Network Systems Officer

National Security Agency; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 133,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Security Agency seeks results-driven networking professionals to design, deploy, and monitor state-of-the-art networks (WAN, CAN, LAN, DCN, and satellite) across NSA worldwide. You will work on multi-vendor platforms, encryption devices, SDN, and next-generation firewalls, with emphasis on security and cross-domain considerations.

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in network engineering and cybersecurity, with certifications such as CCNA/CCNP/CISSP and RMF familiarity.

Qualifications

• Degree and/or military training in networking, CS, IT or related fields.
• Experience in network/system administration, design, development, installation or cyber analysis.
• Certifications can count towards experience (e.g., CCNA/CCNP/Security+, CISSP).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, deploy, sustain and monitor state-of-the-art network solutions (WAN, CAN, LAN, DCN, Satellite).
• Work with cross-vendor platforms and security controls across domains.
• Apply RMF and cyber defense practices in network engineering contexts.
• Collaborate across organizations to deliver secure, scalable networks.

Skills

Multi-vendor networking

Network encryption & WAN

Routing protocols

Network monitoring & analytics

Software Defined Networking (SDN)

Load balancing / ADC

Next-Gen firewalls

Cross Domain Solutions

Cybersecurity certifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering / Systems Engineering / Computer Science / IT

Tools

Cisco

Brocade

Juniper

Arista

NetFlow Tracker / Splunk / RiverBed OPNET

HP Network Node Manager / Cisco LMS / Wireshark

Palo Alto / Cisco FIREPOWER

SafeNet MDeX / OWL Cyber Defense

Job description

NSA has received approval from the Department of War to hire for specific critical positions during the hiring freeze, per DoW memorandum 'Immediate Civilian Hiring Freeze for Alignment with National Defense Priorities' dated 28 February.

Job Description

Network Systems Officer - Experienced to Expert Level (Maryland)

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 13/1 to 15/10
Open: 2026-09-01, Close: 2026-09-15

Job Posting: 1261995

Responsibilities

Network Professionals are hired into positions directly supporting a technical mission office. We are hiring networking professionals with education and/or experience in several of the following areas:- Multi-vendor infrastructure platforms (i.e., Cisco, Brocade, Juniper, Arista).- Network encryption devices and WAN accelerators.- Multi-vendor Layer 3 routing protocols (i.e., BGP, OSFP, EIGRP, IGRP, HSRP, VRRP).- Virtual Private Networking (i.e., MPLS, GRE, L2VPN, EVPN, Pseudowire, IPsec, MACSEC).- Data center architectures and converged networks.- Current networking trends, including commercial implementations of Software Defined Networks (SDN) for both Data Center Network and WAN applications.- Load balancing and Application Delivery Controller technologies and implementations.- WAN architectures (i.e., Carrier Ethernet, Optical Fabrics (OTN), SONET).- Network monitoring tools (i.e., NetFlow Tracker, HP Network Node Manager, Cisco LMS, Cisco Call Manager, Wireshark, and Splunk).- Network Modeling (RiverBed/OPNet, NetSim).- Network Boundary (Next Generation Firewalls (Palo Alto, Cisco FIREPOWER), IPSEC/SSL VPN Concentrators).- Cross Domain Solutions (SafeNet MDeX System, OWL Cyber Defense Cross Domain Solutions).- Technical certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, SEC+).

Job Summary

The National Security Agency is seeking results driven individuals that strive for excellence, enjoy the challenges of a fast paced environment and the desire to make a difference. We are looking for talented networking professionals to design, develop, deploy, sustain and monitor state-of-the-art network solutions (WAN, CAN, LAN, DCN and Satellite communications networks) that are deployed across NSA worldwide.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field (for example, General Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Information Assurance, or Computer Security). Military training/coursework must be in networking, computer science, information technology, engineering, or cyber topics. Relevant experience must include one or more of the following areas: network or system administration; computer or information systems design/development/installation, programming; information analysis, cyber analysis, network security analysis, or vulnerability analysis; penetration testing; computer forensics; information assurance; systems engineering; using specialized test equipment and network analysis tools (for example, ping trace-route, network management software, and loopbacks); developing, designing, or integrating technical systems or subsystems; applying international telecommunication standards and protocols (for example, DWDM, VOIP, Layer 2/3 VPN, ISDN, SONET, or TCP/IP). Experience may also include network engineering (i.e., design/analysis of networks, routers, switches, firewalls, protocol); installing and configuring networks, routers, and firewalls; managing IT projects; or collaborating across organizations or agencies. 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). Relevant certifications can count for up to one total year of experience (e.g., Security+ Certification, CISCO Certified Network Associate, Network+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional). SENIOR Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training plus 8 years of relevant experience; or 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. EXPERT Entry is with an Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training degree plus 11 years of relevant experience; or a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience; or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience.

The ideal candidate is someone with excellent problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills who is/can be:- Motivated- Flexible- Innovative- Work effectively in different environments- Well-organized- Handle multiple assignmentsOther desired skills and certifications:- Network Security- Network Routing and/or Switching- Risk Management Framework (RMF)- Certification (CCNA, CCNP, CCNA Security, CISSP, ISSP)- Computer Security- Threat analysis- Cybersecurity

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 - $197,200 (Senior, Expert) 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; or 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 honourable 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 honourable 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.