Development Program (C2DP) / Cryptanalytic Computer Scientist - Entry Level (Maryland)

NSA's mission requires persistent engagement to anticipate and understand complex threats in real-time, on a global scale. Our Computer Scientists face technical challenges well beyond the wildest imaginations of most people. NSA's Computer Science community creates novel, cutting-edge solutions that advance science and underpin every aspect of our foreign intelligence and cybersecurity missions. Solving these extraordinary problems provides tremendous benefit to our Nation.

NSA's development programs help employees enhance their skills and improve their understanding of a specific discipline. The programs are generally three years long and feature rotational tours throughout the Agency. Designed for entry to mid-level employees, development program participants are afforded the opportunity to receive tailored training, often with a cohort, and multiple assignments across Agency Directorates to develop skills and experience to ground their career at the NSA. Applicants will be considered for the Cryptanalytic Computer Network Operations Development Program (C2DP).

About the role

As an NSA development program participant your responsibilities may include:

• Creating analytic applications that scale across multiple, very large, data sets from disparate sources
• Leveraging and integrating open source, commercial off-the-shelf, and government developed software
• Analyzing user/customer requirements related to software and/or software system design
• Building software prototypes
• Designing, developing, and debugging software applications
• Troubleshooting and debugging computer code
• Applying mathematical or computational methods and lines of reasoning to complex software systems
• Identifying target communications within the global network
• Designing and optimizing algorithms, data structures, modeling, and analytics to solve real-world scientific problems
• Solving cryptanalytic, high-performance computing, and computer network problems
• Leading new advances in computer science, such as:
  • Microprocessor-based advances
  • Beyond the horizon supercomputers
  • Signals processing (including analog control)
  • User interfaces
  • Deep learning
  • Cybersecurity
  • Design and implementation of encryption
  • Advanced algorithms
• Detecting, identifying, and evaluating vulnerabilities in cyberspace systems and/or networks
• Developing software and/or hardware exploitation capabilities that enable collection of foreign intelligence from target networks and systems
• Analyzing sophisticated malware to thwart cyber-attacks and identify new threats
• Developing methods and applications for tools to exploit and analyze computer systems

Please upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended into your candidate profile, prior to applying for this position. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. Minimum qualifications for this position require a specific degree that demonstrates a concentration of Computer Science and Math courses.

Requirements

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

• Degree must be in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics.
• Related fields (for example, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Physics, or Statistics) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, courses in 4 of the following 6 Computer Science/Math areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); logic and computation; programming methodologies and languages; data structures; and mathematics (calculus or above) or statistics.
• Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: cryptanalysis, computer science, computer network operations, ethical hacking, math, statistics, data science, engineering, programming, or hands on experience in network domains and operating systems.

Qualifications

Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

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: $87,362 - $123,388 (Entry/Developmental)

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.

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).