Demo

Security Investigator - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

US National Security Agency/Central Security...
Fort Meade, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 4/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/3/2026

Summary

Security Investigators conduct general investigations; investigations to address personnel security suitability or investigations with any counterintelligence and counterterrorism nexus.

Learn more about this agency


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

Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Duties

Security and Counterintelligence is responsible for the protection of NSA/CSS's information, people and facilities worldwide.

Security Investigators are required to successfully complete the NSA Security Investigator Training Program. After successfully completing training, the responsibilities of a Security Investigator include:

  • Applying techniques of interviewing, elicitation, debriefing, and/or interrogation in a systematic manner
  • Completing detailed, concise and accurate reports that encapsulate the information developed during the course of an investigation
  • Conducting counterintelligence or security inspections/investigations or security audits to resolve problems, clarify suspicious activities, and ensure compliance with security regulations
  • Creating a product based on analysis of security and/or counterintelligence data
  • Maintaining liaison with local, state and federal law enforcement and investigative agencies for the purpose of coordinating matters of mutual interest

All Security Investigators are required to:

  • Have a valid driver's license and operate a motor vehicle on a daily basis
  • Successfully complete all phases of the NSA/CSS Special Agent's Course/Security Investigator Training.
  • Maintain working knowledge of Agency Policies and Regulations
  • Perform physical and potentially strenuous activities to include standing, walking, or kneeling for long periods under all weather conditions


Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • 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.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

A degree in any field is acceptable.

Relevant experience must include one or more of the following: security, law enforcement, behavioral science, investigations, or a related field. Experience must also include gathering, analyzing, or synthesizing information.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or 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.

Education

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

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: $57,736 - $133,142 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance)
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. Required start time between 6:00-7:30 a.m.

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 has a desire for continual learning with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills who is:

  • Able to work autonomously, and in a team and/or classroom environment
  • Well-organized and able to handle multiple assignments
  • Able to handle and adapt to constructive feedback
  • A strong written and oral communicator
  • Able to deal with conflict or difficult situations and topics
  • Mature and professional in their demeanor and appearance
  • Degree in the following fields are preferred, but a degree in any filed is acceptable: Analysis, Behavioral Science, Communications, Criminology, International Studies, Finance, Law Enforcement, Political Science, and Psychology

The following knowledge and experience is preferred:

  • Ability to gather data through interviews
  • Investigation, inspection or auditing experience
  • Writing detailed, concise and accurate reports of information
  • Conducting analysis (ex: financial, research, intelligence)
  • Information security/assurance

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 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:

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: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1255918


Agency contact information

NSA POC
Phone
1-844-424-4737
Email
intelcareers@nsa.gov
Address
NSA External Hiring
9800 Savage Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755
US

Next steps

To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1255918


Overview

Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/02/2026 to 04/03/2026
Salary
$57,736 - $133,142 per year
Pay scale & grade
GG 7 - 12
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
1255918
Control number
863608000

Salary : $57,736 - $133,142

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at US National Security Agency/Central Security...

  • US National Security Agency/Central Security... Fort Meade, MD
  • Summary NSA is in need of skilled/experienced Facilities and Logistics professionals. Learn more about this agency This job is open to The public U.S. Citi... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • US National Security Agency/Central Security... Gordon, GA
  • Summary NSA is in need of skilled/experienced Facilities and Logistics professionals. Learn more about this agency This job is open to The public U.S. Citi... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • US National Security Agency/Central Security... Fort Meade, MD
  • Summary NSA is in search of Computer Science professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to storing, man... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • US National Security Agency/Central Security... Aurora, CO
  • Summary Join the agency's exciting Intelligence Analysis mission, using your skills in research, analysis, reporting, and telecommunications to help protec... more
  • 13 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Security Investigator - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland) jobs in the Fort Meade, MD area that may be a better fit.

  • US National Security Agency/Central Security... Fort Meade, MD
  • Summary NSA is in need of skilled/experienced Facilities and Logistics professionals. Learn more about this agency This job is open to The public U.S. Citi... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • US National Security Agency/Central Security... Fort Meade, MD
  • Summary NSA is in search of Crypto Material Controllers to manage the receiving, storing, inventorying, packing, shipping, and destruction of communication... more
  • 7 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!