Applied Research Mathematician / Mathematical Statistician

Intelligence Careers; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 87,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

National Security Agency seeks mathematicians and mathematical statisticians to join a dynamic community of experts. The role supports mission-critical problems using algebra, statistics, machine learning, and cryptography while offering hands-on training in the Mathematics Development Program (MDP).

New hires begin with structured tours, mentorship, and opportunities across theoretical to applied work. A three-year program leads to an assignment selecting from open positions while advancing

Qualifications

• Degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics or related STEM field with at least 24 semester hours in advanced mathematics.
• Entry: Bachelor's with no experience; Developmental: Bachelor's +3 yrs or Master's +1 yr; Senior: Bachelor's +6 yrs or Master's +4 yrs or Doctoral +2 yrs.
• Candidates must possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills and desire for continual learning.
• Programming expertise in any language; experience in design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematical models/algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Apply mathematics and statistics across NSA mission to solve problems.
• Contribute to development and evaluation of mathematical models and algorithms.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams and engage in professional development.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Continual learning

Programming

Mathematical modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics/Physics/Engineering/Data Science/CS/Statistics

Job description

Applied Research Mathematician / Mathematical Statistician - Entry to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 07/1 to 13/10
Open: 2026-10-07, Close: 2026-10-14

Job Posting: 1262674

Responsibilities

At NSA, mathematics and statistics are core disciplines present in every aspect of our mission: 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.Mathematicians and Mathematical Statisticians contribute across our mission by bringing both subject matter expertise and creative, critical thinking. A wide range of technical expertise finds a natural fit at NSA including, but not limited to, fields of algebra, combinatorics, Fourier analysis, operations research, graph analytics, regression, machine learning, exploratory data analysis, stochastic processes, statistical modeling, forecasting, and cryptography.NSA solves its hardest problems and develops innovative solutions by bringing together people with a wide range of mathematical backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints, which is key for NSA mission success.The Agency supports a dynamic mathematics community with substantial opportunities to learn and experiment in areas far from academic training. Additionally, professional development is supported by hands‑on training, seminar series, conference travel, and professional organizations. These opportunities and core mission needs help make NSA the largest employer of mathematicians and mathematical statisticians in the country.Newly‑hired mathematicians and mathematical statisticians begin their careers in the Mathematics Development Program (MDP). The goal of the three‑year MDP is to provide on‑the‑job training in the broad range of mathematical and statistical sciences at NSA. This is primarily accomplished through 6‑month tours in NSA offices of the MDP participant’s choosing. Mentorship is provided for each tour and participants work on real mission problems. MDP members also study cryptologic mathematics, statistical data mining, and related subjects in courses taught by Agency experts. Participants are required to develop skills in programming and using computational resources to solve mission problems. Various short‑term and long‑term travel opportunities exist for interested participants but are not required.

Job Summary

NSA is actively searching for mathematicians and mathematical statisticians like you to join a vibrant community of mathematicians, statisticians, physicists, computer scientists, data scientists, and other intelligence professionals.Newly‑hired mathematicians and mathematical statisticians begin their careers in the Mathematics Development Program (MDP). The goal of the three‑year MDP is to provide on‑the‑job training in the broad range of mathematical and statistical sciences at NSA and provides opportunity to explore a wide variety of problem sets. At the end of the program, graduates choose their first assignment from any open positions at the Agency. Positions exist that use everything from theoretical to applied mathematics and statistics, and vary from becoming a leading expert in a specialized niche to coordinating technical work across a wide array of disciplines. The choice is yours!

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.Degree must be in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related STEM field. Degree must include at least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mathematics courses.ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTALEntry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.FULL PERFORMANCEEntry is with 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.Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematics models, methods, or techniques (for example, algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems. Experience may also include, network engineering, computer science, physics, software engineering, electrical engineering.SENIOREntry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematics models, methods, or techniques (for example, algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems. Experience may also include, network engineering, computer science, physics, software engineering, electrical engineering. Leadership experience can count for up to half the experience requirement.

Candidates must possess:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Desire for continual learning
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a teamKnowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is desired but not required. Successful applicants may learn these skills at the Agency.
• Programming expertise in any language
• Experience in the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematical models, methods and/or techniques (e.g., algorithm development)

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 - $172,578 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior)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.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants.

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. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.