Computer Network Defense Analyst

Intelligence Careers; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 87,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The National Security Agency (NSA) seeks Computer Network Defense Analysts at Maryland locations from entry to senior levels to protect national security networks. You will analyze vulnerabilities, develop mitigations, and deliver cyber defense products for high‑security systems.

This role advances through multiple levels based on education and experience; it includes work with NSA teams, rigorous background checks, and a DCIPS framework with a two‑year trial period.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering, IT or related field required.
• Relevant experience in cyber security, vulnerability analysis, or network defense preferred.
• Military training in JCAC/UCT/NWBC/INWT may count toward experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify vulnerabilities and deliver analyses to mitigate cyber threats.
• Develop cybersecurity products and educate customers on defense strategies.
• Monitor and respond to incidents to protect sensitive information and networks.

Skills

Cyber security

Network engineering

Information technology

Penetration testing

Information assurance

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Computer Network Defense Analyst - Entry to Experienced Level (Maryland)

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 07/1 to 14/10
Open: 2026-10-05, Close: 2026-10-10

Job Posting: 1263531

Responsibilities

Computer Network Defense Analysts work in multiple organizations at NSA and are primarily responsible for finding vulnerabilities, delivering analyses, crafting mitigations, developing cybersecurity products, and educating our customers to prevent and eradicate the cyber threats to the Defense Industrial Base, critical infrastructures and U.S. National Security Systems - to include NSA's own information systems and networks assets. They apply technical expertise to provide computer network defense capabilities, continuous monitoring, technical analysis, situational awareness, and incident response for the highest classified capabilities, systems, and data in our Nation.

Job Summary

Our adversaries and cyber criminals continue to push limits in cyberspace, creating more national security threats than we have ever seen. In order to ensure the United States maintains its strategic edge in cyberspace, NSA is looking for Computer Network Defense Analysts who are highly skilled, want to stay on the leading edge of technology and are impassioned about ensuring the security of our nation.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.Degree must be in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Technology or related field (e.g., General Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Information Assurance, or Computer Security).Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, systems engineering, network administration, or system administration. If not credited toward education requirement, completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course), Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT), Network Warfare Bridge Course (NWBC)/Intermediate Network Warfare Training (INWT), Cyber Defense Operations will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 20-24 weeks course will count as 6 months of experience, 10-14 weeks will count as 3 months of experience).ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTALEntry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 2 years of relevant 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. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 5 years of relevant experience.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. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 8 years of relevant experience.

Pay

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 - $192,764 (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

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule

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

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.

DCIPS Disclaimer

VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERSThank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' PreferenceIn accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement", NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application. Acceptable documentation includes:

• DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR- Certification of Service:A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND- Standard Form 15 (SF-15)Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)

Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.