Digital Network Exploitation Analyst - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

CNSS • National Security Systems; Stevensville (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

National Security Agency in Fort George Meade, MD is seeking a Digital Network Exploitation Analyst. You will use computer science skills to analyze and exploit foreign adversaries' digital networks and communications, supporting cybersecurity and intelligence operations.

The role requires strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of network protocols, and programming experience (C, C++, Java, Assembly, Python). The position includes full-time hours with DCIPS trial considerations.

Qualifications

• Degree must be in Computer Science or related field with concentration in algorithms, data structures, math.
• Relevant experience in computer or information systems design/development/analysis.
• Military training (JCAC) may count towards experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform discovery and target technology analysis of digital networks and mobile communications.
• Conduct metadata analysis and target research.
• Identify target communications within the global network.
• Perform global network analysis and mapping.
• Analyze and process intelligence information based on customer requirements.
• Execute exploitation and operations on target networks.

Skills

C

C++

Java

Assembly

Python

TCP/IP

Networking

Vulnerability analysis

Cybersecurity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree in CS or related field

Doctoral degree in a related field

Associate's degree with significant relevant experience

Tools

JCAC training

Job description

Responsibilities

In this role, you will perform discovery and target technology analysis of digital networks and mobile communications. Additional responsibilities may include:

• Conducting analysis of metadata
• Conducting target analysis and research
• Identifying target communications within the global network
• Performing global network analysis and mapping
• Using knowledge of customer requirements to analyze and process intelligence information
• Performing exploitation and operations on target networks

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD

Pay Plan: GG, Grade: 11/1 to 14/10

Open: 2026-08-10, Close: 2026-08-23

Job Summary

As a Digital Network Exploitation Analyst at NSA, you'll use your computer science skills to analyze and exploit foreign adversaries' digital networks and communications. You'll play a critical role in NSA's cybersecurity and intelligence operations by providing an understanding of the threat landscape and identifying vulnerabilities within these networks. For more information, please visit: https://vimeo.com/1176265378/74fb5754b1?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

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 or Systems, Cybersecurity, Information Assurance or Security, Networking and Telecommunications) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following: algorithms; computer architecture or network architecture; data structures; logic and computation; and mathematics (for example, algebra, calculus, or discrete mathematics). Relevant experience must be in computer or information systems design/development/analysis. In addition, relevant experience may also include engineering hardware and/or software, programming, computer/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, cybersecurity, systems engineering and/or network and system administration. 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). 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. An Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. 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. 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.

Competencies

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

• Flexible
• Able to communicate effectively
• Able to collaborate with others

Specialized skills and experience in one or more of the following is desired:

• Knowledge of network protocols (especially TCP/IP, VOIP, wireless protocols)
• Understanding of internet
• Understanding of WAN and LAN
• Vulnerability analysis
• Programming experience (preferably one or more of the following: C, C++, Java, Assembly, Python)

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

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: $105,262 - $192,764 (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.

DCIPS Disclaimer

• VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS** Thank 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' Preference In 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) You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/). **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.