Summary NSA's development programs help employees enhance their skills and improve their understanding of a specific discipline. The programs are generally three years long and feature rotational tours throughout the Agency. Designed for entry to mid-level employees, development program participants are afforded the opportunity to receive tailored training, often with a cohort, and multiple assignments across Agency Directorates to develop skills and experience to ground their career at the NSA. Responsibilities Applicants selected for interview as a result of this ad will be invited to attend an in-person interview event. Please apply to this ad only if you are available to attend an in-person interview. NSA's mission requires persistent engagement to anticipate and understand complex threats in real-time, on a global scale. Our Computer Scientists face technical challenges well beyond the wildest imaginations of most people. NSA's Computer Science community creates novel, cutting-edge solutions that advance science and underpin every aspect of our foreign intelligence and cybersecurity missions. Solving these extraordinary problems provides tremendous benefit to our Nation. NSA's development programs help employees enhance their skills and improve their understanding of a specific discipline. The programs are generally three years long and feature rotational tours throughout the Agency. Designed for entry to mid-level employees, development program participants are afforded the opportunity to receive tailored training, often with a cohort, and multiple assignments across Agency Directorates to develop skills and experience to ground their career at the NSA. Applicants will be considered for the Cryptanalytic Computer Network Operations Development Program (C2DP). For additional information on these development programs please visit: www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/nsadevprograms.html For any questions regarding the C2DP, please email C2DP@nsa.gov. As an NSA computer science development program participant your responsibilities may include: - creating analytic applications that scale across multiple, very large, data sets from disparate sources - leveraging and integrating open source, commercial off-the-shelf, and government developed software - analyzing user/customer requirements related to software and/or software system design - building software proto@types - designing, developing, and debugging software applications - troubleshooting and debugging computer code - applying mathematical or computational methods and lines of reasoning to complex software systems - identifying target communications within the global network - designing and optimizing algorithms, data structures, modeling, and analytics to solve real-world scientific problems - solving cryptanalytic, high-performance computing, and computer network problems - leading new advances in computer science, such as: - microprocessor-based advances - beyond the horizon supercomputers - signals processing (including analog control) - user interfaces - deep learning - cybersecurity - design and implementation of encryption - advanced algorithms - detecting, identifying, and evaluating vulnerabilities in cyberspace systems and/or networks - developing software and/or hardware exploitation capabilities that enable collection of foreign intelligence from target networks and systems - analyzing sophisticated malware to thwart cyber-attacks and identify new threats - developing methods and applications for tools to exploit and analyze computer systems ** 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 specific degree that demonstrates a concentration of at least one programming course and four upper-level mathematics courses (Calculus and above). Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics (including Applied Math); or a related field (e.g., other Engineering or Math) with at least one programming and at least four upper-level math classes (Calculus and above). Relevant experience must be in a computer science area (i.e., theoretical or applied), designing/developing/using/evaluating mathematic models, methods, and/or techniques (e.g., algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems, engineering (electrical or computer), cryptanalysis, computer network operations and/or high performance computing. ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. An Associate's degree plus 2 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, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics (including Applied Math); or a related field (e.g., other Engineering or Math) with at least one programming and at least four upper-level math classes (Calculus and above). 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: $87,362 - $123,388 (Entry/Developmental) 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.
