Digital Network Exploitation Analyst - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD – GG pay plan, grades 11/1 to 14/10. Open: 2026-08-10, Close: 2026-08-23.

About the role

As a Digital Network Exploitation Analyst at NSA, you will use your computer science skills to analyze and exploit foreign adversaries’ digital networks and communications. You will play a critical role in NSA’s cybersecurity and intelligence operations by providing an understanding of the threat landscape and identifying vulnerabilities within these networks.

Watch an overview video.

Please upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts from all schools attended prior to applying. The minimum qualifications require a degree demonstrating a concentration of courses in foundational Computer Science and mathematics.

Responsibilities

• Perform discovery and target technology analysis of digital networks and mobile communications.
• Conduct analysis of metadata.
• Conduct target analysis and research.
• Identify target communications within the global network.
• Perform global network analysis and mapping.
• Use knowledge of customer requirements to analyze and process intelligence information.
• Perform exploitation and operations on target networks.

Qualifications

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

Degree: Must be in Computer Science. Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Information Technology or Systems, Cybersecurity, Information Assurance or Security, Networking and Telecommunications) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following: algorithms; computer architecture or network architecture; data structures; logic and computation; and mathematics (e.g., algebra, calculus, or discrete mathematics).

Relevant experience: Must be in computer or information systems design/development/analysis. Additional relevant experience may include engineering hardware and/or software, programming, computer/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, cybersecurity, systems engineering, and/or network and system administration. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis Course) will be considered toward the relevant experience requirement (e.g., the 24-week JCAC course counts as 6 months of experience).

Full Performance

• Entry with a Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or
• Master’s degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or
• Doctoral degree and no experience.
• An Associate’s degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience clearly related to the position.

Senior

• Entry with a Bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or
• Master’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or
• 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 clearly related to the position.

Skills

The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills, and is:

• Flexible
• Able to communicate effectively
• Able to collaborate with others

Specialized skills and experience in one or more of the following is desired:

• Knowledge of network protocols (especially TCP/IP, VOIP, wireless protocols)
• Understanding of internet, WAN, and LAN
• Vulnerability analysis
• Programming experience (preferably in C, C++, Java, Assembly, or Python)

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. 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 a basic 8-hour/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

If selected, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period (one year for veterans’ preference-eligible employees). Before finalizing your appointment, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest based on factors such as performance, conduct, and the Agency’s needs.