The United States has experienced profound changes that impact the way the National Security Agency (NSA) conducts its mission. The explosion of Internet communications has created a need for the Computer Network Operations (CNO) mission. This very important mission includes computer network defense and computer network exploitation. In order to carry out these functions NSA is looking for IT Security Professionals who are highly skilled, want to stay on the leading edge of technology and impassioned about ensuring the United States maintains a strategic edge in cyberspace. These are NOT your average Cyber, Computer Science, Networking, or Engineering jobs!
NSA is in search of top-notch certified cyber professionals with technical expertise and driving desire at the forefront of their field. We have positions in penetration testing, defensive operations, identifying cyber threats and vulnerabilities and building defensive capabilities, designing, developing, deploying, sustaining and monitoring state-of-the-art network solutions (WAN, CAN, LAN, DCN and Satellite communications networks) that are deployed across NSA worldwide. Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of cyber professionals!
The United States has experienced profound changes that impact the way the National Security Agency (NSA) conducts its mission. The explosion of Internet communications has created a need for the Computer Network Operations (CNO) mission. This very important mission includes computer network defense and computer network exploitation. In order to carry out these functions NSA is looking for IT Security Professionals who are highly skilled, want to stay on the leading edge of technology and impassioned about ensuring the United States maintains a strategic edge in cyberspace. These are NOT your average Cyber, Computer Science, Networking, or Engineering jobs!
NSA is in search of top-notch certified cyber professionals with technical expertise and driving desire at the forefront of their field. We have positions in penetration testing, defensive operations, identifying cyber threats and vulnerabilities and building defensive capabilities, designing, developing, deploying, sustaining and monitoring state-of-the-art network solutions (WAN, CAN, LAN, DCN and Satellite communications networks) that are deployed across NSA worldwide. Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of cyber professionals!
The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal: to protect our nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information.
On the offensive side of the NSA mission you will:
- Execute computer network operations against foreign adversaries' information systems and networks
- Use advanced software applications for network navigation, tactical forensic analysis, and collection of valuable intelligence information
- Research and implement solution sets to influence and enhance network offensive posture.
On the defensive side of the NSA mission, as part of the Red Team, you will:
- Execute computer network operations against official US government organizations worldwide for the purpose of strengthening information system security
- Identify intrusions and vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies and techniques to secure networks
- Identify, analyze and develop defensive measures to thwart advanced, state-sponsored intrusions of DoD and Federal Government networks around the world
- Conduct and support Computer Network Operations to interactively search for Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) and Indicators of Compromise (IOC) using enhanced data collection and analysis methods
- Use advanced software applications for network navigation, perform tactical forensic analysis and collect valuable network data to proactively identify and characterize adversarial activity.
Cyber Networking Certification (Apprentice, Journeyman, or Master) is required.
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.
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/diversity-and-inclusion.
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: $102,477 - $187,662 (Full Performance, Senior)
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: Applicants should be aware that some of these jobs support 24/7 operations based on mission requirements and shift schedules may vary to include night shift.
The ideal candidate is someone with solid decision making and problem solving skills, ability to react quickly, and technical proficiency in several of the following areas:
- Operating systems fundamentals (Windows and/or Unix/Linux)
- System administration (Windows and/or Unix/Linux)
- Network administration
- Network traffic analysis
- Penetration testing
- Network security
- Incident response
- Computer and network forensics
- Vulnerability and malware analysis
- Low level protocol and packet analysis
- Scripting and/or programming languages
This position is well-suited for individuals who enjoy visiting network security websites, attending conferences such as Black Hat / DEFCON, setting up and maintaining their own network or competing in Capture the Flag events.

About the Company:
National Security Agency (NSA)

There is a Place for You at NSA

Whatever expertise you bring to our team at the National Security Agency, your unique skills will play a role in protecting our families, friends, communities, service members, and ultimately, the nation.

All Roles are Mission Critical

NSA’s SIGINT mission collects intelligence about our foreign adversaries. Our cybersecurity mission safeguards critical U.S. information. Both of these duties demand a team of technical experts as well as business and HR professionals, linguists, intelligence analysts, communications specialists and more. We have career opportunities in 17 different fields, so there is truly something for everyone.

When You Take Care of the Nation, The Nation Takes Care of You

NSA supports its diverse workforce through benefits and opportunities that foster both work-life balance and career development. Along with a fantastic federal benefits package and a generous amount of paid time off, we also offer flexible schedules, relocation assistance, robust well-being services and countless opportunities to advance your career through training and mentorship.

There is Job Security in Protecting National Security

NSA’s work isn’t subject to market volatility or economic downturns. The threats to our nation never stop ­– and neither do we.

Visit IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA to learn about our mission and how you can have a rewarding career that safeguards the country’s future ­– and your own.

Company Size:
10,000 employees or more

Industry:
Government and Military

Founded:
1952

Website:
https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/