Requirements The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal to protect our nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information. 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, reverse 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. Description of Position Computer Scientists design, develop, deliver, andor operate solutions to hard computer science problems within a scientific framework. The solutions may arise in the forms of forensics and attack attribution, protection of critical networks, active systems warnings and indicators, active penetration into target systems, knowledge discovery of passive and active systems, or other computer science mission support. Computer Scientists are hired into positions directly supporting a research office, technical mission office or the Computer Science Development Program (CDP). The CDP is a 3 year development program designed to produce professional level Computer Scientists through an intensive, structured program of formal training courses and diverse work assignments. The purpose of the Computer Science Development Program (CDP) is to develop a network of computer science professionals prepared to discover, design, develop, deliver, and operate solutions to hard computer science problems throughout NSA. Highly qualified early career computer scientists are provided opportunities for career broadening assignments and systematic development of knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to excel in the computer science skill field at NSA. Successful graduates of the program are expected to be agents of change in the Agency's adaptation to rapidly emerging and evolving technology in its mission space and in its approach to information technology management. As a Computer Scientist, other responsibilities may include -using principles, techniques, procedures, and tools to architect and facilitate the development of hardware solutions -applying software engineering principles to design andor develop software applications -developing methods and applications for tools to exploit and analyze computer systems and network vulnerabilities -designing and optimizing algorithms, data structures, modeling, and analytics to solve real-world scientific problems Skills The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic and interpersonal skills who is able to -work in a team environment -communicate effectively -handle multiple assignments -synthesize information to solve complex problems- -apply knowledge data structures and algorithms to software engineering problems -develop, diagnose, andor operate complex computer systems Specialized skills and experience in one or more of the following is required -Programming (low level, high level, parallel) -Computer systems research -Simulationmodel development and prototyping -Software engineering -Hardware engineering -Computational science -Algorithm analysis and design -Reverse engineering Qualifications null How To Apply To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from noreplyintelligencecareers.gov. Please attach an unofficial copy of your transcripts when applying for this position. Providing a copy of your transcripts is especially critical since the minimum qualifications for this position require a CSCE degree OR a degree that demonstrates a concentration of CS coursework. For example, degrees in Computer Networking, Information Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Information Security, Information Assurance, Cyber Security, and Digital Forensics MAY be considered for this position IF your courseworktranscripts demonstrate a concentration of CS coursework. Foundational CS coursework includes the following courses Computer Architecture, Programming Languages, Data Structures, and Algorithms. PLEASE NOTE US Citizenship is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. 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. This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 USC 1601. 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 USC, you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility. Please note that you may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the screening process of your application and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to elaborate on experiences in your resume. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be contacted to begin employment processing. Please Note Job Posting could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants or position no longer available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. DCIPS 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.