.
Our employees expand the scope of their expertise through ongoing academic education, professional training and development, leadership opportunities and job mobility. We work in a dynamic culture that welcomes diversity and provides benefits that offer a better quality of life, both on the job and off. Learn more at IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA.