Software Engineer - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

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

About the role

NSA is seeking experienced Software Engineers to advance high-impact systems and teams. Tools and technologies used evolve quickly, with systems and responsibilities spanning the full spectrum. Your work will protect the nation by providing U.S. policy and decision makers with critical, timely intelligence, thwarting foreign adversaries, and defending vital networks.

As a Software Engineer at NSA, you can focus on virtually any area of computer science including cybersecurity, high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing research, data analytics, machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), cryptology/cryptography, complex algorithms, large-scale platform development, and many others. The sheer breadth of technologies NSA uses provides countless opportunities for broadening your expertise and leadership growth.

Responsibilities

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
• Microservices, Ansible, clusters, digital forensics, incident response, quantum

Beyond technical skills, we need strong critical thinkers, collaborators, independent self-starters, continuous learners, and flexible contributors.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of computer science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas. Unofficial transcripts from all schools attended must be uploaded prior to applying.

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
• 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.

Qualifications

Full Performance entry is with a Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, 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, 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.

Skills

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 are preferred. The ideal candidate will have specialized skills or interest in one or more of the following:

• Strong background in advanced mathematics (i.e., number theory, abstract algebra, linear algebra, probability theory, and discrete mathematics)
• Solid grasp of data structures, 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, and good interpersonal skills
• Prior Intelligence Community experience preferred

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 varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

Salary Range: $105,262 - $192,764 (Full Performance, Senior). 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).