Software Engineer

National Security Agency; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

National Security Agency seeks a Software Engineer for mid to senior level contributions at Fort Meade, MD. You will work across a broad spectrum of computer science areas, from cybersecurity to HPC, cryptography, data analytics, and ML/AI, applying diverse languages and tools in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities span requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance, with a strong emphasis on secure, scalable systems and continuous learning in a

Qualifications

• Degree must be in CS or Software Engineering with foundational CS coursework.
• Experience across the software development lifecycle (requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, maintenance).
• Higher degrees or deep experience may supersede lower ones in some cases.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-impact software across diverse domains.
• Engage in full software lifecycle from design to deployment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Skills

Mathematics foundations

C/C++

Python

Java

Cryptography

Data security

Teamwork

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or Software Engineering

Master's degree in related field

Doctoral degree

Associate's degree + 5+ years related experience

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

GitLab

SQL/NoSQL databases

Job description

Software Engineer - Mid to Experienced Level (MD, TX)

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD || NSA/CSS Texas, San Antonio TX, TX
Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 11/1 to 14/10
Open: 2026-09-21, Close: 2026-10-04

Responsibilities

NSA is seeking experienced Software Engineers to advance high-impact systems and teams.Tools and technologies used evolve quickly, with systems and responsibilities spanning the full spectrum. Common tools and areas of interest include: COBOL, C/C++, Java, cloud computing, Angular, React, Python, PIG Analytics, Pyspark, agile development, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), containers and Docker, Kubernetes, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Linux (VMWare), ElasticSearch, Rust, micro services, Ansible, clusters, digital forensics, incident response, quantum and more.Beyond technical skills, we need strong critical thinkers, collaborators, independent self-starters, continuous learners and flexible contributors. We look forward to hearing from you about what excites you and where you think you can make the most impact.

Job Summary

As a Software Engineer at NSA, you can focus on virtually any area of computer science including cybersecurity, high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing research, data analytics, machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), cryptology/cryptography, complex algorithms, large-scale platform development and many others. The sheer breadth of technologies NSA uses provides countless opportunities for broadening your expertise and leadership growth.Your work will protect the nation by providing U.S. policy and decision makers with critical, timely intelligence, thwarting foreign adversaries and defending vital networks.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.Degree must be in Computer Science (CS) or Software Engineering. Related fields (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics) may be considered relevant if the programs contain, at minimum, a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms; computer architecture (not network architecture); programming methodologies and languages; data structures; logic and computation; and advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics).Relevant experience must be in the software development process (i.e., requirements analysis, software design, implementation, testing, integration, deployment/installation, and maintenance) and programming.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. 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.SENIOREntry 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.

With a broad range of positions available, tools, platforms, and methodologies used will vary from one team to another.Use of industry norms is common, including, but not limited to: Docker, AWS, GitLab, open source (see code.nsa.gov for examples of NSA contribution), databases (both relational and non-relational), various languages (Java, C, C++, Python, etc.). Candidates with experience in COBOL or IBM mainframe are preferred.

• Strong background in advanced mathematics (i.e., number theory, abstract algebra, linear algebra, probability theory and discrete mathematics)
• Solid grasp of data structure, algorithms, operating systems and computer architecture
• Proficiency in languages like C/C++, Python and Java
• Knowledge of both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, including hash functions, encryption, digital signatures and key exchange
• Familiarity with protocols like TLS/SSL and network security principles for secure communications
• Understanding of hardware security modules (HSMs) and other secure computing (cloud) platforms
• Familiarity with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), intrusion detection systems (IDS) and vulnerability assessment tools
• Knowledge using cryptographic libraries, APIs and adherence to security standards (NIST, ISO 27001 and OWASP guidelines)
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Good interpersonal skills
• Prior Intelligence Community experience preferred

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' 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; 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.