Computer Systems Architect

National Security Agency; United States; On-site; USD 133,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

National Security Agency in Utah seeks an experienced Computer Systems Architect to lead IT architecture modernization, data modeling, and integration efforts. You will work with cross‑functional teams to define requirements, assess evolving technologies, and ensure secure, compliant solutions aligned with project needs.

You should hold a CS-focused degree with a strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and system design.

Qualifications

• Degree must be in Computer Science or a closely related field with foundational CS coursework.
• Relevant experience in design/development of computer or information systems lifecycle.
• Military training in JCAC or similar may count toward experience.

Responsibilities

• Modernize IT architecture by analyzing research and implementing changes.
• Integrate industry trends, emerging tech, and new vendor features.
• Collaborate with technical teams to identify, evaluate, and recommend solutions.
• Produce compliance results for project requirements and IT architecture.
• Define and analyze data requirements, map legacy data to data models.
• Propose standard information transport methods between IT systems.

Skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Continuous learning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree in Computer Science

Tools

Unix/Linux

Programming languages (C, C++, Java, Python)

Networking hardware

Virtualization

Cloud architecture

HPC / large data center systems

Job description

Computer Systems Architect - Experienced Level (Utah)

Draper, Utah, UT
Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 13/1 to 14/10
Open: 2026-09-04, Close: 2026-09-14

Job Posting: 1262408

Responsibilities

Computer Systems Architects at NSA use commercial and government-developed hardware, software, networking, and security products to:

• Modernize IT architecture through analysis of research and introducing changes based on evolving project requirements
• Integrate industry trends, emerging technologies and standards, and new vendor features
• Collaborate with experts in technical and application teams to identify, evaluate, and recommend technical solutions to support project requirements
• Produce compliance results for established project requirements and IT architecture
• Define and analyze data requirements, mapping legacy data stores and formats to logical and physical data models
• Propose standard ways for information transport between IT systems and stored within corporate knowledge databases
• Perform architectural alignment of the enterprise logical data model and physical data models

Please upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended prior to applying for this position. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. The minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of Computer Science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.

Job Summary

If you have background in computer science and a passion for working with emerging technology and driving IT projects, join our team at NSA. Our experts work on cutting-edge innovations that solve complex problems affecting national security.

Please upload a copy of your transcripts from all schools attended prior to applying for this position. Unofficial transcripts are fine at this stage. The minimum qualifications for this position require a degree that demonstrates a concentration of Computer Science (CS) courses in foundational CS areas.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.Degree must be in Computer Science (CS). Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Information Technology, Information Systems) 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 design/development of computer or information systems and include engineering hardware and/or software over their lifecycle (i.e., requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance), programming, computer systems research, reverse engineering, and/or computer/network security. Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course) will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 24-week JCAC course will count as 6 months of 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 and 2 years of relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills who is able to:

• Work in a team environment
• Adapt to change
• Provide innovative solutions
• Communicate effectively
• Use resources effectively and efficiently, orchestrating multiple activities simultaneously
• Derive and develop requirements from customer interaction and needs

The ideal candidate will also reflect specialized skill and experience in one or more of the following:

• System administration in any operating system, with a preference in Unix/Linux.
• Programming and scripting experience (e.g., C, C++, Java, Assembly, Python, Perl, Ruby, Bash, Node.js, Spark, Puppet, SALT, Ansible).
• Network protocols and hardware.
• Virtualization fundamentals.
• Cloud architecture.
• Security architectures and appliances.
• High Performance Computing (HPC) or large data center systems.

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: $132,751 - $192,764 (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.