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F oster Research and Drive Technological Change
Use your technical knowledge and expertise to contribute to the security of our Nation. As a Computer/Electrical Engineer or Computer Scientist at NSA, you will have the opportunity to drive innovation and solve challenges not found in the private sector.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
NSA's systems environment is a haven for Computer Scientists, with vast networks able to manipulate and analyze huge volumes of data at mind-boggling speeds.
In Computer Science, your time is spent solving problems, testing approaches, and researching solutions. With NSA, you have the opportunity to maximize your knowledge, skills, initiative, and your ability to learn and be imaginative.
Career Paths in Computer Science
Our computer scientists work in two major categories: development and support. Within these two categories, a multitude of jobs are available with NSA:
- Computer Network Operations
- Information Systems Security
- Vulnerability Discovery
- Information Assurance
- Project Management
- Database Management
- Telecommunications
- Real-time Interfaces
- Information Resource Management
- Object-oriented Programming
- Executive Support
- Graphics
- Web Design
Technical Skills for Computer Science
As a Computer Scientist at NSA, you can apply your skills to solve the Nation's most difficult Information Assurance and Signals Intelligence challenges. Click on the sections below and discover just some of the many things you may work on.
INFORMATION ASSURANCE
| Network |
| Vulnerability Analysis |
| Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) |
| Security Testing/Red Teaming |
| Firewalls |
| Intrusion Detection |
Security Software Design/Development
(object oriented programming: C++/JAVA) |
| Security Hardware Design/Development |
| Customer Support |
| Defense Information Operations (DIO) |
| Special Processing Laboratory (SPL) |
| Microelectronics Research Laboratory (MRL) |
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RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
| Mathematics Research |
Information Assurance Research
Cryptology Research
Secure Network Technology
Biometrics
Intrusion Detection
Wireless Security
High Speed Networking Security
Secure Systems Research
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Laboratory for Physical Sciences
Electronics Research
Physics Research
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| Laboratory for Telecommunications Sciences |
SIGINT Research
Scientific Linguists
Algorithm Research and Development
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| Information Technology Infrastructure Services (ITIS) |
Software Development
(object oriented programming - C++/JAVA) |
| Database Management Systems |
| Supercomputing |
| NSA Internal Infrastructure |
| NSA Operational Computer Security |
| Enterprise Software |
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SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE
Traditional Communications
RF
Telephony
Wireless
Fiber Optics
Digital Signals Processing (DSP)
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Digital Design ("build what we can't buy")
Systems
Board
Chip Level
ASICs
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Software Design/Development
(object oriented programming - C++/JAVA) |
Hardware Design/Development
Information Operations
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INTELLIGENCE ACQUISITION
| Special Hardware |
| Network Technologies |
| Voice Technologies |
| System Engineering |
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COMPUTER/ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
NSA offers some of the world's most demanding and exhilarating high-tech engineering challenges. Our entry-level engineers work with teams, following a project from beginning through completion. This means you'll be involved in multiple stages of the project, including requirements analysis, design, simulation, experimentation, benchwork, prototype development and testing, manufacturing, and, possibly, field work. You'll be part of a multidisciplinary team made up of Engineers, Computer Scientists, Mathematicians, Analysts, Contractors, and other project members.
Career Paths in Computer/Electrical Engineering
- Design of special-purpose computers and antenna systems
- Pattern recognition technologies
- Signals analysis
- Optics
- Design, development, and testing of electronic communications
You may also be working in our microelectronics fabrication facility, including a 20,000-square-foot "Class 10" clean room. In this setting, you will be performing such tasks as electron beam maskmaking and "direct write" wafer lithography.
Our Dual Track system affords you the opportunity to choose to expand your technical prowess or move toward a management role within NSA.
Technical Skills for Computer/Electrical Engineering
The following technical skills are needed throughout NSA:
Network Engineering - Design/Analysis of LANs/WANs, Routers, Switches, Firewalls, Protocol
Software Engineering - JAVA, C++, XML, HTML, Web Applications, Object Oriented Analysis and Design, Rapid Prototyping, Algorithm Development
Communications - Digital and Analog, Fixed and Mobile Wireless, Satellite, Antenna Design
Systems Engineering - End-to-End Realtime Operating Systems, Signals Processing, VHDL/Hardware Development
Microelectronics - VHDL, FPGA, Microelectronic Manufacturing and Testing (MCM, SOC), Electronic Packaging, VLSI
As a Computer/Electrical Engineer at NSA, you can apply your skills in a variety of ways. Click on the sections below and discover just some of the many things you may work on.
