What are the responsibilities and job description for the Digital Network Exploitation Analyst position at US National Security Agency/Central Security Service?
Summary
NSA is in search of Computer Science professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to storing, manipulating, and presenting information. Apply your computer science expertise to projects that seek to create new standards for the transformation of information. If you want to develop technologies and tools and be a part of cutting edge innovations, join our team of experts
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Duties
The need to maintain our core Computer Science group is vital to provide the technical capabilities necessary to successfully execute NSA's mission. The increased complexity of supporting NSA's mission requires world class researchers, programmers, and developers who operate in teams in areas such as software engineering, information technology infrastructure, high performance computing, data science, architectures, computer security, and networking in order to design and develop advanced tools, techniques, and systems.
Digital Network Exploitation Analysts employ computer science skills to perform discovery and target technology analysis of digital network and mobile communications.
Digital Network Exploitation Analysts are hired into positions directly supporting a technical mission office or an Agency Development Program. The Digital Network Exploitation Analyst (DNEA) Development Program (DDP) is a 3 year program that combines formal training (i.e., SIGINT, discovery/analysis, and advanced cyber security) and wide-ranging work assignments.
As a Digital Network Exploitation Analyst at the NSA, responsibilities may include:
- conducting analysis of metadata
- conducting target analysis and research
- identifying target communications within the global network
- performing global network analysis and mapping
- using knowledge of customer requirements to analyze and process intelligence information
- performing exploitation and operations on target networks
Please attach a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended when applying for this position. Providing a copy of your transcripts is essential since the minimum qualifications for this position require a specific degree that demonstrates a concentration of courses in foundational Computer Science (CS) area as well as mathematics.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 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). Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Information Technology or Systems, Cybersecurity, Information Assurance or Security, Networking and Telecommunications) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following: algorithms; computer architecture or network architecture; data structures; logic and computation; and mathematics (for example, algebra, calculus, or discrete mathematics).
Relevant experience must be in computer or information systems design/development/analysis. In addition, relevant experience may also include engineering hardware and/or software, programming, computer/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, cybersecurity, systems engineering and/or network and system administration. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course) will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 24-week JCAC course will count as 6 months of experience).
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 must be in Computer Science (CS). Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Information Technology or Systems, Cybersecurity, Information Assurance or Security, Networking and Telecommunications) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following: algorithms; computer architecture or network architecture; data structures; logic and computation; and mathematics (for example, algebra, calculus, or discrete mathematics).
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).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
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.
Benefits
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.
The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic and interpersonal skills who is:
- flexible
- able to communicate effectively
- able to collaborate with others
Specialized skills and experience in one or more of the following is desired:
- Knowledge of network protocols (especially TCP/IP, VOIP, wireless protocols)
- Understanding of Internet
- Understanding of WAN and LAN
- Vulnerability analysis
- Programming experience (prefer one or more of the following: C, C , Java, Assembly, Python)
Required Documents
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 , 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:
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.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit:
Agency contact information
NSA POC
Phone
Address
NSA External Hiring
9800 Savage Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755
US
Next steps
To apply, please visit:
Overview
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
12/30/2025 to 01/11/2026
Salary
$104,219 to - $190,848 per year
Pay scale & grade
GG
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Fort Meade, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
- 0132 Intelligence
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
- National security
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
1252375
Control number
Salary : $104,219 - $190,848