Cryptanalytic Computer Scientist

Intelligence Careers; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

NSA is seeking an entry to mid-level Cryptanalytic Computer Scientist in Maryland to join a team focused on cryptanalytic research and software development. The role involves applying CS expertise to develop cryptanalytic capabilities, exploit cryptographic systems, and collaborate across teams.

Qualifications include a CS/CE/EE/SE/Math degree, experience with C/C++, Rust, Python, and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, containers, and cryptographic concepts.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics or related field with relevant coursework in algorithms, data structures, and mathematics.
• Relevant experience in cryptanalysis, CS, network operations, or data science is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop cryptanalytic capabilities and techniques to exploit cryptographic systems.
• Apply computer science expertise to solve complex cryptanalytic problems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build and maintain robust software frameworks.

Skills

C/C++

Rust

Python

Assembly

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Cryptography basics

Network analysis

Education

BS in CS/EE/Math or related fields

Tools

GitLab

GitHub

Jenkins

Job description

Cryptanalytic Computer Scientist - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 09/1 to 12/10
Open: 2026-10-05, Close: 2026-10-09

Responsibilities

NSA is a world leader in both the protection and exploitation of intelligence. NSA's mission is to collect and process foreign intelligence to answer critical questions from policy makers, our military, and our national leaders. While very few of the action movies you watch about NSA describe our protect mission, defending US critical infrastructure from attack is extremely important as well. At the end of the day, our job is to keep the Nation safe and informed about potential threats from foreign adversaries.Cryptanalysis, or codebreaking, is at the heart of NSA. Cryptanalysts monitor, collect, and process encrypted communications from foreign nations who may post a threat to the United States. We perform the cryptanalytic mission on encrypted foreign collection containing bespoke encryption algorithms and strong commercial cryptography. Additionally, cryptanalysts provide solutions to authenticate and enable computer network exploitation of the United States' foreign adversaries. Our outcomes yield the highest impact intelligence and security outcomes for NSA and the Nation.If you enjoy reverse engineering code, working with high- and low-level languages, or applying DevOps techniques to build and maintain robust software frameworks this may be a great position for you. We have incredible teams made up of a multitude of backgrounds, including computer science, computer engineering, attack development, mathematics, and more. If you would like to leverage your background and be a part of our exciting mission,

Job Summary

NSA is in search of analysts with a computer science background to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions. We are looking for you to apply your computer science expertise to develop cryptanalytic capabilities and techniques to exploit cryptographic systems. Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of computer science and cryptanalytic professionals!

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.Degree must be in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics. Related fields (for example, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Physics, or Statistics) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, courses in 4 of the following 6 Computer Science/Math areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); logic and computation; programming methodologies and languages; data structures; and mathematics (calculus or above) or statistics.Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: cryptanalysis, computer science, computer network operations, ethical hacking, math, statistics, data science, engineering, programming, or hands on experience in network domains and operating systems.ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTALEntry is with an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.FULL PERFORMANCEEntry is with an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or 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 ideal candidate is curious with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills. Is persistent, collaborative, and able to communicate effectively.Candidate will have one year+ experience with low level programming (C, C++, Assembly), as well as:

• Proficiency in C/C++, Rust, Python
• Experience with software debugging
• Hardware and Software engineering tradecraft
• Network protocol analysis
• Operating System/Kernel knowledge
• Computational science
• Cryptography basics (e.g. cryptographic algorithms and protocols)
• CI/CD (e.g. using GitLab, GitHub, Travis CI, Jenkins)
• Containers & container orchestration (e.g. Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, Docker Swarm)
• Packaging (e.g. Conda, Rust Crates)
• Telemetry (e.g. Prometheus, ELK, Splunk)
• Message queues (e.g. RabbitMQ, Kafka)

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: $94,909 - $153,082 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance)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.

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;
• Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).
• VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)

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.