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The responsibilities of a Cryptanalytic Programmer for our organization vary as we have a very broad mission set. However, at the core of our tradecraft is the ability to perform software reverse engineering and an analytic mindset. We actively pursue analysis of various types of technologies, and formulate hypotheses. The position requires frequent communications between technical and customer organizations as well.
02/06/2025 to 02/16/2025
$104,219 - $151,570 per year
GG 11 - 12
Many vacancies in the following location:
No
No
Not required
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Permanent
Full-time
Competitive
None
No
Yes
1244214
830642400
NSA is a world leader in both the protection and exploitation of intelligence. NSA's mission is to collect and process foreign intelligence to answer critical questions from policy makers, our military, and our national leaders. While very few of the action movies you watch about NSA describe our protect mission, defending US critical infrastructure from attack is extremely important as well. At the end of the day, our job is to keep the Nation safe and informed about potential threats from foreign adversaries.
Cryptanalysis, or codebreaking, is at the heart of NSA. Cryptanalysts monitor, collect, and process encrypted communications from foreign nations who may post a threat to the United States. We perform the cryptanalytic mission on encrypted foreign collection containing bespoke encryption algorithms and strong commercial cryptography. Additionally, cryptanalysts provide solutions to authenticate and enable computer network exploitation of the United States' foreign adversaries. Our outcomes yield the highest impact intelligence and security outcomes for NSA and the Nation.
If you enjoy reverse engineering code and working with low level languages, this may be a great position for you. Cryptanalysis has incredible teams made up of analysts with a multitude of backgrounds, including computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, and more. If you would like to leverage your background and be a part of our exciting mission, apply now!
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Computer Science (CS), Mathematics, or Engineering. Related fields (e.g., Information Technology, Information Systems) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, courses in 4 out of 6 of the following CS/math areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); logic and computation; programming methodologies and languages; data structures; and mathematics (calculus or above) or statistics.
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: $104,219 - $151,570 (Full Performance) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
On the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.
Benefits: NSA offers excellent benefits to include relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, paid personal fitness time, training and continuing education classes, health and life insurance, Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Federal retirement plan.
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).
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The ideal candidate will have 3 year+ experience with low level programming (C, C++, Assembly), as well as:
-Proficiency in C/C++
-Experience with software debugging
-Software reverse engineering tradecraft
-Network protocol analysis
-Operating System/Kernel knowledge
-Vulnerability research
-Cryptography basics
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1244214
To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1244214
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/830642400. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.