INFORMATION ASSURANCE
| Network |
| Vulnerability Analysis |
| Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) |
| Security Testing/Red Teaming |
| Firewalls |
| Intrusion Detection |
Security Software Design/Development
(object oriented programming: C++/JAVA) |
| Security Hardware Design/Development |
| Customer Support |
| Defense Information Operations (DIO) |
| Special Processing Laboratory (SPL) |
| Microelectronics Research Laboratory (MRL) |
|
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
| Mathematics Research |
Information Assurance Research
Cryptology Research
Secure Network Technology
Biometrics
Intrusion Detection
Wireless Security
High Speed Networking Security
Secure Systems Research
|
Laboratory for Physical Sciences
Electronics Research
Physics Research
|
| Laboratory for Telecommunications Sciences |
SIGINT Research
Scientific Linguists
Algorithm Research and Development
|
| Information Technology Infrastructure Services (ITIS) |
Software Development
(object oriented programming - C++/JAVA) |
| Database Management Systems |
| Supercomputing |
| NSA Internal Infrastructure |
| NSA Operational Computer Security |
| Enterprise Software |
|
SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE
Traditional Communications
RF
Telephony
Wireless
Fiber Optics
Digital Signals Processing (DSP)
|
Digital Design ("build what we can't buy")
Systems
Board
Chip Level
ASICs
|
Software Design/Development
(object oriented programming - C++/JAVA) |
Hardware Design/Development
Information Operations
|
|
INTELLIGENCE ACQUISITION
| Special Hardware |
| Network Technologies |
| Voice Technologies |
| System Engineering |
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Computer Science Development Program
The Computer Science Development Program (CDP) provides a tremendous opportunity for entry-level Computer Scientists to work full-time with world-class technical leaders to develop their skills while earning a salary. Your work in the program will help the agency achieve both our defensive and offensive missions in cyberspace.
About the Program
To advance the development of Computer Science, The National Security Agency (NSA) has created a new Computer Science Development Program (CDP) and is seeking to hire full-time, talented computer scientists to participate. Participants of this three-year program will have rotational operational assignments, and lab/classroom training, which will enable them to understand the breadth of computer science disciplines including computer network operations, architecture and systems, knowledge discovery, and information technology infrastructure, as well as depth of knowledge in one of these disciplines. The CDP participants will work in teams with each other and with NSA technical leaders to solve current and future challenging (either due to size, complexity or both) computer system problems.
By working in the CDP program, you will earn a salary and once the program is complete, you will be able to choose from various computer science positions available within NSA.
Program Requirements
Participants of the CDP will be required to perform the following during the course of completing their three-year program:
- Classroom/Lab Training - This consists of a prescribed set of required courses with and without lab training.
- Communication - Technical reports, monthly notes, and monthly meetings are required for all CDP participants.
- On-the-Job-Training - Operational tours round out the training development.
Salary and Benefits
NSA offers an incredible benefits package, competitive salary, and flexible work hours.
Qualifications
Ideal candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in Computer Science (master's or Ph.D. graduates will also be considered) and have coursework and/or experience with most of the following:
- Operating Systems
- Compiler Theory
- Algorithm Analysis
- Computer Architecture
- Programming Language Theory
- Data Structures
- Math (as required for above coursework)
- Demonstrated examples of problem solving, leadership, and teaming
To be considered for the CDP, you must submit all educational transcripts and at least two letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with your technical work.
How to Apply
NSA has a rigorous application process for all applicants. All applicants must submit a resume to NSA using our online application system. If your qualifications meet our needs for a specific career opportunity, you will be contacted by an NSA recruiter.
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. A security clearance must be granted prior to employment and you will be required to undergo extensive pre-employment processing. This includes: aptitude testing, an interview with a psychologist, a security interview conducted with the aid of a polygraph, and a personnel interview. The final stage of the processing will be the successful completion of a background investigation.
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