Development Program / Software Engineer - Entry Level (Maryland)

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

$87K — $123K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering; related fields accepted with specific coursework
  • Minimum understanding of algorithms, computer architecture, programming methodologies, data structures, logic and computation, and advanced mathematics
  • Relevant experience in the software development life cycle including analysis, design, testing, and maintenance
  • Entry-level candidates without experience or those with an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience considered
  • Capability in programming and software deployment processes

Responsibilities

  • Engage in high-impact systems and teams for large-scale platform development
  • Develop solutions for accessibility and compliance with 508 standards
  • Design and implement AI and machine learning algorithms
  • Work on complex algorithms and cryptography projects
  • Contribute to open source solutions and publish technical research

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package common to federal employment
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Generous leave policies
  • Continuing education programs to support career growth
  • Work-life balance with standard full-time hours between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Full Job Description
Summary

As a new Software Engineer, NSA has opportunities for you to contribute, learn, and grow in virtually any Computer Science focus area, including: Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing (HPC), Quantum Computing Research, Data Analytics, Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI), Cryptology/Cryptography, and countless others. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/[redacted]

Duties

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The mission demands that NSA "see" the world through a different lens than any other organization. Our Computer Scientists face technical challenges well beyond the wildest imaginations of most people. NSA's mission requires persistent engagement to anticipate and understand complex threats in real-time, on a global scale. From Counter-Terrorism to Combat Support to Cybersecurity, 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 allows NSA to share solutions with the world by contributing to open source, licensing patents, and publishing technical papers.

NSA is seeking Software Engineers to advance a number of high impact systems and teams. Opportunities change constantly, but recent needs include: large scale platform development (hardware and software, HPC, cloud); accessibility development (508 compliance); AI/ML; complex algorithms and cryptography.

As a Software Engineer at NSA, your work makes the world a safer place in countless ways including: saving lives of U.S. and allied soldiers; providing U.S. policy and decision makers with critical, timely intelligence; ensuring the continued safety of U.S. citizens and residents by thwarting foreign adversaries; and defending vital networks.

The Agency offers a work/life balance that is hard to beat, with flexible work schedules, generous leave policies, and a number of continuing education programs to help meet your long term career goals. The sheer breadth of technologies supported provides endless opportunity for broadening expertise and leadership growth.

Tools and technologies used evolve quickly, with systems and responsibilities spanning the full spectrum. More common tools and areas of interest include: C/C++, Java, cloud computing, Angular, React, Python, PIG Analytics, Pyspark, agile development, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), containers and Docker, Kubernetes, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux (VMWare), ElasticSearch, Rust, micro services, Ansible, clusters, digital forensics, incident response, quantum, and so much more.

Beyond technical skills, we also need strong critical thinkers, collaborators, independent self-starters, continuous learners and flexible contributors. We look forward to hearing from you - what excites you and where you think you can make the most impact.

**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 degree that demonstrates a concentration of Computer Science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.**

Requirements

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Qualifications

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

Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Software Engineering. Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics).

Relevant experience must be in the software development process (i.e., requirements analysis, software design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance) and programming.

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 (CS) or Software Engineering. Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, 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: $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.

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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

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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.

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