Hardware Analysis & Design Engineer

National Security Agency; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 87,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Security Agency in Maryland seeks a Hardware Analysis & Design Engineer at entry to mid level at Fort Meade. You will design, develop, test, analyze and reverse engineer electronic hardware and firmware components.

This full-time role requires a Bachelor's in Engineering, CS, or Mathematics with ABET coursework; strong programming skills (C/C++, Python) and HDL knowledge are valued. Salary ranges from $87,362 to $153,082, with DCIPS-based compensation and federal benefits.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics with ABET-related coursework.
• Entry with bachelor's degree or development with relevant experience as described.
• Experience in design, development, testing or reverse engineering hardware/firmware.
• Knowledge of HDL, programming languages, and hardware security concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, construct, test, and evaluate electronic circuitry and microelectronic components.
• Design and evaluate programmable hardware devices, digital circuits and embedded systems.
• Program and analyze firmware/software that manages reprogrammable hardware.
• Apply hardware and software engineering to develop and modify applications and systems.
• Develop methods and tools for hardware forensic analysis and security.
• Test and reverse-engineer microelectronic components and equipment.
• Propose mitigation strategies to enhance hardware/software resilience.
• Develop and implement hardware forensic methodologies and applications.

Skills

Rust

C

C++

Python

Verilog

VHDL

Embedded systems

Agile development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, CS, or Mathematics

Tools

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

PCB design tools

Job description

Hardware Analysis & Design Engineer - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 07/1 to 12/10
Open: 2026-09-07, Close: 2026-09-21

Job Posting: 1262201

Responsibilities

With the ever-accelerating technological advances and growing system complexity, NSA needs Hardware Analysis & Design Engineers to design, develop, construct, analyze and evaluate electronic hardware and software processing components. These components are typically subsystems of communication, collection, processing or analysis systems. Hardware Analysis & Design Engineers utilize electrical, computer, mechanical, and materials engineering knowledge and skills to design, assemble, test, analyze and reverse engineer electronics hardware in support of the NSA mission. Hardware Analysis & Design Engineers are hired into positions supporting a broad range of specialized skills including Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Communications/Telecommunications Engineering, and Applied Mathematics. The responsibilities of a Hardware Analysis & Design Engineer may include:

• Designing, developing, constructing, testing, and evaluating electronic circuitry, computer-related equipment, and microelectronic components (including FPGAs, ASICs, PCBs, and Microcontrollers).
• Designing, developing, testing, and evaluating programmable hardware devices, digital circuits, and embedded systems.
• Programming, modifying, configuring, and analyzing system firmware and software that manages reprogrammable hardware and associated interfaces to provide services to applications.
• Applying hardware and software engineering principles to design, develop, test, and evaluate/modify applications and systems.
• Developing new or utilizing existing methods, tools, and hardware forensic methodologies to analyze, protect, or exploit specific hardware, software, or firmware.
• Testing, evaluating, and reverse-engineering microelectronic components, technology, and equipment.
• Developing and recommending mitigation strategies and techniques to enhance the security and resilience of hardware and software components.
• Develop and implement hardware forensic methodologies and applications.

Job Summary

NSA is seeking professionals to design, develop, construct, evaluate, and analyze electronic hardware and software processing components to solve emerging challenges. By applying your science and engineering skills, you will make a significant contribution to protecting the nation.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics or a related field (for example, Chemistry, Physics, Architecture, Hydrology, Geology, Astronomy). For engineering degrees, if program is not ABET-EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework. **Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i), computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) Any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics. ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTALEntry is with a Bachelor's degree and no 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. Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: designing, developing, analyzing, testing, or constructing hardware, software, or firmware components or systems; or reverse engineering hardware, software or firmware.

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

• Experience with Agile Software Development.
• Experience in one or more of the following programming languages: Rust, C, C++, Python, Java, Java Script, VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, etc.
• Experience in reverse engineering firmware or software.
• Experience in Information Assurance analysis or implementation.
• Experience organizing and managing their own projects or the projects of small teams.
• Understanding of the basic concepts of cryptography and cryptographic systems.
• Understanding of the basics of computer networking and low level protocols.
• Familiarity with basic electronic components such as ASICs, PCBs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc.
• Familiarity with tools related to firmware/software design and development.
• Familiarity with electronics debugging equipment such as multi-meters and oscilloscopes.
• Experience with application of 2D/3D imaging for hardware analysis.
• Experience with embedded or operating system level programming.

The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning along with excellent problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills, who is: Innovative and well-organized. Able to handle and prioritize multiple assignments. Able to communicate effectively both orally and written. Able to work effectively across several different functional areas in a collaborative environment.

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 - $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.

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 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- Certifying 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/).