Software Engineer - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

As a Software Engineer, NSA has opportunities 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, so tell us what you want to do and let's talk!

• Please upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended, prior to applying for this position. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. Providing a copy of your transcripts is essential since the minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of Computer Science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.** 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. 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: COBOL, 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.

• Please upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended, prior to applying for this position. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. Providing a copy of your transcripts is essential since the minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of Computer Science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.** 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, AWS, GitLab, Open Source (see code.nsa.gov for examples of NSA contribution), Databases (both relational and non-relational), various languages (Java, C, C , Python, etc.).

Candidates With Experience In COBOL Or IBM Mainframe Preferred.

The ideal candidate will reflect specialized skill or interest in one or more of the following skills/technologies:

• Strong background in advanced mathematics (i.e. number theory, abstract algebra, linear algebra, probability theory, and discrete mathematics)
• Solid grasp of data structure, algorithms, operating systems, and computer architecture.
• Proficiency in languages like C/C , Python, and Java.
• Knowledge of both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, including hash functions, encryption, digital signatures, and key exchange.
• Familiarity with protocols like TLS/SSL and network security principles for secure communications.
• Understanding of hardware security modules (HSMs) and other secure computing (cloud) platforms.
• Familiarity with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), intrusion detection systems (IDS), and vulnerability assessment tools.
• Knowledge using cryptographic libraries, APIs and adherence to security standards (NIST, ISO 27001, and OWASP guidelines).
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Good Interpersonal Skills
• Prior IC experience preferred