As an established Software Engineer, NSA has an opportunity for you to contribute, learn, and grow in virtually any Computer Science focus area, including: Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing (HPC), Quantum Computing Research, Data Analytics, Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI), Cryptology/Cryptography, and countless others. If it is considered Computer Science, chances are good we have at least one team focused on it. Individual opportunities are too numerous to list.
Summary
As an established Software Engineer, NSA has an opportunity for you to contribute, learn, and grow in virtually any Computer Science focus area, including: Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing (HPC), Quantum Computing Research, Data Analytics, Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI), Cryptology/Cryptography, and countless others. If it is considered Computer Science, chances are good we have at least one team focused on it. Individual opportunities are too numerous to list.
NSA is seeking experienced Software Engineers to advance a number of high impact systems and teams. Opportunities change constantly, but recent needs include: large scale platform development (hardware and software, HPC, cloud); accessibility development (508 compliance); AI/ML; complex algorithms and cryptography.
As a Software Engineer at NSA, your work makes the world a safer place in countless ways including: saving lives of U.S. and allied soldiers; providing U.S. policy and decision makers with critical, timely intelligence; ensuring the continued safety of U.S. citizens and residents by thwarting foreign adversaries; and defending vital networks.
The Agency offers a work/life balance that is hard to beat, with flexible work schedules, generous leave policies, and a number of continuing education programs to help meet your long term career goals. The sheer breadth of technologies supported provides endless opportunity for broadening expertise and leadership growth.
Tools and technologies used evolve quickly, with systems and responsibilities spanning the full spectrum. More common tools and areas of interest include: 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, micro services, Ansible, clusters, digital forensics, incident response, quantum, and so much more. Beyond technical skills, we also need strong critical thinkers, collaborators, independent self-starters, continuous learners and flexible contributors. We look forward to hearing from you - what excites you and where you think you can make the most impact.
*We strongly encourage you to upload transcripts as you apply, for qualification verification.*
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
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 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; and 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.
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.
SENIOR
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience or 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.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree in Cyber Security, Information Assurance or related field is preferred, but a degree in any field is acceptable.
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: $104,219 - $190,848 (Full Performance, Senior) 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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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, Kubernetes, AWS, GitLab, Atlassian Suite, Open Source (see code.nsa.gov for examples of NSA contribution, like Ghidra, Apache Accumulo, and Apache Nifi), Databases (both relational and non-relational), various languages (Java, C, C++, Python, etc.).
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
