Signals Analysis Development Program (SADP)

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

Job summary

The National Security Agency in Maryland invites STEM graduates to join the Signals Analysis Development Program (SADP). This three-year, rotation-based development track trains new hires to become certified Signals Analysts, delivering actionable intelligence through advanced signals analysis.

Participants complete structured coursework, rotate through specialization areas at NSAW, and develop reporting and briefing skills to support national security objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, CS or related field.
• Military education or training may count toward experience.
• Experience in signals analysis or related fields.
• Strong technical aptitude and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Rotational tours across specialization areas within NSAW.
• Complete core and advanced technical training courses.
• Write a professional technical paper.
• Brief findings to a board of subject matter experts.
• Develop signals analysis expertise to produce impactful intelligence.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Adaptability

Proactivity

Accountability

Education

Engineering

Computer Science

Mathematics

Physical Science

Military training

Job description

Signals Analysis Development Program (SADP) - Entry to Mid Level (Maryland)

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG, Grade: 07/1 to 12/10
Open: 2026-09-14, Close: 2026-09-21

Job Posting: 1261780

Responsibilities

The SADP is a three-year development program that trains new hires to become certified professional Signals Analysts. The program is designed to include intensive, structured, formal training courses and a wide range of work assignments focused on various aspects of signals analysis. Over the period of three years, selected candidates will gain experience through a rotational structure that includes exposure to different areas of specialization within signals analysis. The selected candidate will apply their knowledge in STEM to exploit advanced signals data and deliver analytic results that yield the highest impact intelligence and security outcomes for the NSA and the Nation. The path to becoming a certified professional Signals Analyst is divided into four parts:

• Rotation: Tour each area of specialization offered at NSAW for a period of 6-12 months. Up to five rotational tours will be completed over the three-year period. Opportunities to travel outside of NSAW may become available throughout the duration of the program.
• Learning: Complete a comprehensive suite of core and advanced technical courses taught by NSA subject matter experts.
• Writing: Dive deep into a signal-related topic by authoring a professional technical paper.
• Presentation: Brief a recap of tour experience and discuss the technical paper in front of a board of subject matter experts.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be given the opportunity to specialize in an area of their choosing and will gain valuable experience by spending up to three additional years honing their craft as a Signals Analyst.

NOTE: A copy of your unofficial transcript is required to be submitted with your application and may expedite processing.

Job Summary

Are you a STEM graduate who has a passion for solving complex puzzles? Launch your career with the Signals Analysis Development Program (SADP). Signals Analysis is a cutting-edge technical discipline that seeks to identify the purpose, content and user(s) of signals. With the rapid evolution of signals technology, the NSA must maintain and develop a highly talented workforce of Signals Analysts who are a vital part in maintaining our technical capabilities to produce signals intelligence. Signals Analysts analyze signals from various sources, including foreign communications, radar, and other electronic systems seeking to recover, understand and derive intelligence.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position:

• Degree must be in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, a Physical Science, or a related technical field. A broader range of degrees may be considered for those who have completed a relevant military training program.
• Relevant military education in a relevant military degree, relevant military training, or military development program (for example, Intermediate Tech ELINT Analyst, 451/461 (Intermediate Signals Analysis), 452 (Advanced Signals Analysis), Military Signals Analysis Program (MSAP), Military ELINT Signals Analysis Program (MESAP), or Military Operational Signals Analysis Program (MOSAP)).
• Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: signals analysis (COMINT, ELINT, FISINT or PROFORMA); protocol analysis; network troubleshooting; network traffic characterization; network security analysis; or design and engineering of aerospace, communications, electronic or industrial systems.
• If not credited toward education requirement, completion of relevant military training will be considered towards the experience requirement.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL: Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience plus relevant military education; or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, plus relevant military education; or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE: Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience plus relevant military education; or an Associate's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, plus relevant military education; 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 possesses a strong technical aptitude and a commitment to continuous learning. We are seeking a professional who is:

• Analytically Driven
• An Effective Communicator (writing and briefing/presentation/public speaking)
• Collaborative
• Adaptable in Fast-Paced Environments
• Proactive & Accountable

Pay

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.

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' 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;
• 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;
• 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.

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.