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System Vulnerability Analyst - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

Department of Defense
National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Summary

System Vulnerability Analysts (Network Cyber Mitigations Engineers) analyze vulnerabilities and develop mitigations to strengthen defenses. They produce formal and informal reports, briefings, and guidance to defend against attacks against network infrastructure devices or systems. NSA analysts' competencies run the gamut of data transport possibilities.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 06/07/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 7, 2026
Location
many vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$87,362 - $153,082 per year
Pay scale & grade
GG 7 - 12
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
1258378
Control number
871163800

Videos

Duties

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Are you an emerging network professional who wants to work our nation's tough cybersecurity problems? Do you enjoy deeply technical, hands-on work? Do you want to identify vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices and then figure out how to deal with them? Are you looking to make an impact in cybersecurity and advance your career while enjoying the outstanding benefits of federal service?

System Vulnerability Analysts (Network Cyber Mitigations Engineers) at NSA have the opportunity to work in the following areas:

- Wired and wireless network security
- Vulnerability discovery and analysis
- Scalable mitigations development
- Perimeter/boundary defense
- Collaboration platforms, such as VoIP and VTC systems
- Mobile network security
- Tailored security solutions
- Reverse engineering
- Researching emerging network industry technologies and solutions
- Control system security
- Malware analysis
- Researching emerging network industry technologies and solutions
- Ensuring adequacy of cybersecurity standards and configurations
- Fusing vulnerability assessments from all sources into a unified picture of network risk

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.

Qualifications

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. An Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.

FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or 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.

Education

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Computer Science or a related field (e.g., General Engineering Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Forensics, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Information Assurance, and Information Security).

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following areas: computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, or information assurance. Network and/or system administration may account for some, but not all, of the required experience. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course), Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT), Network Warfare Bridge Course (NWBC)/Intermediate Network Warfare Training (INWT), Cyber Defense Operations will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 20-24 weeks course will count as 6 months of experience, 10-14 weeks will count as 3 months of experience).

Additional information

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 - $153,082 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance) 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.

Work 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).

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We're looking for entry-level professionals who possess strong problem solving, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills; and have knowledge or experience in the following areas:

- Defending against and/or mitigating system vulnerabilities related to network infrastructure devices and boundary defense
- Network device operating systems, functionality and configuration
- Network architecture and protocols
- Port, protocol and services analysis
- Network traffic analysis
- Vulnerability detection, analysis and mitigations development
- Reverse engineering
- Fuzzing and penetration testing
- Scripting languages
- Software defined networking
- Cellular technology, including 5G - Authentication mechanisms
- Upper-level Math
- Programming Language such as C/C++, Python, Assembly
- Cloud Computing
- Operating Systems Internals
- Software Algorithms

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Agency contact information

NSA POC

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at National Security Agency/Central Security Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.nsa.gov/careers/

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