Software Engineer - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

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

• Engage in the full software development lifecycle: requirements analysis, software design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance.
• Work with a wide range of tools and technologies, including but not limited to:
  • Languages: COBOL, C/C++, Java, Python, Rust
  • Frameworks & platforms: Angular, React, PIG Analytics, PySpark, cloud computing (AWS), Linux (VMWare), ElasticSearch
  • Methodologies: Agile development, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), microservices
  • Infrastructure: Containers and Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible, clusters
  • Security & forensics: Digital forensics, incident response, quantum computing, cryptography (symmetric/asymmetric, hash functions, encryption, digital signatures, key exchange), protocols (TLS/SSL), Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), intrusion detection systems (IDS), vulnerability assessment tools
  • Standards & libraries: Cryptographic libraries, APIs, NIST, ISO 27001, OWASP guidelines
• Apply strong critical thinking, collaboration, and independent problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate flexibility, continuous learning, and adaptability in a fast-evolving technical environment.

Requirements

Please upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts from all schools attended prior to applying. Minimum qualifications require a degree demonstrating a concentration of computer science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.

• Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Software Engineering. Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics) may be considered if the program includes a concentration of courses in:
  • Algorithms
  • Computer architecture (not network architecture)
  • Programming methodologies and languages
  • Data structures
  • Logic and computation
  • Advanced mathematics (e.g., calculus, discrete mathematics)
• Relevant experience must be in the software development process and programming.

Qualifications

• Full Performance (GG-11/1 to 13/1):
  • 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.
  • Associate’s degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth, clearly related experience.
• Senior (GG-14/10):
  • 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.
  • Associate’s degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth, clearly related experience.

Skills

• Strong background in advanced mathematics (e.g., number theory, abstract algebra, linear algebra, probability theory, discrete mathematics).
• Solid grasp of data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and computer architecture.
• Proficiency in languages such as C/C++, Python, and Java.
• Experience with industry tools and platforms, including Docker, AWS, GitLab, open-source contributions (see code.nsa.gov), and databases (relational and non-relational).
• Preferred: Experience with COBOL or IBM mainframe.
• Teamwork, leadership, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Prior Intelligence Community experience preferred.

Pay

Salary offers are based on candidates' education level, years of relevant experience, and information provided by the hiring manager regarding the work level for the position. Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience.

• Full Performance: $105,262 – $164,102
• Senior: $130,161 – $192,764

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). Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.