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

CNSS • National Security Systems; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NSA is actively seeking mathematicians and mathematical statisticians to join a dynamic community of professionals at the agency. The Mathematics Development Program (MDP) provides three years of on-the-job training across mathematical and statistical sciences, with rotations and mentorship for real mission problems.

Graduates select assignments from open positions after the program, with opportunities in theory and applied domains.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or related STEM field with at least 24 semester credit hours in advanced math.
• Entry-level with a Bachelor's and no experience.
• Senior levels require 6 years (Bachelor's) or 4 years (Master's) or 2 years (Doctoral) of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, use, and evaluate mathematical models, methods, or techniques (e.g., algorithm development).
• Explore diverse problem sets across disciplines and contribute to mission-focused solutions.
• Participate in NSA training programs and tours to gain hands-on experience.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Continuous learning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctoral degree

Tools

Programming languages

Job description

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! 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/DEVELOPMENTAL

Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE

Entry 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.

SENIOR

Entry 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.

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.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Desire for continual learning
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team

Knowledge 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)