Software Engineer - 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

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.

Beyond technical skills, we need strong critical thinkers, collaborators, independent self-starters, continuous learners, and flexible contributors. We look forward to hearing from 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 acceptable at this stage. Minimum qualifications require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of computer science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.

Responsibilities

• Engage in the full software development lifecycle: requirements analysis, software design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance
• Work with a wide array of tools and technologies, including but not limited to:
  • Languages: COBOL, C/C++, Java, Python, Rust
  • Frameworks & Libraries: Angular, React, PIG Analytics, Pyspark
  • Platforms & Environments: cloud computing, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux (VMWare), ElasticSearch
  • Methodologies: agile development, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), containers (Docker), Kubernetes, microservices, Ansible
  • Domains: digital forensics, incident response, quantum computing, clusters
• Apply industry norms such as Docker, AWS, GitLab, open-source contributions (see code.nsa.gov), relational and non-relational databases
• Collaborate across teams and disciplines to solve complex, mission-critical problems

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 if the program includes a concentration of foundational CS 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.
• Experience Levels:
  • Full Performance: Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or Doctoral degree with no experience. An Associate’s degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth, clearly related experience.
  • Senior: 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, 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
• Knowledge of cryptography, including:
  • Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography
  • Hash functions, encryption, digital signatures, and key exchange
  • Protocols like TLS/SSL and network security principles
• Familiarity with:
  • Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and secure cloud platforms
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), intrusion detection systems (IDS), and vulnerability assessment tools
  • Cryptographic libraries, APIs, and security standards (NIST, ISO 27001, OWASP guidelines)
• Experience with COBOL or IBM mainframe is preferred
• Soft skills: teamwork, leadership, strong interpersonal skills, critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability
• Prior Intelligence Community experience is 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 to Senior: $105,262 – $192,764

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