Software Engineer - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Summary As a Software Engineer, NSA has opportunities for you to contribute, learn, and grow in virtually any Computer Science focus area, including: Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing (HPC), Quantum Computing Research, Data Analytics, Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI), Cryptology/Cryptography, and countless others. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1256809 This job is open to The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Federal employees

• Excepted service Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Veterans Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference Individuals with disabilities Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A. Duties NSA is seeking experienced Software Engineers to advance a number of high impact systems and teams. Opportunities change constantly, but recent needs include: large scale platform development (hardware and software, HPC, cloud); accessibility development (508 compliance); AI/ML; complex algorithms and cryptography. As a Software Engineer at NSA, your work makes the world a safer place in countless ways including: saving lives of U.S. and allied soldiers; providing U.S. policy and decision makers with critical, timely intelligence; ensuring the continued safety of U.S. citizens and residents by thwarting foreign adversaries; and defending vital networks. The Agency offers a work/life balance that is hard to beat, with flexible work schedules, generous leave policies, and a number of continuing education programs to help meet your long term career goals. The sheer breadth of technologies supported provides endless opportunity for broadening expertise and leadership growth. Tools and technologies used evolve quickly, with systems and responsibilities spanning the full spectrum. More common tools and areas of interest include: COBOL, C/C++, Java, cloud computing, Angular, React, Python, PIG Analytics, Pyspark, agile development, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), containers and Docker, Kubernetes, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux (VMWare), ElasticSearch, Rust, micro services, Ansible, clusters, digital forensics, incident response, quantum, and so much more. Beyond technical skills, we also need strong critical thinkers, collaborators, independent self-starters, continuous learners and flexible contributors. We look forward to hearing from you

• what excites you and where you think you can make the most impact.
• Please upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended, prior to applying for this position. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. Providing a copy of your transcripts is essential since the minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of Computer Science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.
• Requirements Conditions of employment 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. Qualifications The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Software Engineering. Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics) 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 advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics). Relevant experience must be in the software development process (i.e., requirements analysis, software design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance) and programming.

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. 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. 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. 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. Education The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Software Engineering. Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics) 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 advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics). Additional information

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:

$105,262

• $192,764 (Full Performance, Senior) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

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).

DCIPS Trial Period:

If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. With a broad range of positions available, tools, platforms, and methodologies used will vary from one team to another. Use of industry norms is common, including but not limited to: Docker, AWS, GitLab, Open Source (see code.nsa.gov for examples of NSA contribution), Databases (both relational and non-relational), various languages (Java, C, C++, Python, etc.). Candidates with experience in COBOL or IBM mainframe preferred. The ideal candidate will reflect specialized skill or interest in one or more of the following skills/technologies:

• Strong background in advanced mathematics (i.e. number theory, abstract algebra, linear algebra, probability theory, and discrete mathematics)
• Solid grasp of data structure, algorithms, operating systems, and computer architecture.
• Proficiency in languages like C/C++, Python, and Java.
• Knowledge of both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, including hash functions, encryption, digital signatures, and key exchange.
• Familiarity with protocols like TLS/SSL and network security principles for secure communications.
• Understanding of hardware security modules (HSMs) and other secure computing (cloud) platforms.
• Familiarity with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), intrusion detection systems (IDS), and vulnerability assessment tools.
• Knowledge using cryptographic libraries, APIs and adherence to security standards (NIST, ISO 27001, and OWASP guidelines).
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Good Interpersonal Skills
• Prior IC experience preferred Required Documents 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. 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. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education . Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How to Apply To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1256809 Agency contact information NSA POC Phone 1-844-424-4737 Email intelcareers@nsa.gov Address NSA External Hiring 9800 Savage Road Fort Meade, MD 20755 US Next steps To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1256809 National Security Agency/Central Security Service Agency contact information NSA POC Phone 1-844-424-4737 Email intelcareers@nsa.gov Address NSA External Hiring 9800 Savage Road Fort Meade, MD 20755 US Visit our careers page Learn more about what it's like to work at National Security Agency/Central Security Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https:

//www.nsa.gov/careers/